Health & Medical Nutrition

Possible Culprits Causing Arthritis

It is a rheumatic disease that plagues most people beyond 50. Arthritis can be really difficult to live with, as the pain is so unbearable, it practically immobilises the person.

Literally speaking arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling. It refers to a number of disorders like osteo-arthritis, gout, ankylosis spondylitis, systemic lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The problem is further compounded if the person is overweight as excess body weight puts more stress on the weight-bearing joints.

 

Joints in jeopardy

When the cartilage cushion between the joints is destroyed, the joints begin to rub against each other causing stiffness, swelling, decreased mobility and intense pain. Arthritis may be limited to only one joint or it may affect a number of joints like your hands, fingers, feet, arms, hips and knees. The pain can be mild or severe depending from person to person eventually leading to joint deformations. Those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis may experience periods of remission. Emotional stress and damp weather do not cause arthritis but may worsen the symptoms.

 

Anjali Mukerjee Health Total provides the below listed causes for Arthritis:

 

Causes

Arthritis may be caused due to a number of physiological conditions like endocrine problems, a poor immune system, or due to an injury or infection. Usually it has been seen that there is a genetic predisposition to arthritis. Some people suffer from food sensitivities and consuming certain foods (especially night-shade vegetables like tomatoes, capsicum, potatoes, peppers and brinjals) aggravates joint stiffness and swelling. Aging accelerates changes in the joints, giving rise to pain and stiffness. An altered biochemistry (due to lifestyle and poor food choices) and a lack of hydrochloric acid may also trigger painful joints. Those who suffer from arthritis typically encounter symptoms like early morning stiffness, swelling, joint tenderness and feeling of warmth in the joints.
Nutrients that help in Arthritis    
 

Below are some of the best nutrients essential for the treatment of Arthritis:

 

 
Glucosamine and Condroitin Sulfate: are compounds that promote joint cartilage repairand also alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. Marine Lipids:You can go for Marine lipids like Cod liver oil or salmon oil as they containOmega-3 fatty acids. They possess anti-inflammatory properties and provide substantialamounts of Vitamin D, required for bone growth and Vitamin A. It also decreases the painand swelling significantly. You must add Vitamin E supplements when taking fish oils.
 

Gamma Linolenic Acid or GLA: Studies show that consumption of Gamma Linolenic Acid or GLA provides as much as a 30% improvement in treating arthritic symptoms. You can take supplements in the form of Evening Primrose Oil, about 2gm a day in a divided dose.

 

Grapeseed extract, also known as pcynogenol, contains proanthocyanidins which give relief from inflammation.

 

Bromelain and proteolytic enzymes help counteract the inflammation and also reduce the swelling.

 

Boron is yet another mineral highly important in treating osteo-arthrirtis. Supplementing with boron has proved to be effective in producing a remission of arthritic symptoms.

 

Vitamin E, C and Beta-carotene: Take a lot of antioxidants like Vitamin E, C and Beta-carotene. These help prevent the breakdown of cartilage and are vital for the synthesis of collagen. Vitamin C along with bioflavinoids helps strengthen capillary wall. Vitamin E along with selenium controls inflammation of the joints by inhibiting prostaglandin production.

 
 


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