Recently, several content creators on Instagram and TikTok have been sharing videos and mentioning that you should adopt a high alkaline diet if you suffer from arthritis or joint pain.
Regarding this issue, Dr. Raju Vaishya - senior consultant in orthopedics and joint replacement, at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi (India) - said that an alkaline diet is a healthy diet, encouraging you to eat lots of fruits, vegetables and foods of plant origin.
An alkaline diet can help maintain optimal pH levels in the body, which can alleviate various health conditions. This diet includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds while limiting acidic products such as meat, dairy, cereals, and processed foods.
Dr. Vaishya asserts that an alkaline diet can neutralize excess acid in the body, reduce inflammation, and provide energy for overall health.
Do alkaline foods help relieve arthritis pain?
Dr. Vaishya admits that there is currently limited scientific evidence to support the claim that an alkaline diet can cure or relieve arthritis symptoms.
While some proponents claim that the alkaline diet can reduce inflammation and joint pain, the link between this diet and arthritis is not yet clearly established scientifically.
“Most experts agree that diet is unlikely to have a significant impact on arthritis symptoms,” says Dr. Vaishya.
Treatments for Arthritis
Dr. Vaishya mentioned some of the new and emerging therapies for arthritis such as stem cell therapy, gene therapy and biologic treatments.
Stem cell therapy involves injecting stem cells into affected joints to promote cartilage repair and reduce inflammation. The approach aims to modify gene expression to inhibit inflammation or promote regeneration of cartilage.
Motor
Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming or cycling can help maintain your body's mobility and strength without putting too much stress on your joints. Incorporating regular stretching and range of motion exercises can also help improve mobility.
It's important to listen to your body and adjust your activity level as needed, finding the right balance between staying active and avoiding excessive stress or pain, adds Dr. Vaishya.
Misconceptions about arthritis treatment
There are some common misconceptions about arthritis treatment, says Dr. Vaishya, including that arthritis is an inevitable part of aging, that exercise should be avoided to reduce joint pain, or that simply changing your diet can cure arthritis.
Arthritis is a complex condition with different underlying causes, so you need a multi-pronged approach that includes medications, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes direct medical intervention to be effective, explains Dr. Vaishya.
