It is thought that approximately 10 million people in the UK suffer from some form of osteoarthritis. Over half, experience it in their knees and approximately one third in their hips. Receiving a diagnosis for osteoarthritis is often made on symptoms alone, only on occasion x-rays are used.
There are many reasons as to why we experience osteoarthritis but in particular the following reasons are among the most common:
- Structural issues
- Cartilage degeneration
- Inflammation at the joint
- Previous injury
- Infection
For many, lifestyle choices can sustain or increase arthritis symptoms. These include:
- Excess calories (particularly becoming obese)
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High starch / sugar/ fructose diet impacting our blood sugars
- Excess alchohol
- High fat intake that impacts our blood lipids
- Smoking
- Processed foods with high glycation
- Having multiple medications
- Poor sleep quality
- Menopause – oestrogen disruption
- Poor nutrient absorption
Nutritional Support
Every one will have a different set of circumstances that have contributed towards osteoarthritis and nutritional solutions should be tailored to individual needs. The key areas that a plan will focus on are:
- Weight reduction – (where individuals are overweight) to alleviate the weight on the joints
- Fat modification – ensuring a healthy intake of omega 3 fats and reduced levels of saturated and trans fats
- Increase fibre and reducing sugar and starch
- Providing a diet rich in antioxidants and supporting where necessary with supplements especially Vitamin D
- Balancing any hormone disruption
- Resolving any gut / digestive issues – to enable greater absorption of nutrients
In generally diets that considered ‘low inflammatory diets’ i.e. low in processed foods, sugars and fats and high in fibre, proteins and omega 3 fats, provide a good basis for individuals with osteoarthritis.
Depending on individual circumstances and food choices, research has shown that some supplements may play a supporting role in the management of symptoms for some people. These can include products from collagen to turmeric to omega 3, vitamin D, vitamin C and chondroitin and glucosamine. Not every one needs every supplement and finding what works for you can be a minefield. Nutritional Therapy works to tailor a protocol to your personal requirements and provides you with the advice as to what foods and supplements will be most beneficial to you.