How to Limit Vitamin C for Osteoarthritis

When your doctor diagnoses you with osteoarthritis, he might also tell you that you should limit your intake of foods and drinks high in Vitamin C. This may seem a bit overwhelming, but it does not have to be. Starting a new food plan limiting Vitamin C can be easy if you know which foods to try instead.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Understand that you shouldn't eliminate Vitamin C entirely from your diet because it strengthens the cartilage between your joints and provides antioxidants that fight illness. Most doctors recommend that osteoarthritis patients consume 100 to 200 mg of Vitamin C per day.
2. Learn which foods contain high levels of Vitamin C, such as papaya, broccoli, guava, bell pepper and cantaloupe. Some fruit juices also contain large concentrations, such as orange and grapefruit juice.
3. Realize that fresh fruits and vegetables will contain higher concentrations of Vitamin C than canned ones. Maintain a healthy supple from the supermarket or whole foods store to maintain the correct levels.
4. Ask your family doctor about the proper amount of Vitamin C for your diet, especially with regard to osteoarthritis. He might recommend higher or lower the minimum intake depending on your unique circumstances.
5. Create a chart that lists the fruits and vegetables that contain Vitamin C, as well as the specific amounts in each. This way, you'll be able to refer to it often and limit how much you actually eat.
6. Avoid multi-vitamins that contain Vitamin C unless it will be your sole source. Taking too much can result in unpleasant consequences, such as diarrhea, stomach cramps and kidney stones.
7. Keep a Nutrient Journal that lists the foods you eat each day and their nutritional components. This can be extremely beneficial when you're trying to manage your osteoarthritis, and can help you limit your intake of things other than Vitamin C.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that the medication prescribed by your doctor is your Number One defense against osteoarthritis symptoms.
• Understand that the negative effects of Vitamin C usually don't present themselves unless you ingest more than 2,000 mg.