Fruit Pectin for Arthritis Pain and Inflammation

Introduction

What is Fruit Pectin?

Pectin is defined as a structural heteropolysaccharide contained in the primary cell walls of terrestrial plants. Pectin is produced commercially as a white to light brown powder, mainly extracted from citrus fruits, and is used in food as a gelling agent, particularly in jams and jellies. It is also used in fillings, medicines, sweets, as a stabilizer in fruit juices and milk drinks, and as a source of dietary fiber. Pectin is a natural part of the human diet, but does not contribute significantly to nutrition. The daily intake of pectin from fruits and vegetables can be estimated to be around 5 g (assuming consumption of approximately 500g fruits and vegetables per day).

Main Digest

Arthritis, which is one of the oldest diseases known to humanity, is the inflammation of one or more of a person's joints. It happens in people from every race. A decline in joint function usually starts at around age thirty. No one really knows the precise cause of this painful, disabling disease. Two theories do exist, however:

• Infection
• The body's own defenses attack its own tissues

Experts on arthritis also believe that emotional stress has a highly important role in the cause of arthritis. The most severe instance of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis. Factors relating to it include:

• Shock
• Injury
• Fatigue
• Exposure to cold and dampness

At times, nodules might appear under the person's skin, around their elbows, wrists, fingers and on occasion on the person's ankles. The control of this particular form of arthritis might require the cooperation of a doctor, a physical therapist, an orthopedic surgeon and often, a doctor who specializes in psychosomatic diseases. Rest is considered to be one of the most essential factors in treatment which includes emotional rest. The person's diet does not need to be too restrictive, yet should be rich in calcium, animal proteins and iron adequate vitamins.

At this time, a number of people with forms of arthritis have been taking NSAID medications as a temporary pain-reliever with positive results in some instances. Some people are also given physical treatments with water and heat, finger-tip massaging and additional methods which an expert physiotherapist may use. Due to the fact that so many people in America experience this excruciating and deforming disease, many home remedies have been tested with some level of effectiveness.

Arthritis, Grape Juice and Pectin

When it comes to treating inflammation there is one question most often asked by people with arthritis, 'Is grape juice good for inflammation?' There have been newer treatments which have shown that fruit pectin would work well with inflammation, particularly in the instance of inflamed joints affected by arthritis. Pectin present in many fruits is known to naturally relieve joint pain and the pain of arthritis. Pectin is a tried and tested home remedy for arthritis.

Fruit pectin is essentially a soluble fiber found in skins of citrus fruits and apples, as well as in the cell walls of other fruits. Pectin level in plants are approx. (fresh weight):

• Apricots - 1%
• Cherries - 0.4%
• Apples - 1 - 1.5%
• Citrus peels - 30%
• Oranges - 0.5 - 3.5%
• Carrots approx - 1.4%

Grapes are also considered fruits with large amounts of antioxidants with cholesterol and heart friendly elements. Pectin was largely used in the making of jellies and jams and was commercially available. With the discovery of other supplementary health benefits, Certo is now often used in arthritis, inflammation and joint pain treatments.

People with arthritis often experience excruciating pain in their joints and toxicity from pain killers taken to relieve the pain.

Pectin for joint pain relief and other issues proved to be highly effective as it has fewer side-effects. Certo, which is manufactured from pectin for jams, has also been shown to have an effect on inflammation when mixed with fruit juice such as grape or apple juice. The use of Certo and grape juice for arthritis is becoming a popular remedy.

What is Certo Made Out Of?

Certo Ingredients:

• Water
• Fruit Pectin
• Lactic Acid and Citric Acid (Assist Gel)
• Potassium Citrate (Controls Acidity)
• Sodium Benzoate (Preservative)

There is no medical information to prove this assertion, but Certo mixed with grape or pomegranate juice is known to alleviate arthritis. Despite the apparent benefits of Certo, it may have side-effects when it combines with citric acid. Sodium benzoate is a part of Certo and becomes a carcinogen when it combines with citric acid. Some studies disagree with the benefits because there is no scientific evidence that pectin helps with inflammation.

Drinking added pectin may not be good for a person's body. There is no recommended dosage of Certo or how much a person should have during the day. The fact that there are no recommended dosages presents its own set of complications. There is the matter of drinking so much grape juice - which is a fruit rich in sugar. 'Ready-made,' grape juice tends to have added corn syrup or sugar. All of these factors pile up the calories that one glass of grape juice may contain.

Author Credentials:

Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses earning a Masters, Bachelors and two Associate degrees, as well as pursing Disability Studies. As a Nursing Assistant Thomas has assisted people from a variety of racial, religious, gender, class, and age groups by providing care for people with all forms of disabilities from Multiple Sclerosis to Parkinson's; para and quadriplegia to Spina Bifida. Explore Thomas' complete biography for comprehensive insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.

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Cite This Page (APA): Weiss, T. C. (2016, January 12 - Last revised: 2021, July 4). Fruit Pectin for Arthritis Pain and Inflammation. Disabled World. Retrieved September 11, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/fitness/nutrition/fruits-veggies/pectin.php

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