Arthritis Relief and Your Diet

Arthritis affects more than 40 million Americans and isprecursors available in the supplements,
referred to as themost common chronic disease inN-Acetyl-Cysteine
people over 40.(NAC) or undenatured whey protein.
Doctors believe there are over 100 different forms ofFor more information, see Glutathione.
arthritis, all sharingone main characteristic: they all causeQuercetin is also known to help reduce inflammation,
joint inflammation.while Type II Collagenplays a role in growth and repair
What can you do to relieve the symptoms of arthritis?of joints, articular cartilage and connectivetissue.
A lot.Because of the risk in overdosing, one should be
There is a great deal of debate in the medical worlddiscouraged from taking dosesof vitamins that are
about the effects of overalldiet on arthritis and usinghigher than recommended without a physician's
diet toward alleviating the condition.direction.
Doctors have known for a long time that diet affectsSome vitamins and minerals can actually worsen
gout, a specific typeof arthritic condition, however thecertain conditions, and theconcentration that can be
jury remained out for a long time on othercommonattained through vitamins can be dangerous. It isalways
types of arthritis such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.better to increase in vitamin or mineral intake through
What is known however, is that overall dietary healthyour normal diet.
is important and doescome into play. Weight andFoods To Avoid
nutrition are two factors that play a role in arthriticpain.There are many factors to consider with regards to
Being overweight can affect certain arthritic conditions,arthritic diets and nutritionalhealing, and each factor
forcing some jointsto carry more of a load. This addedmay not apply to each individual.
weight stresses the joints, causing overuseor moreFor example, certain people are allergic to specific
wear to components, and pain, especially in the knees.foods, and these allergiescan indeed worsen arthritic
If you suffer from arthritis make sure you eat goodconditions. The best way to approach the situationis to
foods and get help fromhealthcare providers to createexamine each arthritic condition and tailor one's
and follow a well-balanced dietary plan.approach based uponthe specifics.
To begin with, here are some vitamins, minerals, foods,Ingesting foods that contain sodium nitrate or tartrazine
supplements and herbalapplications to consider.can inflame rheumatoidarthritis, while ingesting foods
Vitamins that have shown to reduce tissue swelling orcontaining a substance called hydrazine cancontribute
provide relief includeto an arthritic condition connected to lupus.
Vitamins B5, B6, B12, the antioxidant vitamins C and E,Black walnuts can cause flare-ups in people a rare
and vitamin K, whichimproves bone health.type of arthritis called
Several independent studies have found thatBehcet's Disease.
rheumatoid arthritis patients givenincreased doses ofWith osteoarthritis, deterioration of cartilage is a
zinc showed marginal improvement.concern. Since there issome evidence that Vitamin A,
Other minerals to consider include Boron, Calcium,contributes to cartilage deterioration, thosewith
Magnesium, Manganese (notto be taken with calcium),osteoarthritis should avoid large doses of it.
Copper, Germanium and Sulfur.Although clinical proof is not available, anecdotal
The National Institutes of Health is studying the foodevidence suggests thatin the case of fibromyalgia,
supplements, glucosamineand chondroitin, for use ineliminating wheat, dairy, citrus, sugar, aspartame
relieving symptoms of pain and stiffness for(Nutrasweet), alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco can
somepersons with osteoarthritis.provide relief.
Patients with osteoarthritis taking blood-thinners shouldMany nutritionists and naturopaths suggest that those
be careful takingchondroitin as it can increase thesuffering with rheumatoidarthritis avoid dairy products
blood-thinning and cause excessive bleeding.all together, as they seem to exacerbate
Fish oil supplements have been shown to haverheumatoidarthritis flare-ups.
anti-inflammatory properties.The report "I
Increasing dietary fish intake or fish oil capsulesCured My Arthritis You Can Too" suggests that white
(omega 3 capsules) can relieveinflammatory conditionsflour aggravatesarthritis symptoms.
like arthritis.Disclaimer: The information here is not provided by
For more information, see Omegamedical professionals andis not intended as a
3 Fatssubstitute for medical advice. Please consult your
Glutathione is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatoryphysicianbefore beginning any course of treatment.
properties and can besafely boosted by consuming its