Millions of people around the world suffer from a painful and incapacitating condition known as arthritis. For most, arthritis is a natural culmination of ageing, but for others, it could occur prematurely due to autoimmune diseases, bone diseases, etc. Arthritis causes pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility by causing inflammation in one or more joints. Patients of arthritis also have a high risk of imbalance and falls, both of which can cause further pain and discomfort.
While medical interventions can aid in managing arthritis symptoms, dietary decisions are also crucial in controlling the condition. Patients with arthritis must be careful about their diet because some foods can exacerbate inflammation and aggravate arthritis symptoms. This article will discuss the seven foods that are the worst for people with arthritis and why they should limit or avoid them.
1. Sugar and High-Fructose Corn Syrup
Consuming too much sugar can cause inflammation in the body, especially if it comes from foods and drinks with added sugar, candies, and processed foods. Limiting sugar intake is essential because inflammation is a major contributing factor to arthritis. Additionally, excessive sugar consumption can cause weight gain, which puts more strain on the joints and exacerbates the symptoms of arthritis. Focus on whole fruits for your sweet fix and choose natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup sparingly.
2. Saturated and Trans Fats
Red meat, full-fat dairy products, and some oils, such as palm oil, are examples of foods high in saturated fats that may cause inflammation in the body. Further aggravating inflammation and raising the risk of heart disease, which is a common comorbidity with arthritis, are trans fats, which are frequently present in processed and fried foods. To aid in the reduction of inflammation and to support general joint health, choose healthier fats such as those present in avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
3. Processed and Fried Foods
Patients with arthritis should limit or avoid processed foods, which are frequently high in unhealthy fats, salt, and preservatives. These foods have the potential to cause inflammation and aggravate arthritis symptoms. Particularly high in unhealthy fats and capable of causing inflammation and joint pain are fried foods. Instead, emphasize whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support joint health.
4. Refined Carbohydrates
White bread, white rice, and many processed cereals are examples of refined carbohydrates with a high glycemic index that can cause sharp drops in blood sugar levels. Inflammation and the effects of arthritis can both be exacerbated by elevated blood sugar levels. Complex carbohydrates like whole grains, brown rice, and quinoa, which offer a more stable source of energy and have a lower impact on blood sugar, are the best choice for managing arthritis.
5. Dairy Products
Several people may experience inflammation as a result of the casein protein found in dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter. Dairy also contains saturated fats, which can make arthritis symptoms worse. Although the effects of dairy on arthritis vary from person to person, some patients experience relief by consuming less or no dairy. If you think dairy might be making your arthritis worse, think about dairy substitutes like almond or soy milk.
6. Nightshade Vegetables
Alkaloids are a class of chemicals found in vegetables known as nightshades, which include tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and bell peppers. Following nightshades consumption, some arthritis sufferers experience worsening joint pain and inflammation. However, there is conflicting evidence in the literature on this subject, and nightshade vegetables do not always make arthritis symptoms worse. If you think nightshades are causing you problems, try removing them for a while to see if your symptoms get better.
7. Gluten
For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, the protein gluten, which is present in wheat, barley, and rye, can be problematic. Additionally, some arthritis sufferers claim that cutting out gluten helps their symptoms. Even though the connection between gluten and arthritis isn't fully understood, it's worthwhile to investigate if you think gluten might be causing some of your symptoms. If you want advice on a gluten-free diet, speak with a doctor or dietitian.
Although managing arthritis can be difficult, diet can have a big impact on how severe the symptoms are. It might be possible to lessen the symptoms of arthritis by limiting or avoiding foods that cause inflammation, such as sugar, saturated fats, processed and fried foods, refined carbohydrates, and some proteins. For some people, dairy, nightshade vegetables, and gluten can also be problematic, so it's important to watch your diet and adjust it as necessary.