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.
However, overall dietary health is important and does come into play. Being overweight can affect certain arthritic conditions, forcing some joints to carry more of a load. This added weight stresses the joints, causing overuse or more wear to components, and pain, especially in the knees. So making sure arthritic sufferers eat god foods and get help from healthcare providers to create and follow a well-balanced dietary plan is advised. To begin, here is a look at some vitamins, minerals, nutrients / foods and some herbal applications to consider. VITAMINS Vitamin B5 - When grouped and tanked together, B vitamins work at their peak. They, and B5 specifically, are good for reducing swelling. Vitamin B3 - This vitamin reduces tissue swelling and dilates small arteries, increasing blood flow. Note that Vitamin B3 is NOT advised for persons with high blood pressure, gout or sliver disorders. Vitamin B6 - Another B that reduces tissue swelling. Vitamin B12 - This vitamin aids in multiple functions. It helps with cell formation, digestion, myelin production, nerve protection. Vitamin C - This vitamin acts as an anti-inflammatory, relieving pain, and rids the body of free radicals. Vitamin E - This is a strong antioxidant that protects joints from free radicals while increases joint flexibility. Vitamin K - This vitamin assists with mineral deposit into the bone matrix.
MINERALS Boron - This trace mineral aids in bone health. Calcium - This is a much-needed mineral for bone health. Magnesium - Magnesium helps keep calcium in balance within the system. Zinc - This mineral is necessary for bone growth, but is often lacking in arthritic patients. Manganese - Manganese is also necessary for bone growth. However, do not ingest manganese with calcium because they can work against each other. Copper - Copper helps to strengthen connective tissue. Germanium - This antioxidant helps with pain relief. Sulfur - A lack of sulfur can result in deterioration of ligaments, cartilage, collagen and tendons. NUTRIENT COMBOS Chondroitin Sulfate - This lubrication in joints, joint fluid and connective tissue, can be found in the sea cucumber. Gelatin - Help with raw cartilage replenishing with this cheap source. Glucosamine Sulfate - This combo is necessary for tendon, ligament, bone, cartilage, and synovial (joint) fluid formation. Quercetin - This helps with inflammation reduction. Type II Collagen - Use this for growth and repair of joints, articular cartilage and connective tissue.
OTHER FACTORS
There are many factors to consider with regards to arthritic diets and nutritional healing, and each factor may not apply to each individual. For example, certain people are allergic to specific foods, and these allergies can indeed worsen arthritic conditions. Ingesting foods that contain sodium nitrate or tartrazine can inflame rheumatoid arthritis, while ingesting foods containing a substance called hydrazine can contribute to systemic lupus erythematosus, an arthritic condition connected to lupus. There is a rare type of arthritis called Behcet's Disease, and eating black walnuts can cause flare-ups in people with this rare condition. So as you see, there is a variety of arthritic conditions and along with them a variety of foods that may trigger them. The best way to approach the situation is to examine each arthritic condition and tailor one's approach based upon the specifics.
Dhiraj Bhikoo is an arthritis pain relief and treatment researcher. He offers advice and tips and a broad range of alternative solutions for arthritis and pain related issues.