Arthritis - Can Nutrition Make A Difference?

Currently in the United States as many as 1 in 3 peopleages and is accompanied by stiffness, swelling,
may suffer from some form of chronic arthritis. Thepersistent fatigue, anemia, weight loss, fever, and often
numbers are sobering and only increasing.crippling pain.
Arthritis manifests itself as a persistent inflammationWhat dietary supplements can you take to help?
accompanied by pain in a joint or joints. These can beThere is a veritable laundry list:o Calcium to prevent
the knees, wrists, elbows, fingers, toes, hips, neck, backbone losso Coenzyme Q10 to aid in repairing
and shoulders. Symptoms of this disease may includeconnective tissue.o Garlic to inhibit the formation of
pain, swelling, stiffness, and deformity of the joint. Thefree radicalso Multienzymeso Multivitamins (without
pain associated with arthritis has been compared to airon)o Extra Vitamin C is another free radical
persistent toothache, a sharp burning or grinding pain.destroyero Beta Caroteneo Extra Vitamin E is another
Arthritis has over 100 forms, but two are mostfree radical destroyero Amino acid complex
commonly talked about: osteoarthritis and rheumatoidPlease keep in mind that these nutrients are in no way
arthritis. Osteoarthritis is associated with aging, moreto be substituted for proper medical care. They are
common with women than men, which degeneratessuggested as additional tools to fight the effects of
the cartilage ends of the bones. Over time the surfacearthritis.
of the cartilage becomes rough. The friction causesAdditional considerations concern your food intake.
the tendons, ligaments and muscles holding the jointAvoid milk, red meat, refined sugar in any form, citrus
together to become weaker over time. The jointfruits, green peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes,
becomes painful and stiff. There is usually some pain,tobacco and salt.
but very little swelling, if any.Exercise is crucial for pain reduction and retarding joint
Rheumatoid and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis attacksdeterioration. Also try to drink distilled water. Take hot
the membrane around the joints lubricating fluid. Thebaths to relieve swelling and pain.
cartilage, tissues, and bone surface itself are oftenWith proper care and treatment, and a healthy diet
destroyed. The body's reaction to this damage is tosupplemented by the appropriate vitamins and
form scar tissue, causing the space between the jointssupplements you may be able to prolong the
to eventually fuse together. Rheumatoid is especiallydetrimental effects of arthritis.
insidious in that it attacks all the joints. It can affect all