Diet and nutritionBody acidity and joint pain — what do supporters of the alkaline diet say?
Sources: 7 · Article: 9 429 characters
M. S. Sater and H. A. Giha link acidity in joint fluid to changes indicating joint damage in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
- The authors also describe how pH affects cartilage cell activity and GAG production.
- M. Williamson, N. Moustaid-Moussa, and L. Gollahon point to alkaline foods and bicarbonates as ways to neutralize acidity.
- Prof. Klaus F. Kopp links chronic acidity to high protein intake or protein breakdown, and gout and podagra to high meat consumption.
What the authors write
M. Williamson i N. Moustaid-Moussa i L. Gollahon
Alkaline foods and bicarbonate supplementation are suggested as ways to neutralize acidity.
„To neutralize acidosis and maintain arterial pH that is slightly alkaline (7.36–7.44), alkaline foods and bicarbonate supplementation are suggested. Physiological evidence supporting an alkaline shift in the diet is shown by: bone reabsorption, muscle atrophy, and excess cortisol secretion is inhibited by reducing or neutralizing dietary load (), alkalinizing the tumor microenvironment enhances tumor response to chemotherapy (), and higher levels of plasma bicarbonate is associated with lower risk for type 2 diabetes ().”To neutralize acidosis and maintain arterial pH that is slightly alkaline (7.36–7.44), alkaline foods and bicarbonate supplementation are suggested. Physiological evidence supporting an alkaline shift in the diet is shown by: bone reabsorption, muscle atrophy, and excess cortisol secretion is inhibited by reducing or neutralizing dietary load (), alkalinizing the tumor microenvironment enhances tumor response to chemotherapy (), and higher levels of plasma bicarbonate is associated with lower risk for type 2 diabetes ().
M. S. Sater i H. A. Giha
Acidity in joint fluid has been linked to signs of joint damage and a build-up of granulocytes in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
„An example of a CT disorder that affects joints and is associated with both T2D [193] and CMA [194] is osteoarthritis. Acidosis of synovial fluid has been shown to correlate with radiological features of joint destruction and granulocyte build-up in the knee in rheumatoid arthritis patients [195].”An example of a CT disorder that affects joints and is associated with both T2D [193] and CMA [194] is osteoarthritis. Acidosis of synovial fluid has been shown to correlate with radiological features of joint destruction and granulocyte build-up in the knee in rheumatoid arthritis patients [195].
M. S. Sater i H. A. Giha
Even small changes in pH can affect cartilage cell metabolism and their ability to produce GAGs; synthesis was highest at a pH of 7.2.
„In chondrocytes isolated from bovine articular cartilage, minor alterations in pH impact chondrocyte metabolism and ability to synthesize GAGs, with maximum synthesis occurring at a pH of 7.2 [197]. Further evidence for the role of CMAD in joint inflammation is the positive response in patients with osteoarthritis to alkaline mineral supplements [196].”In chondrocytes isolated from bovine articular cartilage, minor alterations in pH impact chondrocyte metabolism and ability to synthesize GAGs, with maximum synthesis occurring at a pH of 7.2 [197]. Further evidence for the role of CMAD in joint inflammation is the positive response in patients with osteoarthritis to alkaline mineral supplements [196].
Prof. Klaus F. Kopp
The author links chronic acidity to low kidney capacity relative to high protein intake or increased protein breakdown.
„Modern society is also chronically affected by a more or less severe bicarbonate deficiency and is chronically acidotic, because kidney capacity is too low in relation to a consistently, usually too high, protein intake or increased protein metabolism (catabolism due to exercise or illness).”Die moderne Zivilisations-Gesellschaft leidet nunmehr ebenfalls aufgrund einer zu niedrigen Nierenleistung gegenüber einer permanent meist zu hohen Eiweiß-Zufuhr oder einem gesteigerten Eiweiß-Stoffwechsel (Katabolie durch Sport oder Krankheit) chronisch an einem mehr oder weniger großen Bikarbonat-Defizit und ist chronisch azidotisch.
Prof. Klaus F. Kopp
The author cites gout and podagra as conditions associated with high meat consumption.
„This was already evident in earlier centuries among privileged noble classes, whose typical disease from the luxurious consumption of meat was uric acid gout, or podagra. Modern society is also chronically affected by a more or less severe bicarbonate deficiency and is chronically acidotic, because kidney capacity is too low in relation to a consistently, usually too high, protein intake or increased protein metabolism (catabolism due to exercise or illness).”Schon in früheren Jahrhunderten wurde dies in den privilegierten Adelsschichten sichtbar, deren typische Erkrankung durch Luxuskonsum von Fleisch die Harnsäure-Gicht, die Podagra war. Die moderne Zivilisations-Gesellschaft leidet nunmehr ebenfalls aufgrund einer zu niedrigen Nierenleistung gegenüber einer permanent meist zu hohen Eiweiß-Zufuhr oder einem gesteigerten Eiweiß-Stoffwechsel (Katabolie durch Sport oder Krankheit) chronisch an einem mehr oder weniger großen Bikarbonat-Defizit und ist chronisch azidotisch.
M. S. Sater i H. A. Giha
M. S. Sater and H. A. Giha note that the similarity between features of diabetes-related joint diseases and changes associated with acidosis requires further confirmation through research.
„On the other hand, T2D is associated with several CT and joint diseases, including diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, diabetic hand syndrome, limited joint mobility, Dupuytren’s disease, flexor tenosynovitis/trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, adhesive capsulitis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, calcified tendinitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and Achilles tendon tear [123]. Although the above T2D-associated joint and CT diseases were not reported to be associated with CMAD, their pathological features are consistent with those seen in CMAD. Therefore, further studies are required to confirm this association.”On the other hand, T2D is associated with several CT and joint diseases, including diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, diabetic hand syndrome, limited joint mobility, Dupuytren’s disease, flexor tenosynovitis/trigger finger, carpal tunnel syndrome, adhesive capsulitis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, calcified tendinitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and Achilles tendon tear [123]. Although the above T2D-associated joint and CT diseases were not reported to be associated with CMAD, their pathological features are consistent with those seen in CMAD. Therefore, further studies are required to confirm this association.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 1 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 10.
The study found that drinking alkaline water alongside standard treatment was associated with less joint pain and swelling and better function in people with chronic arthritis caused by gout.
Aim of the study: Chronic gouty arthritis, a prevalent metabolic disorder, has prompted interest in the role of diet and lifestyle in its management. This study examines alkaline water as a non-pharmacological adjunct to traditional medicine, hypothesizing its positive effects on uric acid levels and gout symptoms.
Results: Pain relief: High-concentration alkaline water significantly reduced VAS pain scores posttreatment (P < .05). Joint swelling: Greatest improvement observed in high-concentration group (P < .001). Daily activity capability: Notable enhancements in daily activity scores in experimental groups (P < .05). Range of joint motion: All groups showed significant improvement posttreatment (P < .05). Inflammatory markers: Experimental groups experienced a notable decrease in C-reactive protein, especially in the low concentration group (P < .001). Erythrocyte sedimentation rate decreases were marginal and not statistically significant (P > .05). Interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α levels significantly decreased, particularly in the low concentration group. Serum uric acid levels: Significant reduction in serum uric acid observed in all alkaline water groups (P < .05), contrasting with the control group.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studystudy with random allocation to groups (RCT)
Participants400
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Perspectives and opinion materials
The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Notably, I never took pain medications, glucosamine, or other joint supplements. Over time, my shoulder pain disappeared, and my knee discomfort resolved. Today, at age 66, I continue to play badminton three to four times per week, often for two to three hours at a time. I regularly compete with players 20 to 40 years younger and maintain excellent mobility and endurance. While anecdotal, this experience illustrates an important principle of IOM Systems Medicine. Rather than focusing on a single supplement for a single symptom, I focused on improving the body's overall physiological environment.”Notably, I never took pain medications, glucosamine, or other joint supplements. Over time, my shoulder pain disappeared, and my knee discomfort resolved. Today, at age 66, I continue to play badminton three to four times per week, often for two to three hours at a time. I regularly compete with players 20 to 40 years younger and maintain excellent mobility and endurance. While anecdotal, this experience illustrates an important principle of IOM Systems Medicine. Rather than focusing on a single supplement for a single symptom, I focused on improving the body's overall physiological environment.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Conclusion Nutrition can prevent and reverse knee pain. We all tend to think the knee is a mechanical joint, but the knee is unique that it can self-repair given the right building ingredients. Listed above are three knee nutrition items that have worked for many and are worth a try, niacinamide, DMSO, and a better overall diet with vitamin and mineral supplements. They are inexpensive and can be tried at home. Thus, it is apparent that "you are what you eat" applies to knees and a diet managed to aid the knee can only bring benefits. This article has provided examples from medical doctors, chiropractic doctors and nutrition advocates.”Conclusion Nutrition can prevent and reverse knee pain. We all tend to think the knee is a mechanical joint, but the knee is unique that it can self-repair given the right building ingredients. Listed above are three knee nutrition items that have worked for many and are worth a try, niacinamide, DMSO, and a better overall diet with vitamin and mineral supplements. They are inexpensive and can be tried at home. Thus, it is apparent that "you are what you eat" applies to knees and a diet managed to aid the knee can only bring benefits. This article has provided examples from medical doctors, chiropractic doctors and nutrition advocates.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„However, other metabolic enzymes are blocked as well, causing weakness, joint pain, insomnia, rashes, muscle pain, headaches, infections, sinusitis, chest pain, and peripheral edema. While the benefits of utilizing a drug may outweigh the risks, it is important to note that medication usually does not correct the condition which caused a chronic health problem in the first place. Drugs are often designed to take care of the symptom but not the root of the problem. This highlights a very relevant philosophical difference between orthomolecular medicine vs conventional medicine approaches to health.”However, other metabolic enzymes are blocked as well, causing weakness, joint pain, insomnia, rashes, muscle pain, headaches, infections, sinusitis, chest pain, and peripheral edema. While the benefits of utilizing a drug may outweigh the risks, it is important to note that medication usually does not correct the condition which caused a chronic health problem in the first place. Drugs are often designed to take care of the symptom but not the root of the problem. This highlights a very relevant philosophical difference between orthomolecular medicine vs conventional medicine approaches to health.
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