If You Have Arthritis, You Might Be Taking Too Much Vitamin C

An apple a day keeps the doctor away. But what about oranges? Citrus fruits are loaded with the antioxidant vitamin C, which has been linked to an improved immune system, wound healing and even preventing arthritis. Perhaps your rheumatologist has recommended a vitamin C regimen every day.

Unlike some other vitamins, our bodies can’t make vitamin C, so we need to obtain it from our diets. When we don’t get enough vitamin C, we can experience fatigue, slower healing and more infections. According to the Arthritis Foundation, taking vitamin C may help prevent inflammatory arthritis. Unfortunately, when it comes to vitamin C, you can definitely have too much of a good thing.

This is how the vitamin C arthritis-connection could be affecting you.

The Dangers of Too Much Vitamin C

In 2004, Duke researchers found that when patients with osteoarthritis consumed high amounts of vitamin C, they were more at risk for developing bone spurs and joint damage. This was due to a protein in the blood triggered by vitamin C. Because a vitamin C deficiency can put you at a higher risk of developing arthritis, it’s important to find the right balance.

Take a look at the other foods to avoid if you have arthritis.

How Much Is Too Much?

The Office of Dietary Supplements recommends 90 milligrams of vitamin C for men and 75 milligrams for women each day, and the Arthritis Foundation agrees. This amount fulfills your body’s need for the vitamin without overdoing it.

The Best Sources of Vitamin C

It’s best to skip the supplements and opt for real foods instead. Vitamin C supplements like Emergen-C contain significantly more vitamin C than the recommended daily amount, which could put you at risk for arthritis complications.

Start with fresh fruits and vegetables. Of course, citrus fruits are a great source of vitamin C but watch the milligrams. Eating one whole orange will deliver 97 milligrams of vitamin C!

For men, one heaping cup of fresh broccoli will take care of your daily vitamin C requirements. For women, a baked potato has enough daily vitamin C.

Ideas for Salads That Star Fresh Citrus

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Blood Orange Avocado SaladMy refreshing side salad is such a nice addition to our calorie-loaded Thanksgiving dinner. Use regular oranges if you can't find blood oranges. Finely chopped walnuts work well in place of the pomegranate seeds, too. —Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, Nevada

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Taste of Home

Dandelion SaladThis is one my favorite salads and it is so healthy for you! Guests will be surprised at how wonderful it tastes. —Frances Sheridan Goulart, Weston, Connecticut

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Taste of Home

South-of-the-Border Citrus SaladOrange, grapefruit and jicama add color and texture to this out-of-the-ordinary fruit salad. Sometimes I'll toss in slices of mango and cucumber for extra fun. —Mary Fuller, SeaTac, Washington

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Taste of Home

Citrus Avocado SaladThis recipe nicely showcases grapefruit and oranges, which are at their peak around the holidays. Citrus fruits pair well with a sweet dressing. —Sonia Candler, Edmonton, Alberta

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Taste of Home

Citrus & Roasted Beets SaladGlistening citrus and beets star in this colorful, tangy salad. It's a refreshing mix of bright flavors—just add chicken and it's a complete meal. —Peter Eldridge, Clermont, Florida

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Favorite Fruit SaladI spend a lot of time in the kitchen, especially when our four children and nine grandchildren come to visit. They always ask for this salad when they're here for dinner. —Doris Dion, Lake Ozark, Missouri

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Taste of Home

Layered Fresh Fruit SaladPeople always pass on compliments when I take this salad to covered-dish suppers. It's nice on a hot day...with a winter meal...or as a dessert! We live on a small farm where my garden gives me lots of possibilities for fresh food. —Page Alexander, Baldwin City, Kansas

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