| Is there a specific osteoarthritis diet? It seems these | | | | enough fish to reach the recommended 1000mg per |
| days there is a special diet for just about everything, | | | | day without supplementation. In an osteoarthritis diet, |
| but among the risk factors or causes of osteoarthritis | | | | the recommendations are closer to 3000mg, which is |
| are several dietary concerns, not the least of which is | | | | practically impossible to get without supplementation. |
| being overweight. Even as little as 10 pounds of extra | | | | The immune system uses fatty acids to create |
| weight can increase the burden on the joints, | | | | numerous compounds, some of which increase |
| particularly the knees, hips and ankles. | | | | inflammation, while others inhibit inflammation. The |
| Proponents of "low carb" diets, like Atkins and South | | | | compounds derived from omega 6 fatty acids are |
| Beach, claim that eating too many carbohydrates | | | | mostly inflammatory; while those derived from omega |
| causes weight gain, rather than eating foods that are | | | | 3 fatty acids are mostly anti-inflammatory. Because of |
| too high in fat. They also claim that people lose as | | | | this, many nutritionists believe that one of the causes |
| much as 15 pounds in the first two weeks. | | | | of osteoarthritis is an imbalance in the ratio of omega |
| This might be true for someone who eats a lot of junk | | | | 3 to omega 6 fats in the diet. Since, inflammation is the |
| food, because no chips, cookies or sodas are allowed, | | | | root cause of the pain. |
| but following a low carb diet for extended periods of | | | | Supplements that should be added to any |
| time can cause deficiencies in some nutrients that are | | | | osteoarthritis diet include the vitamins C and D, calcium |
| particularly important for the maintenance of healthy | | | | and magnesium. Vitamin C is needed to form cartilage. |
| bones, joints and cartilage. In other words, a low-carb | | | | Vitamin D, calcium and magnesium are important for |
| diet is not a good osteoarthritis diet. | | | | healthy bones and the prevention of osteoporosis. |
| Most sources list the causes of osteoarthritis as | | | | Osteoporosis increases the risk of osteoarthritis. |
| heredity, frequent or severe injuries to the joints, other | | | | Studies have shown that in persons with vitamin D |
| diseases and aging. But, researchers are currently | | | | deficiency the space between the joints is narrower, |
| studying the role of nutrition. | | | | thus the joints grind together and cause pain. Doctors |
| The long accepted theory is that cartilage cushions | | | | recommend 400IU daily for vitamin D supplementation. |
| between the joints deteriorate with age, but this | | | | Other supplements, such as Glucosamine and |
| deterioration may not be inevitable. Some people | | | | chondroitin may also be beneficial. |
| never suffer from arthritis. If it was part of the natural | | | | An extract from the New Zealand green lipped mussel |
| aging process, one would think that everyone over a | | | | has been shown in studies to improve flexibility, reduce |
| certain age would have some degree of osteoarthritis, | | | | pain and morning stiffness in study participants. When |
| but that is not the case. | | | | taken with an omega 3 supplement, derived from fish |
| There are many nutrients that the body needs every | | | | oil, walking pace improved. The mussel contains |
| day in order to rebuild cartilage. A good osteoarthritis | | | | glycosaminoglycans a component of connective tissue, |
| diet should include all of the nutrients needed to rebuild | | | | such as cartilage. In addition to preventing inflammation, |
| and prevent the breakdown of cartilage. | | | | omega 3 fatty acids inhibit the production of an |
| The same nutrients are needed in other parts of the | | | | enzyme that breaks down cartilage.for example, the |
| body to perform other functions. So, if dietary intake is | | | | University of Maryland's Medical Website states: |
| inadequate, the body may "use up" all of the nutrients | | | | "...New Zealand green lipped mussel ( Perna canaliculus |
| to perform vital functions. While the average American | | | | ), another potential source of omega-3 fatty acids, has |
| diet is high in saturated fat, salt and calories, it has low | | | | been shown to reduce joint stiffness and pain, |
| nutritional value. So, even though a person is | | | | increase grip strength, and enhance walking pace in a |
| overweight, he or she may be getting inadequate | | | | small group of people with osteoarthritis." |
| nutrition. | | | | Overall, the best osteoarthritis diet is one that includes |
| In addition, the average American diet contains an | | | | fish 3-5 times per week, low fat dairy products, fruit, |
| improper balance of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids. | | | | vegetables and whole grains, while limiting total fat |
| There are many sources of omega 6 fatty acids, but | | | | intake to 30% or less of total caloric intake and |
| the only really good source of omega 3s is fish. Most | | | | avoiding saturated fats. In actuality, this diet would be |
| people do not eat enough fish; in fact it is difficult to eat | | | | good for anyone. |