Characterized by the chronic swelling and inflammation of joints, Arthritis is renowned for causing pain and discomfort in patients. Arthritis is one of the most common disorders that affect joints and is primarily present in older males from 65 years of age. However, variations exist, and people of any age or gender can be affected.
Osteoporosis is the most common form of arthritis caused by the degeneration or wear and tear of joints over time. Generally, osteoporosis manifests with age but can also occur as the result of joint injuries or obesity, which places immense strain on joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is the second most common form of Arthritis. This variant is an autoimmune disease and attacks parts of the immune system, specifically the joints. Conditions that initiated the onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis are unknown, but the result is chronic inflation and severe damage.
A Good Diet Can Help Alleviate Pain
As with any disorder, there are certain foods can aggravate symptoms, and certain foods can soothe them. Arthritis symptoms are no different. Placing much truth in the famous phrase by German philosopher Ludwig Feuerbach, “We are what we eat”, especially when dealing with the diets of arthritis patients.
The main symptom of any of the arthritis variants is the inflammation of the joints. Experts from Welwitschia Hospital, a private hospital in Namibia, confirm that there are specific food groups that indeed aggravate this type of inflammation.
Read on as we take a closer look at the top food you should avoid if you have arthritis.
6 Food & Drinks That Will Provoke Joint Inflammation
If you are prone to suffering from joint inflammation prompted by arthritis, we suggest trying to cut down on the following foods or avoiding them altogether if possible.
1. Sugary Foods
Regardless if you have arthritis or not, sugar intake should be regulated in everyone’s diet. Avoiding added sugars in your diet is even more vital if you have Arthritis, as research has shown that sugar increases inflammation and aggravates symptoms.
Added sugars can be found in everything, from delicious sugary treats such as candies, ice creams and fizzy sodas to less obvious grocery items such as cereals, granola, yoghurt and barbeque sauce. Always check all items’ nutritional information before buying to regulate your sugar intake.
2. Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Yes, Omega-6 fatty acids are healthy. But overindulging in foods rich in omega-6 can increase inflammation. Popular sources of omega-6 are nuts and seeds, corn, soybeans, safflower, sunflower and canola oils.
3. Foods With High Salt Content
Studies have shown that cutting back on salt intake can positively improve inflammation in Arthritis patients. Thus it’s a good idea to avoid foods high in salt, such as store-bought preserved goods and takeouts. It’s best to prepare meals with fresh ingredients; in this way, you have total control of what you put into your body.
4. Gluten
Like sugar and salt, foods rich in gluten also aggravate inflammation. We advise you to avoid food that contains wheat, barley, and rye, such as bread, pasta and crackers and opt for gluten-free alternatives instead.
5. Red Meat & Processed Meat
Bads news for all red meat lovers, you got to cut down if you have arthritis. Instead, opt for fish, vegan or vegetarian replacements. Chicken is also a lesser evil, but poultry can also aggregate inflation. If you cant cut these items out completely, start with moderate portions, the change in your symptoms will be enough to motivate you to take the next steps towards better eating habbits.
6. Alcohol
Most types of alcohol have proven to increase joint-infmation. As much as it seems to be a treat, we suggest avoiding alcoholic beverages and having a better quality of life.
Make Healthier Choices
Arthritis is a long-term disorder, and we advise you to make better overall life decisions so you can live a relatively pain-free life. Regarding diets, we recommend sticking to vegan or vegetarian as these options cause the least flairups. You can read more about keeping pain and information at bay by implementing other lifestyle changes.
About The Author
Shamima Ahmed is the co-founder of nichemarket, a small business directory and marketing agency. A passionate digital marketer and mother, specialising in writing about digital, women in business and mom life.
