There are several causes of body aches, including injury, muscle overuse, infections and diseases. Two common conditions causing body aches are rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia. The former causes inflammation of the joints while the latter causes widespread body pain; the exact etiology for both is unknown. An unbalanced diet, containing too much or too little of a nutrient, can also be the cause of body aches.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a number of important roles in the body. It regulates calcium levels, supports a healthy immune system and aids muscle function. The October 2010 issue of the "International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases" reported that symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include widespread body pain. Your body synthesizes vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight. You can also get vitamin D from oily fish, egg yolks and fortified foods.
Vitamins C and B-12
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, the material the makes up your body’s connective tissues such as ligaments and tendons. Deficiency of this vitamin causes scurvy, a condition characterized by lethargy, body aches, poor wound healing and gum disease. Ensure an adequate vitamin C intake by consuming fruits and vegetables every day. Another vitamin deficiency that may cause body aches is vitamin B-12. This vitamin is essential for nerve health and red blood cell function. It is present in virtually all animal foods, including milk and eggs, but is absent in plant foods.
Coffee
Some people report that coffee consumption causes them body aches. It appears that coffee may trigger rheumatoid arthritis, however scientific research reports inconsistent findings. For example, the November 2003 issue of "Arthritis and Rheumatism” carried a report of a study involving 83,124 women showing that coffee consumption, both regular and decaffeinated, was not associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis. However, the American Heart Association recommends that you limit coffee consumption to two cups a day.
Omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that are found in oily fish and nut and seed oils. In your body, they exert strong anti-inflammatory actions by inhibiting the production of inflammatory molecules. Many people find that consuming enough omega-3s helps to prevent body aches and provides symptomatic relief from joint pain. Omega-3 supplements are widely available. Those containing the omega-3 fats eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are superior to the ones containing alpha-linolenic acid, reports the “Manual of Dietetic Practice.”
References
- "International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases"; Association Between Nonspecific Skeletal Pain and Vitamin D Deficiency; B. Heidari, et al.; October 2010
- "Arthritis and Rheumatism"; Coffee Consumption and Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis; EW. Karlson, et al.; November 2003
- American Heart Association: Caffeine and Cardiovascular Health
- "Manual of Dietetic Practice, 4th Edition"; T. Briony and J. Bishop; 2007
