Rheumatoid Arthritis is a progressive autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to deformity or destruction in the affected joints as well as chronic pain. A powerful antioxidant, vitamin C has been shown to be helpful in the treatment and prevention of this disease. Vitamin C plays a role in the production of collagen, an important protein found in bones and joints, and has also been found to help in fighting infection and controlling inflammation, points in its favor for the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin C in most countries is currently 60-90mg, but keep in mind that the RDA standard reflects the minimum amount to avoid deficiency. Many who use vitamin C for health reasons take much higher doses, ranging from an extra 100mg a day on up to 2500mg and more.
Instructions
1. The ideal way to C intake is by changing your diet, as your body will absorb it most efficiently from such natural sources. Foods that are rich in Vitamin C include green, leafy vegetables, citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit, red and green peppers, broccoli, pineapple, kiwi fruit, strawberries, raspberries, and cantaloupe, to name just a few of the many natural sources of Vitamin C. Most anyone can find a number of foods that they find appealing among the large variety of those high in vitamin C content.
2. For those who have trouble obtaining enough vitamin C through diet, supplements are an option. These are most often found in liquid or tablet forms and at various dosage levels. Since a sudden increase in vitamin C intake can cause excess gas and diarrhea, starting out with small doses then gradually increasing them as your body becomes more tolerant may be wise. Those using supplements to raise their vitamin C intake should be aware that the absorption rate with this method can be much lower than that of vitamin C found naturally in food and adjust dosages accordingly.
3. While treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with vitamin C may not work for everyone, surely it is wise to try natural alternatives first. Many pharmaceutical treatments can have serious side effects, while vitamin C is a safe and beneficial nutrient, crucial to some of the body's most important functions. And, this nutrient just happens to carry the added advantage of potential relief from the inflammation and pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
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