According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), arthritis is the number one cause of disability in the US, affecting 43 million men and women. And they predict that number will rise to 60 million by 2020. Fortunately, having arthritis doesn’t have to mean the end if you enjoy physical activities. Try yoga poses for arthritis or one of these 5 Workouts for Pain. Here’s how you can ease the pain if you already have arthritis, and possibly lower your risk of developing it if you don’t. A good diet for arthritis is one that incorporates foods known to fight inflammation like salmon, eggs, and walnuts. While there are natural remedies for pain you may find the need to address the symptoms with one of these common medications that treat arthritis.
Prescription for Healing
These nutrients may ease the discomfort of arthritis. Nutrient: Vitamin E; Daily amount:100-400 IU Nutrient: Vitamin D; Daily amount:400 IU Nutrient: Vitamin C; Daily amount:200 mg Nutrient: Zinc; Daily amount:15 mg Take some E and D. Some studies showed that vitamin E eased arthritis pain better than a placebo (fake pills) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Research also showed that osteoarthritis progression was three times higher in people with lower levels of vitamin D, so taking a multivitamin/mineral supplement that supplies 100 percent of the Daily Value for D (400 IU) is a good idea. Focus on vitamin C. Researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine studied the eating habits of people with osteoarthritis of the knee. They found that those getting more than 200 mg of vitamin C a day were three times less likely to experience worsening of the disease than those who got less than 120 mg a day. Go for the immunity boosters: vitamins E and B6 and zinc. Your body will be better able to fight infections and chronic disease with these nutrients. If your diet is lacking these powerful nutrients, take a supplement of 2 mg of B6 and 15 mg of zinc, amounts available in most multivitamin/mineral supplements.
Medical Alert
If you are taking a blood thinner or aspirin, consult your doctor before taking vitamin E.If you are taking statins, do not exceed 1,000 mg of vitamin C or 800 IU of vitamin E, because they can dramatically reduce the benefits of some cholesterol drugs.If you are taking niacin, do not exceed 1,000 mg of vitamin C or 800 IU of vitamin E, because they diminish niacin’s cholesterol-lowering benefits.
More from Prevention: 13 Common Questions About Arthritis
