Food & Drink
Omega 3 fatty acids may slow progression of arthritis
Omega 3 fatty acids have been shown to be better at keeping joints healthy than omega 6 fatty acids in a study published in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases. The studies on mice suggest that unhealthy dietary fats – not just obesity – may contribute to worsening osteoarthritis.
“Our results suggest that dietary factors play a more significant role than mechanical factors in the link between obesity and osteoarthritis,” says Dr Farshid Guilak, the study’s senior author. Continue reading
Gluten sensitivity could underpin fibromyalgia
The underlying cause of fibromyalgia could be as simple as gluten sensitivity, suggests a study published in Rheumatology International.
Fibromyalgia is a disabling condition that is extremely difficult to treat and there is no cure. Experts have noticed, however, that gluten sensitivity that does not fulfil the diagnostic criteria for coeliac disease has many symptoms that overlap with those of fibromyalgia. These include musculoskeletal pain, asthenia and irritable bowel syndrome. But coeliac disease is a treatable condition. Continue reading
Grapes may reduce pain of knee osteoarthritis and improve mobility, highlights new research
Regular grape consumption may help alleviate pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee, and improve joint flexibility and overall mobility, claims research presented at the Experimental Biology conference in San Diego, California.
The benefits are thought to be due to the polyphenols (ie antioxidants) found in grapes.
A total of 72 men and women with knee osteoarthritis were split into groups. Half were asked to consume grapes in the form of a whole grape freeze-dried powder for 16 weeks and the others were given a placebo powder. Continue reading
New weighty syndrome links obesity to bone and muscle loss
US scientists have identified a new syndrome called “osteosarcopenic obesity” that links the deterioration of bone density and muscle mass with obesity.
“It used to be the thinking that the heavier you were the better your bones would be because the bones were supporting more weight,” explains Prof Jasminka Ilich-Ernst. “But, that’s only true to a certain extent.” Continue reading
Women who drink milk may delay knee osteoarthritis
Women who frequently drink fat-free or low-fat milk may delay the progression of osteoarthritis of the knee, says a study published in Arthritis Care & Research.
Other results of the research found that women who ate cheese saw an increase in knee osteoarthritis progression, and yoghurt had no impact.
A total of 2,148 participants (888 men and 1,260 women) with knee osteoarthritis were followed-up at 12, 24, 36, and 48 months. Continue reading
