The sugar connection

[Kneesandtoes]

Since we drastically reduced added sugar and white flour in the diet in the beginning of the year, I have noticed an improvement in my joints. In September I walked ten miles one day and twelve the next, quite amazing for me. Weight loss, lower inflammation, super comfortable shoes and warm weather were explanations I thought of.

The other day I came across a YouTube video by Alyssa Kuhn claiming that insulin resistance plays a part in arthritis. It deprives the cartilage and synovial fluid of glucose. My blood sugar and weight were normal and I did not like very sweet things, but still it has made a difference.

I do wish I had had access to Alyssa Kuhn’s videos, when my knee was bad. She offers a range of exercises and advice on nutrition. I have not watched that much as I now don’t have much of a problem, but I do know where to go if things get worse.

[AuntyJean15]

Interesting, I will have a look at them. Anything that benefits, and isn't detrimental to health, is a positive. 🤗

[Kneesandtoes in reply to AuntyJean15]

Hope you find them useful.

[Cat33]

That's fantastic news I go to a Versus Arthritis group and they are always saying to cut down on sugar

Then we had a nutritionist who came to give a talk last week well it was amazing how some foods can cause inflammation and sugar was top of the list

Wow 10 miles that's amazing my longest has been 3

I've not heard Alyssa Kuhn I will have a look in a mo

I believe in exercise too as I joined a Chinese Exercise class in March and the difference has been incredible It's just standing but then stretching every part from our head and neck to our feet and ankles it's made a huge difference I used to feel older and disabled and I can honestly say I feel at least 10 years younger for it

Your post is so uplifting so nice to read

Have a lovely day

[CagneysMum in reply to Cat33]

So interesting … are you able to attach a link to this please?

[Kneesandtoes in reply to CagneysMum]

No, I am rubbish at things digital, but you should be able to find it in YouTube. If I could anyone can.

[CagneysMum in reply to Kneesandtoes]

Lol … me too. I’ll give it a go 😆

[Kneesandtoes in reply to Cat33]

I surprised myself in September. I had decided to be grateful for my walking and never to kneel, jump or run again. After a Yoga class on Saturday I will try to kneel and sit back on my legs. Not so sure about the running and jumping.

[Cat33]

Just looked at the videos with Alyssa Kuhn Brilliant thank you

[Kneesandtoes in reply to Cat33]

Glad you find them helpful.

[Sbthappy]

youtu.be/QQxolVAkKn4?si=fyF...(Not working as expected?) is a link to one of Alyssa Khun's videos

[Belle11]

I have found the same thing. After cutting out sugar and refined flour products, my pain reduced enormously but my knees were permanently bent, and walking was very slow and still very quickly became very painful.

II was fortunate to get a knee replacement last summer for the worse one, and I seemed to have less pain while at rest than most of the patients had before surgery. I can walk with more speed now, and staying off sugar helps the other knee.

[Kneesandtoes in reply to Belle11]

Thanks Belle11 for confirming that it is not all in my mind. I am still losing weight although I eat as much as I like. I am wondering if it is because less insulin is produced.

We still eat natural sugar and I am on a steep learning curve producing something for pudding each day.

[Belle11 in reply to Kneesandtoes]

I've mostly had to give up on desserts - sweet things just make me want more sweet things!

I've read in various places that sugar is inflammatory and can cause joint pain. This article says that many people find it affects their joints. It also mentions research that finds the same thing. medicalnewstoday.com/articl...

[Kneesandtoes in reply to Belle11]

Thanks that was interesting. Saturated fats are always mentioned as inflammatory. I stopped using spreads, margarine and sunflower oil about thirty years ago, gradually my painful, swollen finger joints returned to normal and have remained so. Later I read about the omega 6, omega 3 balance.

[Belle11 in reply to Kneesandtoes]

Yes, I notice too that too much saturated fat seems to make my joints hurt. I use olive oil for most food preparation, and eat quite a lot of fish. It's good to know there are things we can do to help.