Arthritis, Nutrients that Relieve Symptoms, And Slow their Progress!
Nutrients
What Is Arthritis Disease, And What Is The Right Nutrition, And Supplements?
Arthritis is a term that includes a group of disorders that affect your joints and muscles. Arthritis symptoms include joint pain, inflammation, and limited movement of joints. When a joint is inflamed it may be swollen, tender, warm to the touch, or red.
Cartilage, a slippery smooth substance, covers most joints to assure an even, fluid motion of the joint. With joint arthritis, the cartilage may be damaged, narrowed, and lost by a degenerative process or by inflammation making movement painful.
Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints.
The inflammation can affect any of the important structures inside a joint, including the joint lining, bones, cartilage, or supporting tissues. Common symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joint. There are many possible causes of arthritis, including age-related wear and tear, infections, injuries, and others.
For Most People,
Arthritis pain and inflammation cannot be avoided as the body ages. Fortunately, arthritis can be managed through a combination of medication, exercise, rest, weight-management, nutrition, and, in some cases, surgery.
Arthritis is a chronic disease that can stay with you for a long time and possibly for the rest of your life. Your treatments will probably change over time and medication may be adjusted. Having a positive mental outlook and the support of family and friends will help you live with arthritis and be able to continue to perform your daily activities.
Major Types of Arthritis Disease:
Two of the most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
A. Osteoarthritis:
Wear-and-Tear Arthritis (Osteoarthritis), Osteoarthritis is a condition that is caused by a combination of several factors. While it is often called ‘wear-and-tear’ arthritis, this condition is due to more than just wearing away of the joint surface.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It usually causes pain and limited motion and is most common in the knee joint and hip joint.
B. Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic, autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack its own soft-tissues and joints. Rheumatoid arthritis most commonly affects the joints of the hands and feet, but can also cause elbow, shoulder, and neck problems.
Joint swelling is often quite pronounced in rheumatoid arthritis Patients suffering from arthritis have to undergo a wide range of treatments which include medication. All medicines contain some side effects.
Also,
These side effects may vary from patient to patient. Many patients undertaking arthritis-related medicines experience certain side effects such as stomach pain. Nevertheless, arthritis medicines can be very powerful and can have a profound effect on the body.
Nutritional Supplements For Arthritis Disease:
Diet does not have a significant direct impact on arthritis. Diets, vitamins, and supplements will not cure or improve your arthritis but altering your diet to maintain or attain the right weight is an important step to reduce the burden of arthritis.
For Weight Loss,
Dietary change and the amount you consume is important. Your diet must contain basic nutrients such as minerals and vitamins. A poor diet will impact your general health and subsequently on your arthritis.
Studies have shown that diets lacking certain important nutrients can increase the rate of progression of arthritis and the right diet could slow this process down.
To Help Your Arthritis,
Ensure your diet is balanced and varied and incorporates vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients. Reduce animal fats and eat more fish. Take plenty of fruit and vegetables.
Managing Your Weight:
One major way that diet is related to arthritis is that it directly affects your body weight. Bodyweight is a major risk factor for arthritis. The risk is quite simple to understand: the more that one weighs, the higher their risk of developing arthritis. Yet, this phenomenon is not so simple to control in real life.
When,
Someone develops arthritis due to their weight, it puts immense stress on their joints. This makes it difficult to move and walk, let alone exercise. Many obese or overweight people who are affected by arthritis often adopt a sedentary lifestyle-and yet, this only makes the problem worse.
The vicious cycle is extremely difficult to deal with. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients are commonly affected by this never-ending cycle.
It Is,
More important than ever to monitor your diet if you have arthritis because having arthritis makes exercise nearly impossible! You can begin managing your arthritis through a diet by avoiding alcohol, sodium, fat, cholesterol, and sugar.
There Are Critical Nutrients,
That has shown to provide relief to symptoms of arthritis, slow its progression, and prevent the development of the disease:
1. Omega-3 Fatty acids:
- Omega 3 in general, is absolutely essential and important for your total overall day to day health.
- It helps in the prevention of chronic diseases (ie. heart diseases) and cancer.
- Also, Omega 3 is part of a family of special fats that the human body needs, but is unable to make for itself.
- But when Omega 3 is consumed, it helps in the formation of substances (leukotrienes) which hinders any body inflammation that could be the cause of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Patients Suffering,
Rheumatoid arthritis, consuming Omega 3 has shown to reduce its symptoms of joint pain and morning stiffness. However, joint damage still occurs, and its hence important to continue with prescribed medication, treatment and have a healthy diet rich with the nutrients listed below.
People Suffering,
Osteoarthritis, research has reported that patients who had a diet rich in omega 3 experienced reduced joint stiffness and pain and increase strength in their ability to grip.
Please Note,
However, people who suffer from gout, however, should avoid consumption of fish if they are trying to consume Omega 3 fatty acids as fish contain purines that encourage the production of uric acid which can aggravate the symptoms of the illness.
2. Manganese:
- Manganese is not only an antioxidant that slows down the aging process, but it is also an essential mineral for the formation of bone and ligaments.
- In addition to this, it also plays a role in the building of cartilage which overall contributes to the improvement of arthritis symptoms and the prevention of this illness.
- Lastly, research suggests that manganese promotes bone strength and healthy growth of the skeleton, again reducing the risk of arthritis development.
3. Ginger Extracts:
Studies have shown that when arthritis patients were given highly purified ginger extracts, there was a significant decrease in their arthritis symptoms, including joint stiffness and pain.
This is because ginger contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds including a compound called 6-gingerol which inhibits the production of molecules that forms damaging free radicals that have a negative effect on the body.
4. Glucosamine:
Glucosamine sulfate is a major constituent of cartilage and is the most effective natural remedy for osteoarthritis with its use supported by considerable scientific research.
- Glucosamine plays a major part in the formation and repair of cartilage, tendons, and ligaments which is fundamentally important for the effective functioning of joints.
- It stimulates the production of 2 essential building blocks of cartilage and prevents the production of enzymes.
- The natural production of Glucosamine in bodies, however, reduces with time and aging.
- Thus, as one age, the need for supplements to replenish and restore glucosamine balance in our bodies becomes absolutely essential.
Dosage:
A dose of 1000mg per day preserves the structural integrity of joints and 1500-2000 mg per day reduces the pain and symptoms of osteoarthritis and repairs damage in the joints.
It may take between 1-8 weeks for benefits to be experienced and results persist for up to 12 weeks after discontinuation of treatment. Glucosamine sulfate may need to be continued at a low dose or intermittently for maintenance treatment.
5. (SAMe):
- S-Adenosylmethionine, SAMe is the activated form of methionine, which is a type of amino acid.
- Because it exists in an activated form, SAMe is naturally converted to cysteine in the body.
- Consequently, it provides antioxidants that help fight RA and OA, as well as inhibit harmful enzymes in the cartilage.
6. Chondroitin:
- Chondroitin sulfate, a component of the articular cartilage, plays an important role in cartilage development.
- As a supplement, Chondroitin has been established to be effective in pain relief and mobility resumption, thus ultimately treating osteoarthritis.
- Additionally, it also protects the body from further damage due to erosive OA.
7. Curcumin:
Curcumin is a Tumeric-derived anti-inflammatory that blocks certain harmful enzymes, thus relieving RA and OA symptoms. However, most types of Curcumin are deficient in a black pepper component called Piperine. For this reason, Curcumin users rarely get the sufficient amount they need for successful treatment.
8. Boswellia Serrata:
Boswellia Serrata – It has anti-inflammatory properties that prevent inflammation at the joints and the whole body. Furthermore, Boswellia Serrata improves the circulation of blood and blood supply to the joints, improving blood circulation, and relieving the stiffness and weakness of the joints.
Hence, the Boswellia Serrata has healing properties that are most effective in healing Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis patients. Nutrients
9. Calcium:
Calcium deficiency can increase one’s risk of osteoporosis and arthritis as your bones become more and more brittle. (It is recommended that one (especially women) should consume at least 1200 mg a day of calcium after age 50. Nutrients
If Your Body,
does not get enough calcium from your diet, your body will take it from the bone structure, decreasing your bone mass and strength, increasing its brittleness and increasing your risk of arthritis development.
- The commonest source of calcium is in milk. If you are on skimmed milk as part of your low fat and calorie-controlled diet be assured that skimmed milk has more calcium in it that full-fat milk.
- Daily recommended intake of calcium under the sixties is 1000mg and over 60s -1500mg.
10. “A” Vitamin A:
A potent antioxidant that reduces any negative impacts from free radicals, vitamin A has shown to potentially further reduce the symptoms of Osteoarthritis as it helps promote healthy bone development and healthy bone mass. Nutrients
11. “C” Vitamin C:
- Vitamin C is well known to be a superb vitamin for total body health and increased immunity.
- This vitamin is also essential for the repair and maintenance of our bones and cartilage and is an essential ingredient in the formation of collagen.
- Collagen is a protein that is used by the body to make cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, which are all essential in the maintenance and development of healthy bones and joints.
- Not only that, but Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, which means that it helps reduce any damage to the body caused by free radicals and ensure that the entire body is maintained and healthy.
12. Niacinamide Vitamin B3:
- Niacinamide has been found to improve joint function and range of movement in osteoarthritis with results noticeable after 1-3 months of treatment and peak benefits after 1-3 years of use.
- High doses of B3 have been shown to prevent and improve the symptoms of Osteoarthritis including increasing joint mobility.
- High doses have been used (up to 4000 mg per day in divided doses) however at this dose it is necessary to regularly monitor liver enzymes as it may possibly cause liver damage.
13. “D” Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is known to enhance the body’s absorption of calcium. Thus, together with adequate calcium intake, the two nutrients are critical to the maintenance and development of healthy strong bones and a reduction in the risk of arthritis development. Nutrients
14. “E” Vitamin E:
Research on adequate intakes of Vitamin E concludes that consuming enough Vitamin E can help reduce the pain and joint immobility of arthritis patients through the vitamin’s antioxidant effects.
15. “K” Vitamin K:
Vitamin K increases the rate of bone mineralization. This decreases the risk of hip fracture and helps in quicker development of stronger, healthier bones.
The adequate consumption of the right nutrition and supplements, however, is only one part of the solution for arthritis. Having a healthy balanced diet is also important in ensuring that you’re consuming the right type of foods that will support your body in providing the right type of nutrition to ensure healthy bones, joints, and cartilage.
Furthermore, it ensures that you’re maintaining a healthy weight to reduce any weight pressure on your joints which can amplify any joint problems. Nutrients
The Bottom Line,
A balanced and varied diet with all the right nutrients is an important part of the treatment of arthritis. Combined with the right regular exercise, the diet will not only help your arthritic joint but will help your general well being.
On the other hand, irrespective of whatever treatment of arthritis you are on, a diet devoid of the essential ingredients to maintain good healthy bones will impact negatively on your joints.
It Is Important,
to follow your doctor’s recommendation for arthritis treatment. Altogether with the right treatment, diet, and supplements for your body, they should support your body in the reduction of pain, increase in mobility and relief, and possibly preventing any development (or any further development) of arthritis.
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Disclaimer: “Nothing in this article makes any claim to offer cures or treatment of any disease or illness. If you are sick please consult with your doctor.”
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