When we are investigating ways for reversing rheumatoid arthritis naturally we are presented with countless options and treatments to try. Fortunately, in the case of Vitamin C, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that increasing dietary Vitamin C levels is a wise thing to do. Vitamin C is also a powerful antioxidant, and can thus be a strategy to combat autoimmune-related oxidative stress [1]. Vitamin C is also essential for your immune system to help fight off infections and keep you healthy. So, how are vitamin C and rheumatoid arthritis linked?
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. [2].
Rheumatoid Arthritis patients can also have less than 50% of Vitamin C in blood and joint fluid than those without RA [3]. So we need to be very proactive in replenishing our antioxidant levels and boosting our vitamin C levels.
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 [1].
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.
Conclusion
High dietary intake of Vitamin C is a great inclusion in a rheumatoid arthritis treatment plan. It boosts the reduced levels of vitamin C found in those with rheumatoid arthritis, and improves the ability of the immune system to avoid infections.
If you want to embrace a healing lifestyle and see life-changing improvements then take a look at the Paddison Program for RA.
The Program takes into account all of the research on RA and provides a practical guide to follow with outstanding results for thousands worldwide. So whether you want to learn more about vitamin C and rheumatoid arthritis or something else to help you reduce inflammation, you can find the information within the program.
[1] Ramani S, Pathak A, Dalal V, Paul A, Biswas S. Oxidative Stress in Autoimmune Diseases: An Under Dealt Malice. Curr Protein Pept Sci. 2020;21(6):611-621. doi: 10.2174/1389203721666200214111816. PMID: 32056521.
[2] James R. Cerhan, Kenneth G. Saag, Linda A. Merlino, Ted R. Mikuls, Lindsey A. Criswell, Antioxidant Micronutrients and Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Cohort of Older Women, American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 157, Issue 4, 15 February 2003, Pages 345–354,
[3] Lunec J, Blake DR. The determination of dehydroascorbic acid and ascorbic acid in the serum and synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Free Radic Res Commun. 1985;1(1):31-9. doi: 10.3109/10715768509056534. PMID: 3880014.