Low Vitamin D Levels Linked To Arthritis Pain And Other Disease
Studies continue to confirm that Vitamin D deficiency does, in fact, play a role in several chronic diseases and symptoms including:
- Increased risk for heart disease
- Both Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Frequent infections
- Gastrointestinal issues
Low Vitamin D doesnt just affect the older population. Sedentary lifestyles and poor nutritional diets mean that many of us have a Vitamin D deficiency. In fact, 75% of American teens and adults dont get enough Vitamin D.
Recent studies from our countrys top athletes, NFL Players, correlated a significant number of muscle injuries in the lower limbs to a decreased level of vitamin D, suggesting that NFL prospects with low levels of Vitamin D are more likely to get serious muscle injuries. Weakened muscles cant protect your joints from injury. Joint injuries lead to osteoarthritis. Vitamin D may positively affect arthritis pain by affecting the joints directly or by interacting with the immune system.
Is Calcium Good For Gout
Fact Checked
A vast majority of the time, calcium is good for your body and is essential in building and maintaining healthy bones and joints.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
However, calcium can cause a great deal of pain in some individuals. This condition is known as pseudogout, which mimics the symptoms of gout. According to MayoClinic.com, calcium is not one of the treatment methods or pain relief methods for individuals suffering from gout.
Orthopedic Care In Ohio
If you are suffering from joint pain, the highly skilled and board-certified physicians at Spectrum Orthopaedics will work with you to develop a treatment plan that may include supplements, pain management, and other orthopedic and rehabilitation services.
Call the friendly staff at our North Canton office at 305-0838 or toll-free at 469-2663 to schedule your appointment, or use our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you with comprehensive and compassionate orthopedic care.
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Upping Your Vitamin D Intake Has Been Shown To Help With Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is essential for building strong bones. Too little of this vital nutrient can lead to having thin, soft and brittle bones, known as osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children.
Studies also have found that a lack of vitamin D is linked to rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease characterized by swollen, aching joints and numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, scientists found that vitamin D deficiency not only is highly prevalent in rheumatoid arthritis patients, but its also related to chronic pain and lower mental and physical quality of life scores. Another study revealed that a higher intake of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids may be associated with better treatment results in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis.
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Dosage And How To Take It
Due to limited research, theres no recommended dosage for coral calcium.
Based on information available from other forms of calcium supplements, dosages may range from 6002,000 mg per day .
You can take this supplement with or without food. Taking it with food may reduce the likelihood of an upset stomach but lower your bodys ability to absorb nutrients like iron and zinc .
Taking coral calcium with vitamin D may boost calcium absorption.
Research is mixed on whether taking smaller, more frequent doses of calcium alone rather than alongside other minerals maximizes absorption (
2 ).
Depending on the medicine, you may need to wait a certain amount of time after medicating before you supplement with coral calcium.
Those currently taking any type of medication should consult their healthcare provider for advice before starting to take coral calcium supplements.
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How Does Vitamin D Affect Your Bones
A vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, higher doses of prednisone, an RA medication, also increase your risk for osteoporosis. This condition causes your bones to lose density and become weak, which increases your risk for bone fractures from incidents ranging from falls to bumping into objects. Talk to your doctor if you have arthritis and think you may be at risk for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis often develops without symptoms and requires a bone mineral density test for diagnosis.
Dosage Of Vitamin D For Arthritis
The Institute of Medicine has reported that the general dose of vitamin D is dependent on age. People between 13 and 70 years of age can take 600 international units a day.
For adults older than 71 years old, 800 internal units of vitamin D daily is recommended.
However, it is very important to consult a doctor or general physician before taking any dose to prevent further harm to the body.
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Why Is Vitamin D Essential For Health
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for the body as it helps maintain good overall health and strong and healthy bones.
It makes sure that the activities of the heart, muscles, lungs, and brain are not declined and we are able to fight infections.
The direct source of vitamin D is sunlight. Apart from that, we can obtain sunlight from different supplements and very little from the food we eat.
The direct source of vitamin D is sunlight. Apart from that, we can obtain sunlight from different supplements and very little from the food we eat.
The vitamin D that we get from sunlight and supplements has to be changed before it can be utilized by the body. Once
Once utilized, then it manages the amount of calcium absorption in blood and gut and helps the cells to communicate properly. The relation between vitamin D and bones was highlighted a long ago when it was reported that vitamin D prevents the occurrence of rickets in children.
More research has been conducted since then which have reported that vitamin D is useful in preventing and treating many diseases that affect long term health.
A difference between vitamin D and other vitamins is that our skin gets vitamin D from the sunlight, our body converts this vitamin D into an active hormone. This hormone is called “activated vitamin D” or “calcitriol”.
Vitamin D is useful for many body functions like:
- Respiratory function
Pros And Cons Of Calcium Supplements
Manouchehr Saljoughian, PharmD, PhD Alta Bates Summit Medical CenterBerkeley, California
US Pharm. 2015 40:HS-28-HS-32.
Calcium is one of the most important nutritional elements for optimal bone and dental health. Several studies suggest that calcium, along with vitamin D, may have benefits beyond bone health, and it is generally accepted that the heart, muscles, and nerves also need calcium to function properly. Millions of women in the United States take calcium supplements in an attempt to boost bone strength, especially after menopause when the risk of fractures increases. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory forms of the disease also routinely take calcium supplements.
Most people get enough calcium through their diets. However, those who do not may need to take calcium supplements. It is important for individuals to know how much calcium they need and what types of supplements are the most appropriate.1
Calcium supplements are not for everyone. For instance, people who have a health condition that causes excess calcium in their bloodstream should avoid calcium supplements. Too much or too little calcium, whether through diet or supplements, could be problematic for these individuals.1
In this article, we briefly discuss daily human calcium requirements, types of calcium supplements, nutritional considerations of calcium, and problems with too little or too much calcium intake.
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Vitamin D Acts As An Anti
In arthritis, there is inflammation in the joints and other parts of the body as well. It is important to reduce inflammation in order to prevent the progression of arthritis.
In the immune system, vitamin D is responsible for a reduction in the level and activity of cytokines like IL-2 and IL-6 and also TNF-alpha .
It also down-regulates the expression of proteins that lead to the production of pro-inflammatory substances.
What does it mean? This means that an intake of vitamin D can be beneficial in preventing the development and progression of arthritis. This is because of its ability to block the pathway of the production of compounds that cause inflammation and arthritis.
Food Sources Of Calcium
Its best to get nutrients from food rather than supplements.
Nevertheless, if you think youre not getting enough calcium in your diet, consider eating more of these foods:
- Dairy, including milk, cheese and yogurt
- Canned fish with bones, such as salmon or sardines
- Certain leafy greens including collard greens, spinach and kale
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Seeking Help For Your Arthritis Pain
If arthritis has kept you from living the life you want, NJ Spine & Orthopedic is ready to help. Our caring team will empower you with information about the latest conservative treatments and therapies, such as the best supplements for you. If conservative treatments havent been effective in relieving your arthritis pain, we will be happy to discuss minimally invasive surgical options with you.
With the right treatment regimen, you can resume doing the things you love. Schedule an appointment today with one of our arthritis doctors to discover how NJ Spine & Orthopedic can help you!
They May Help With Fat Loss
Studies have associated low calcium intake with a high body mass index and high body fat percentage .
A 2016 study examined the effects of giving a daily 600-mg calcium supplement to overweight and obese college students with very low calcium intakes.
The study found that those given a supplement containing 600 mg of calcium and 125 IUs of vitamin D lost more body fat on a calorie-restricted diet than those who did not receive the supplement (
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Different Types Of Kidney Stones
There is a considerable variety of kidney stones. Here are five well-known ones:
1. Calcium phosphate stones are common and easily dissolve in urine acidified by vitamin C.
2. Calcium oxalate stones are also common but they do not dissolve in acid urine. We will discuss this type further below.
3. Magnesium ammonium phosphatestones are much less common, often appearing after an infection. They dissolve in urine acidified by vitamin C.
4. Uric acid stones result from a problem metabolizing purines . They may form in a condition such as gout.
5. Cystine stones result from an hereditary inability to reabsorb cystine. Most childrens stones are this type, and these are rare.
Exercise To Strengthen Bones
Being active and exercising on a regular basis protects bone health.Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, jogging and weight training areespecially helpful in preventing bone loss.
Simply moving more throughout the day supports bone health, too. Researchindicates that women who sit for more than nine hours a day are 50 percentmore likely to have a hip fracture than those who are less sedentary.Finding ways to work more walking or standing into your day can add up. Forexample, park farther away from buildings, take the stairs instead of theelevator and pace while on phone calls.
For most women, skipping calcium supplements in favor of boosting dietarycalcium and focusing on weight-bearing exercise is the best way to keepbones strong. But if youre still concerned about getting enough calcium,talk to your doctor first before taking supplements to see if you reallyneed them.
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Taking Vitamins Or Minerals For Your Arthritis Although Theyre Good For You You Can Have Too Many
Arthritis Today
When you have , you might be tempted to try anything that could help you feel better. Some people take vitamins and mineral supplements that have been touted for arthritis relief, like calcium, or vitamins C, D, and E. Yet it is possible to go overboard and get too much of these or other nutrients and that could be harmful.
Certain vitamins such as B and C are water-soluble. If you take too much of them, your body simply flushes out the extra. Other vitamins including A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble. They arent good to consume in high doses because your body holds onto the excess. Minerals can be problematic in large doses, too. Too much iron can be toxic, causing symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, and depression.
Multiple Risks
And there are other risks, too. Because supplements arent regulated by the FDA like medicines, you can never be entirely sure that whats promised on the label is delivered inside the container. There is also a risk of vitamins and minerals interfering with medicines people are taking, says Laura Gibofsky, MS, RD, CDN, a registered at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. For example, vitamins E and K can increase your bleeding risk if youre already taking a blood thinning medication.
Ask Your Doctor
Watch the Fortified Foods, Too
Read the full story at arthritistoday.org.
Vitamin C Intake And Rheumatoid Arthritis
The two powerful ways to increase vitamin C intake and circulation is through diet and supplementation.
Food is the best source, since diets high in fruit and vegetables have been suggested to protect against rheumatoid arthritis .
It is very easy to incorporate more vitamin C into your diet. A variety of fruit is a great start and you can just choose your favourites. Oranges, blackcurrants, papaya, and also cantaloupe are all good options. You can read about some of our favourite options in this blog post here.
You can also consider taking a vitamin C supplement. Pure ascorbic acid is a possibility, starting with 1gram with lunch and another gram at dinner. You should also check with your doctor for any contraindications before starting.
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Should You Try Herbs Supplements And Vitamins
Before your rheumatoid arthritis prescription medication reaches your hands, its gone through medical research. Its also gone through clinical trials and its effectiveness and safety have been proven and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .
The FDA doesnt currently approve dietary supplements including herbs, minerals, and vitamins. But some people do report temporary relief from their RA symptoms when using some complementary therapies.
The complementary treatments covered in this guide shouldnt replace your current medications. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before trying any herbs, supplements, or vitamins. Some remedies can cause serious side effects or cause a dangerous interaction with your current medications.
Also be sure to check youre purchasing these products from reputable sources. Talk with your pharmacist or other healthcare provider about how to find high-quality products.
How Are Vitamin C And Rheumatoid Arthritis Associated
Studies have found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis often have lower levels of antioxidants due to the free radical load that the autoimmune process adds to the body. .
Rheumatoid Arthritis patients can also have less than 50% of Vitamin C in blood and joint fluid than those without RA . So we need to be very proactive in replenishing our antioxidant levels and boosting our vitamin C levels.
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How Do We Get Vitamin D
The main source is sunlight our bodies create vitamin D when bare skin is exposed to ultraviolet B rays.
During spring and summer, most peoples bodies can make all the vitamin D they need from a balanced diet and being out in the sun for short periods every day, without sunscreen and with some skin uncovered.
The ideal amount of time to spend outside isnt known, as it varies between people and depends on how much sunshine is available but be careful not to burn. Know whats right for you it may be just a few minutes in the sunshine if youre pale. Cover up and/or use sunscreen if youre staying out longer.
Dr Haseler recommends combining sun exposure with exercise.For bone health, the best activity is walking, with as many aids as you require, she says. Its weight bearing, it gets your joints moving, it exposes you to sun and meeting people, and it can be done at various levels of disability.”
Reducing The Risk Of Falls In The Elderly
A review study of more than 16,000 elderly people found that a combination of calcium and vitamin D supplements reduced the risk of falls. Falls are a huge hazard for the elderly and often lead to serious or even fatal fractures .
There is no doubt that adequate vitamin D and calcium balance is important for bone and overall health in the elderly. Together, these nutrients help maintain normal posture and muscle-nerve communication .
But some findings about their combination in supplements are less conclusive, with a number of studies failing to find any benefit .
Although some contradictory results do exist, the evidence overall suggests that calcium supplementation may help reduce the risk of falls in the elderly. Its important to discuss with the doctor if it may be useful in each particular case.
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Dangers Of Too Much Calcium
Remember, you only need 1,0001,200 mg of calcium each day. Theres no benefit to taking more than that. In fact, you could experience problems if you do.
Problems include constipation, hypercalcemia, calcium buildup in soft tissues and trouble absorbing iron and zinc .
Bottom Line: When youre taking calcium supplements, its important to consider the type, amount and whether they may interact with other medications you take.