Arthritis Relief and Dietary Vitamin
C
Arthritis is one of the most prevalent health problems facing
today's aging population.
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which
usually strikes weight-bearing joints such as the ankles,
knees and hips. Pain is caused by the gradual breakdown of
cartilage, the soft "padding" material that cushions
the joints.
About 85% of adults who reach the age of 85 will have osteoarthritis--unless
they take a proactive approach to prevent it.
Exercise is very important. But what about diet?
For a long time, doctors doubted there could be any link
between diet and osteoarthritis. They saw the disease as a
natural result of wear and tear on the joints, something inevitable
as we age.
But new research is making them reconsider that idea.
It now appears that nutrition plays a vital role in helping
to prevent or ease the effects of osteoarthritis. One key
element is vitamin C.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, and may protect the
joints from the damaging effects of free radicals (unstable
molecules that can cause joint inflammation).
Recent research is showing that vitamin C can help prevent
bone loss and cartilage inadequacies associated with aging.
Specifically, when your joint has cartilage that needs to
be repaired, vitamin C is needed for such repairs. It helps
to keep your cartilage "young".
According to Dr. Timothy McAlindon of the Boston University
School of Medicine, "Vitamin C may also help generate
collagen, which enhances the body's ability to repair damage
to the cartilage."
When scientists at the Boston University School of Medicine
studied the eating habits of people with osteoarthritis of
the knee, they found that those getting the most vitamin C--more
than 200 milligrams a day--were three times less likely to
have the disease get worse than those who got the least vitamin
C (less than 120 milligrams a day).
Dr. McAlindon recommends that people get a least 120 milligrams
of vitamin C every day. "That's the amount in a couple
of oranges," he says.
Dr. Michael F. Roizen and Dr. Mehmet C. Oz, co-authors of
"You: The Owner's Manual", recommend even more.
"Shoot for 1200 milligrams of vitamin C a day--spread
between your diet and supplements throughout the day."
Be careful not to overdo it. Some data suggest that more
than 2,500 milligrams a day can have the opposite effect and
actually increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
Dr. Eve Campanelli, a holistic family practitioner in Beverly
Hills, CA, recommends black cherry juice. She advises her
patients to drink two glasses, twice a day, of four ounces
of the juice diluted with four ounces of water.
Other fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C include oranges,
cantaloupe, broccoli, strawberries, peppers and cranberry
juice.
A healthy diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, has been recommended
by nutritionists for years. Now there's another reason to
pay attention--it can help your joints to stay young!
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Author: Eric Choong
Please visit my website at: http://www.health-beauty-care.com
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