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Could Magnesium Help Your Arthritis?

could magnesium help your arthritis?

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GUEST POST BY DR. BRENT WELLS

Arthritis is a serious medical problem that is not only painful, but can cause significant health conditions as well. While there are medications to help calm it, these can lead to side effects such as nausea. However, there is a natural option to consider using to relieve symptoms of arthritis: magnesium.

Magnesium works to soothe the problems caused by arthritis, like extreme swelling, while also ensuring your body stay healthy. To find out more about it and how it can help you, keep reading.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a medical condition that causes extreme inflammation in the body’s joints and bones. Arthritis comes in two main forms: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

This form of arthritis, also known as OA, is one of the most common forms. It is created due to the tissues between your joints and cartilage breaking down. This type is mainly found in the legs, knees, hips, and spine.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Known as RA, rheumatoid arthritis is mainly found in the hands and feet. This form is very severe as it can cause vasculitis, which is inflammation of the blood vessels in the fingertips and toes. It could also start to affect one’s heart if not controlled.

Problems Arthritis Can Cause

Arthritis can cause many problems in the body. Below are some of the most common side effects.

Edema

Edema is when tissues in the body start to swell, especially in the feet. Due to significant inflammation in the body caused by arthritis, it can make it difficult for fluid to move through the body. This results in your feet (or wherever edema strikes) to turn that area bright red. Eventually, it can cause immobility and severe stiffness.

Stiffness

A very common side effect of arthritis is stiffness. This can make it difficult for you to move and be flexible. It can also result in extreme pain.

Immobility

Another problem arthritis brings is immobility. Sometimes your joints and bones can become so stiff that it makes it difficult to move. The pain can also be so intense sometimes that it prevents you from moving at all.

High Blood Pressure

Arthritis can also lead to high blood pressure, especially if you have rheumatoid arthritis. This is due to extreme inflammation in the body which can affect the heart and cause hypertension.

Bone Loss and Fractures

Bone loss and fractures are problems this medical condition can cause. Because your bones are weakened by arthritis, it prevents them from staying healthy. Due to them being so weak, it can result in them crumbling or breaking easily. It could also cause the bones to rub against each other which can quickly grind them down.

What is Magnesium?

Magnesium is a type of mineral and nutrient that is vital for the body to have for many reasons. It helps to provide protein to the bones, keep nerves functioning correctly, and ensure blood pressure stays at a healthy level.

How Magnesium Helps Arthritis

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This mineral is able to help arthritis in many ways.

It Keeps Bones Strong

Magnesium will fill your bones with vital nutrients which works to keep them strong. It helps with the metabolism of calcium which can boost bone health significantly. It can help to prevent bone fractures as well as keeping your arthritis from eventually becoming worse. In fact, a study published by scientific journal PLOS One showed that by using magnesium to keep bones strong, it could actually help to prevent osteoarthritis.

It Maintains Blood Pressure Levels

This nutrient can also help with keeping your blood pressure at a healthy level. This will not only help to prevent heart disease and hypertension, but also stop cramping and keep your muscles flexible.

It Fills Your Body with Antioxidants

Another benefit of magnesium for arthritis is that it can give your body antioxidants. These compounds help to fight against free radicals which can cause damage in your body. By using magnesium, your body will absorb antioxidants which can prevent harmful symptoms of this medical condition.

It’s Anti-Inflammatory

Magnesium is also anti-inflammatory which is very helpful when it comes to combating the painful flare-ups of arthritis. This is because it moves your blood sugar quickly into your muscles and reduces the C-reactive protein (CRP) marker in the body which causes inflammation.

Ways to Give Your Body Magnesium to Help with Arthritis

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If you want to give your body magnesium, you’ll find a few different ways you can do so. Below are three options to consider.

Use Supplements

Magnesium supplements are one way to help stop symptoms of arthritis. You can buy these supplements at health stores which come in various quantities, such as 350 mg and 500 mg. This way, you can take the right amount depending on the intensity of your arthritis.

Change Your Diet

Another way to ensure you get enough magnesium is to change up your diet to include magnesium-rich food. This includes items such as:

  • Avocado
  • Spinach
  • Bananas
  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Brown rice
  • Legumes
  • Dark chocolate
  • Tuna
  • Peanut butter

Most of these food products are also rich in other vitamins and minerals, such as iron and potassium. Many are also high in antioxidants which will help to fight not only the side effects from arthritis, but any other health issues you might be having.

Try Out a Magnesium Cream

Magnesium cream can also be used. You can buy a bottle of this cream which is filled with high levels of this mineral and rub it over a painful area. Your skin will then absorb the cream and disperse the magnesium to help stop the inflammation. In addition to helping with reducing pain, it can improve your sleep as well. In addition to this, it works very quickly meaning you can get relief in just a few minutes.

If you suffer from arthritis, definitely consider using magnesium. It will not only help to stop painful side effects from this medical condition, but keep your body healthy in many other ways as well. Better yet, there are many different ways you can give your body more of this important mineral, such as through supplements or with a change in your diet.

Dr Brent Wells Alaska chiropractor 1

About Dr. Brent Wells

Dr. Brent Wells, D.C. founded Better Health Chiropractic & Physical Rehab in Alaska in 1998 and has been a chiropractor for over 20 years. His practice has treated thousands of patients from different health problems using various services designed to help give you long-lasting relief.

Dr. Wells is also the author of over 700 online health articles that have been featured on sites such as Dr. Axe and Lifehack. He is a proud member of the American Chiropractic Association and the American Academy of Spine Physicians. And he continues his education to remain active and updated in all studies related to neurology, physical rehab, biomechanics, spine conditions, brain injury trauma, and more.

What type of magnesium is best for arthritis?

The best type of magnesium for arthritis is magnesium chloride, especially topical magnesium chloride.

Is there research to show that magnesium can help arthritis?

Yes, there have been studies that show that the use of topical magnesium chloride can help with inflammation-related issues such as arthritis or muscle pain. Studies have shown that magnesium chloride can effectually do this.

How much magnesium should I take if I have arthritis?

There is no recommended daily allowance, but you should ensure that you are taking at least 350mg of magnesium each day.

Is magnesium good for arthritic pain?

Yes, magnesium is good for arthritic pain. It may be beneficial to take magnesium supplements or eat foods rich in magnesium if you are experiencing arthritic pain.

Is taking high doses of magnesium safe for those with arthritis?

It is generally safe to consume high doses of minerals like magnesium through food sources such as avocados and bananas. Taking over-the-counter supplements may result in side effects like diarrhea. If you have been prescribed magnesium supplements then follow the dosage instructions to ensure safety.

What is the recommended daily allowance of magnesium for arthritis?

There is no recommended daily allowance, but most adults should aim for around 350mg of magnesium each day especially if they are experiencing any symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Can magnesium reverse arthritis?

Taking magnesium can help to reduce arthritic pain and inflammation. It may be beneficial to take magnesium supplements or eat foods rich in magnesium if you are experiencing arthritic pain. Magnesium has not been shown to reverse arthritis.

Is magnesium a good anti-inflammatory?

Yes, magnesium can be an effective anti-inflammatory. You may want to try taking magnesium supplements or eating foods rich in magnesium if you are experiencing arthritis flare-ups.

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