It is true that minerals are essential for maintaining good health in the body, but not all minerals are created equal. A recent Korean study published in Cell has identified one mineral that causes arthritis.
Researchers from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology in South Korea are warning people that suffer from arthritis that they need to limit their consumption of this one mineral.
Zinc is necessary for the activity of different enzymes in the body from wound healing to fetus development during pregnancy. But despite its benefits, it has a dark side – it could play a major role in triggering arthritis!
Researchers in South Korea studied the interaction between zinc and a protein called ZIP8, which is a transport protein that transfers zinc into the cartilage cells. Inside these cells, zinc activates another protein, resulting in the production of damaging enzymes that degrade cartilage tissue. When the cartilage is destroyed, it results in swollen and painful joints.
The traditional medical system has no cure for arthritis. People who suffer from osteoarthritis depend on anti-inflammatory painkillers and steroids to get relief from the pain. These medications take a toll on the overall health.
But this new finding sheds light on the involvement of zinc in the development of osteoarthritis in mice.
Does that mean that you should restrict your zinc intake? No! Zinc is an essential nutrient. If you have arthritis or at risk of it, avoid the supplements and reply on a diet full of colorful fruit and vegetable to provide you with the necessary minerals.
Avoiding zinc completely is not going to cure arthritis. Here are the 3 simple steps I took to reverse my crippling arthritis in just 21 days…