Arthritis and Nutrition, Healing With An Arthritis Diet

Can a Arthritis Diet help you ?

There are many ways to effectively manage arthritic arthritis pain today to find relief. Available are arthritis diets, exercise programs, over-the-counter and prescription medications, relaxation and positive emotion coping techniques. Also available are surgeries, supplements, home remedies, natural and other alternative therapies. When arthritis is first suspected, it would be wise to seek a medical opinion first. Then as time and resources allow, check out the other options. The basics of  each option  follows.

ARTHRITIS DIETS & ARTHRITIS NUTRITIONAL HEALING

There is a great deal of debate in the medical world about the effects of overall diet on arthritis and using diet toward alleviating the condition. Doctors have known for a long time that diet affects gout, a specific type of arthritic condition, however the jury remained out for a long time on other common types of arthritis such as rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

The majority of opinions has clearly shifted to the view that diet and nutritional health plays a role in the onset and progression of many forms of arthritis.  Being overweight can affect certain arthritic conditions, forcing some joints to excessive loads. This added weight stresses the joints, causing overuse or more wear to components, and arthritis pain, especially in the knees. So making sure arthritic sufferers eat good foods, manage their weight and get help from healthcare providers to create and follow a well-balanced dietary plan is an important part of treating most forms of arthritis.

The Arthritis Foundation published a list of their top 10 supplements for use in management of a arthritis diet

• Chondroitin Sulfate
• Glucosamine Sulfate
• GLA: (Gamma linoleic acid)
• Fish Oil
• Flaxseed Oil
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Folic Acid
• Green Tea: Camellia sinensis
• DHEA: Dehydroepiandrosterone
   

Using a Osteoarthritis Diet for Treatment

The concept that diet can, in any way, affect osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis) is an area of a lot of ongoing research. We have complied summaries of much of the current research.

• Obesity increases the risk for developing osteoarthritis. Overweight persons might reduce their chances for developing or aggravating their osteoarthritis by losing weight. Furthermore, if a person already has substantial osteoarthritis in a weight-bearing joint, such as a knee or hip, weight reduction can significantly improve their ability to rehabilitate after joint surgery as well as decrease their risk of surgical complications.
• Vitamin C is important in the development of normal cartilage. A deficiency of Vitamin C might lead to the development of weak cartilage. Vitamin C is commonly available in citrus fruits. Supplementation with a Vitamin C tablet like Ester C may be advised if dietary fruits are unavailable. Care should be taken not to exceed recommended dosages, in the case of Osteoarthritis there is some evidence that excessive levels of Vitamin C may make the condition worse.
• Persons with low bone mineral density, such as in osteoporosis, may be at increased risk for osteoarthritis. Exercise and adequate calcium and magnesium intake, as recommended for age and gender, can help to maintain bone density.
• Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to increase the risk of joint space narrowing and progression of disease in osteoarthritis. Many doctors are recommending Vitamin D supplementation of 400IU daily. This can also help to prevent osteoporosis.
• In recent years, there have been studies originally conducted in Europe and more recently in the United States that have verified that the food supplements glucosamine and chondroitin can help to relieve osteoarthritis symptoms, including arthritis pain and stiffness. Each of these supplements can be taken alone or in combination formulations. Keep in mind that glucosamine has been marketed as a "cartilage re-builder." This is in part under the assumption that, because glucosamine is a component of normal cartilage, consuming it will assist in the rebuilding of damaged cartilage.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet

We do know that the most commonly observed vitamin and mineral deficiencies in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, are folic acid, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, zinc and selenium (ref1). Although nutritionists agree that food is always the preferred source for vitamins and minerals, it may be essential to use a supplement to help in replacing the outlined deficiencies to improve the nutritional status for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Research has also shown that antioxidants such as selenium and vitamin E may decrease free-radical damage to the joint linings, helping to decease swelling and arthritis pain.

To begin, here is a look at some vitamins, minerals, nutrients / foods and some herbal applications to consider in the management and prevention of arthritis and begin a healthy rheumatoid arthritis diet or osteoarthritis diet.

Read on for both medical and natural treatment approaches

Some of our Moist Heat wraps  for Arthritis   ....