Foods and Beverages to avoid with arthritis to reduce pain

Joint pain and stiffness are surely not something new. A lot of people have been struggling with these conditions. The factors why people experience these symptoms may include previous traumas or injuries. However, joint pain and stiffness may be caused by an underlying health concern like arthritis. There are different types of arthritis conditions, and they can be disabling at times. Knowing more about foods to avoid with arthritis can help to eliminate inflammation and alleviate your symptoms. We’re going to take a closer look at some techniques, which foods to avoid and which to include in your diet to manage your symptoms well.

What is Arthritis

To understand the condition, you must take note of the different forms of arthritis. The more common ones include osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage, which is a protective tissue in the bone, to wear out slowly. When this happens, the bones start to rub directly against each other causing a very sharp pain and and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that mistakenly attacks good cells in the body causing painful inflammation and swelling.

Inflammation is also another factor that is often present when you have arthritis. When you have one of these conditions, the inflammation and deterioration of cartilage can cause complications.

Causes of Arthritis

The cause of arthritis depends on the type you have. Some forms of arthritis, like Rheumatoid arthritis, happen when your immune system wrongly attacks healthy joint tissues. There are several factors linked to these types of autoimmune conditions.

Causes of osteoarthritis, on the other hand, are usually related to the thinning of the protective cartilage over the years. As you go about your daily routine, your cartilage gradually wears away.

Apart from these causes, it’s also important to consider risk factors that increase your likelihood of developing arthritis. This includes genetics, age, gender, and whether you have previously experienced a direct joint injury. Obesity has also been associated with a higher risk of certain arthritis conditions^[1], particularly osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Pain and swelling are two of the most common symptoms you’ll experience with arthritis. However, there are a couple of other symptoms that may appear as well. You should also note that some people with osteoarthritis may not have a significant amount of swelling.

Stiffness is also not uncommon in people with arthritis which may significantly reduce the range of mobility. In some cases, redness in the area of the affected joints may be noticeable especially when swelling is present.

8 Foods to avoid with Arthritis

Some people may not be aware, but there are some foods to avoid with arthritis to avoid arthritis pain. These foods can make your symptoms worse and can make treatment and management difficult to handle.

If you’re wondering what foods are bad for arthritis, explore the list below and check whether you have them in your diet.

1. Added sugars

Sugar has a strong association with inflammation throughout your entire body^[2]. It generally contributes to low-grade inflammation, which can contribute to joint swelling.

2. Processed and red meats

Similar to sugars, processed meats contain ingredients that trigger inflammatory responses in your body. These foods are also high in saturated fats, which can harm your blood cholesterol levels.

3. Gluten-containing foods

Gluten is not necessarily included in foods to avoid with arthritis, but if you have food sensitivities or celiac disease, it is best to go on a gluten-free diet.

4. Certain vegetable oils

If you use vegetable oil when deep frying your chicken, potato chips, and other foods, you might need to recheck your cooking oil usage. Certain vegetable oils are loaded with saturated fats which can also contribute to inflammation.

5. Foods high in salt

While sodium is an important mineral, too much salt can be bad for you. A diet that is high in salt can lead to high blood pressure and even make existing inflammatory conditions worse^[3]. This includes inflammatory arthritis diseases.

6. Nightshades

While nightshades might be an important part of the average person’s diet, they tend to be bad for those who have arthritis. Examples of nightshade foods are potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers. These vegetables may contain high alkaloids which are harmful in high concentrations. There is limited research regarding this particular topic, but it’s still worth limiting your nightshade intake to avoid worsening your condition.

7. Foods high in purines

If you’ve got gout, then you should also be careful about purines as they can result in the formation of uric acid. This is a type of acid that is involved in the formation of the crystals that you get with this arthritis. Examples of purines include all types of alcoholic drinks, certain seafood and shellfish, red meats, and organ meats like liver.

8. Advanced glycation end (AGE) products

These products are a result of fat or proteins when combined with sugars. They also cause inflammatory responses and worsen swelling.

Beverages to avoid with arthritis

There are also a couple of beverages that you should ideally avoid:

• Red wind and other alcohol: Many people enjoy alcohol. However, you must remember that these beverages may trigger arthritis or worsen your joint inflammation and stiffness.
• Sugar-sweetened drinks: Avoid drinks that have high sugar content. Sugar contributes to low-grade inflammation.
• Coffee: Caffeine can be dehydrating and even results in jitters. It is very important to regulate your daily caffeine intake so that you don’t go overboard. Keep it in moderation.

Can diet help relieve arthritis?

Yes, what you eat can make a difference when it comes to managing arthritis. For example, when you exclude the worst food for arthritis from your diet, you should notice some improvements in your symptoms. Certain foods also contain chemicals and nutrients that help to manage inflammation and reduce pain.

Foods to eat

Once you know which foods to avoid with arthritis, it’s time to learn about the ones that you should include in your diet.

Anti-inflammatory fats

While certain fats are bad for you, others can help to reduce inflammation and improve your cholesterol levels. Omega-3 fatty acids are an excellent example. Try to eat more fatty fish. Nuts, seeds, and certain oils, like flaxseed oil, are also great for introducing fatty acids into your body. These are also some of the best food for Rheumatoid arthritis.

Fruits and vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are also great for people who have arthritis. These foods contain compounds like antioxidants which fight off free radicals and help to bring inflammatory triggers under control.

Other tips for managing arthritis

Aside from the foods to avoid with arthritis we mentioned above, there are several techniques that you can follow to alleviate your symptoms:

• Make sure to get enough sleep.
• Try to manage your stress and reduce your exposure to stressors.
• Make sure to exercise regularly.
• Sleep on a mattress that can promote proper support to your body.

Summary

If you have arthritis, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to reduce the rate at which the condition progresses. While taking medication and doing exercises are very helpful, you should also plan your diet carefully and watch for foods to avoid with arthritis. Taking medical advice from healthcare professionals may be necessary especially if your conditions limit your mobility. Take the best supplements to improve your joint health and flexibility.