Does nutrition help arthritis?

Written by Paris Kazemian

Arthritis is a disease that affects body joints. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, with more than 350 million people affected around the world. Arthritis affects people of all ages, ethnicities, and sexes. It is one of the main causes of disability in developed countries. Although it’s not an age-related disease, some varieties of arthritis affect older individuals more frequently than younger ones. Women are more likely to have it than males.

Arthritis in Australia

Four million Australians (1 in 7 people) currently live with arthritis and this number will rise to 5.4 million by 2030. Arthritis causes pain and disability and commonly reduces the quality of life. In Australia in 2015, about 54,000 people aged 45–64 couldn’t work due to severe arthritis. Their median income was only a quarter of the income of full-time workers who did not have arthritis.

What is the main reason for arthritis?

It is not known for sure what causes many forms of arthritis. It is believed that the immune system’s flaw, which leads the body attack its own joints, is what causes the majority of kinds of arthritis. This problem might be passed down through genetics. Also, some types of arthritis are linked to metabolic disorders like gout.

There are some environmental factors that may be linked to osteoarthritis:

• obesity, which increases joint stress.
• activities that involve repetitive movements of a particular joint.
• previous joint damage, such as what caused by sports injuries.

Symptoms

Arthritis typically affects the joints, and there are various signs and symptoms that may indicate its presence, depending on the specific type. These can include:

• Discomfort and pain
• Rigidity
• Inflammation
• Redness
• Limited mobility

Types of arthritis

• Psoriatic arthritis
• Gout
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Reactive arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Septic arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Thumb arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis

Diet and arthritis

Inflammation is a natural process that occurs in the body as a response to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can be harmful and has been linked to several health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer.

Diet plays an important role in managing inflammation. Certain foods, such as processed foods, sugary drinks, and red meat, can promote inflammation, while others, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fatty fish, can have anti-inflammatory properties. A balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods is generally recommended for reducing inflammation.

In addition to a healthy diet, certain nutrients may be particularly beneficial for reducing inflammation, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and antioxidants like vitamin C and E. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to ensure you’re meeting your individual nutrition needs

There is some evidence to support the idea that consuming good fats like monounsaturated and omega-3 fatty acids rather than other fats like polyunsaturated fats, can help reduce the symptoms.

If you have arthritis, there are some nutrition recommendations

• Less energy-dense foods, to avoid gaining weight.
• Less saturated fats, such as from red meat, poultry, and full-fat dairy.
• More unsaturated fats, such as in olive oil, avocados, and many nuts and seeds.
• More calcium-rich foods, including dairy products (milk, cheese, and yogurt), nuts, seeds, and fish
• A healthy balanced diet
• Avoid alcohol
• More Mediterranean-style diet, with plenty of fish, nuts, olive oil, fruit, and vegetables.
• More omega-3 fatty acids, such as from oily fish.

Others contend that foods high in nightshade vegetables like potatoes, eggplant, and capsicum and acidic fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruit can exacerbate symptoms. However, there is no evidence for this, and skipping some items can be more harmful than beneficial.

Also, Having regular exercise can be helpful

Are supplements helpful?

For osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, although most studies were of low or moderate quality, a few supplements had positive effects. This means that people might decide to test these common supplements for a few months to discover whether they provide any help, but discontinue taking them if their symptoms do not get better.

Fish oil

Fish oil is a supplement that contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential nutrients that the body needs for optimal health. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in high concentrations in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines. Fish oil supplements are often used for the treatment of arthritis because they have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce joint inflammation and pain.

Some studies have suggested that fish oil may be helpful for arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. In one study, patients with rheumatoid arthritis who took fish oil supplements experienced a reduction in joint pain and stiffness.

Additionally, fish oil supplements can interact with other medications and may not be safe for everyone, particularly those with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications. As with other supplements, it is important to talk to your doctor before taking fish oil supplements to determine whether they are a safe and effective treatment option for you.

vitamin D

There is some evidence that vitamin D may be helpful for arthritis, but the research in this area is still ongoing and the results are not conclusive.

One type of arthritis, called rheumatoid arthritis, is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation and damage. There is some evidence that vitamin D may be helpful for rheumatoid arthritis, as vitamin D has immune-modulating effects and may help to reduce inflammation in the joints.

Another type of arthritis, called osteoarthritis, is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage in the joints breaks down over time. There is some evidence that vitamin D may be helpful for osteoarthritis as well, as vitamin D is important for bone health and may help to prevent the breakdown of cartilage in the joints.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a dietary supplement that is often used for the treatment of arthritis. It is a natural substance that is found in the body and is involved in the formation of cartilage, which is the cushioning tissue that covers the ends of the bones in the joints. Glucosamine supplements are thought to work by providing the body with the building blocks it needs to repair and rebuild damaged cartilage.

While some studies have suggested that glucosamine may be helpful for arthritis, the evidence is mixed, and more research is needed to determine its effectiveness. Some studies have found that glucosamine can reduce joint pain and improve joint function in people with osteoarthritis, which is a type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage in the joints breaks down over time.

It is important to note that glucosamine is not a cure for arthritis, and it may not work for everyone. It is also important to talk to your doctor before taking glucosamine supplements, as they can interact with other medications and may not be safe for everyone. Your doctor can help you determine whether glucosamine is a good choice for you based on your individual needs and medical history.

Chondroitin

Chondroitin is another dietary supplement that is often used for the treatment of arthritis. It is a natural substance that is found in the body and is a major component of cartilage, which is the cushioning tissue that covers the ends of the bones in the joints. Chondroitin supplements are thought to work by providing the body with the building blocks it needs to repair and rebuild damaged cartilage.

Similarly to glucosamine, the evidence regarding the effectiveness of chondroitin for arthritis is mixed. Some studies have suggested that chondroitin can reduce joint pain and improve joint function in people with osteoarthritis, while other studies have found no benefit from chondroitin.

It is important to note that chondroitin is not a cure for arthritis, and it may not work for everyone. As with glucosamine, it is also important to talk to your doctor before taking chondroitin supplements, as they can interact with other medications and may not be safe for everyone. Your doctor can help you determine whether chondroitin is a good choice for you based on your individual needs and medical history.

1. Glucosamine, Vitamin D and chondroitin

Taking Vitamin D, Chondroitin, and Glucosamine (both compounds present in cartilage) supplements may have a beneficial impact on pain and function. Also Fish oil capsule can be helpful.

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The bottom line

If you decide to try specific complementary therapies or dietary supplements, discuss potential side effects or interactions with your regular medicines with your doctor and pharmacist.

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