Avoid these Foods if You Have Arthritis

Arthritis refers to an inflammation of the joints. There are different types of arthritis and they can affect one or even multiple joints in our bodies. While it is most common among the elderly, especially people over 65 years of age; it can affect younger people too, unfortunately, including teenagers and children and can cause a lot of pain.

Arthritis usually requires medical attention because you will need medication for it but other than that, did you know that following a good diet can help you reduce the suffering that comes with it? Some foods are known to cause further inflammation and you should definitely avoid them if you are looking to help your situation.

Getting rid of certain foods may not be the most interesting thing especially because it might mean getting rid of something you really like eating, but it is worth it. You will for sure realize it when you experience less pain or even have the doctor minimize on the number of medicines you need to take.

So here are the foods you need to avoid if you have arthritis.

Coffee

This is truly some bad news considering just how many people prefer to start their day with a cup of coffee. While it is known to have its own share of health benefits, coffee has been proven to increase one’s chances of getting rheumatoid arthritis, as some of its ingredients spark the rheumatoid factor. Studies have shown that those people who drink four or more cups in a day are more at risk of getting rheumatoid arthritis compared to those who do not. Their chances are twice as much in fact. If there is the slightest risk factor that could cause arthritis, then you might want to consider starting your morning by drinking tea instead.

Tobacco

Unfortunately, this is a hard one to quit. Tobacco is just very addictive regardless of the form you take it in. People who smoke this substance have very high chances of developing severe rheumatoid arthritis so it’s better not to start intake if you haven’t yet, but if you do take this substance, it might be time to actually stop because you are not doing yourself a favor. Smoking affects how medication taken for arthritis works on the body. It lessens the effect and even continues to damage your joints, bones and connective tissue.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a drink that could also become addictive when taken excessively. While drinking alcohol may be socially enjoyable, it is a dangerous vice especially to those that suffer from arthritis. Alcoholics will often be the ones experiencing cases of gout. Gout is a form of arthritis. It is responsible for the formation of hard crystals in the person’s joints. If you have arthritis, then you should know that drinking will lead to further inflammation, even if you just drink a few bottles. So it’s better to just avoid alcohol altogether. That’s another reason to stop drinking, added to the common “it will ruin your liver.”

Added sugars

A lot of people love sugar. It is sweet after all. Unfortunately, it is another indulgence that might increase your pain if you suffer from arthritis. When the proteins in your body as well as the fats come into contact with sugar, your body produces “advanced glycation end products” (AGEs). These AGEs will make you age faster, which is something you do not want and will trigger further inflammation. So, to avoid further pain, go for sugar sources that are less processed, like honey.

Aspartame

Yes people, this one too. Artificial sweeteners are not that healthy either when compared to actual sugar. The worst part is, they are made entirely in the laboratory. Your body might not even recognize them as food, you know, and that is what will cause painful inflammation. What’s worse is that in addition to making the situation worse for those who already suffer from arthritis, it can bring the condition to people that never even had it in the first place. So watch your intake of it. You do not want to create a health problem such as arthritis for yourself.

Salt

It is not exactly uncommon for doctors to ask you to reduce your intake of salt. This is because too much intake of salt often causes water retention and even high blood pressure. It could also be the cause of a variety of other diseases that you definitely do not want. Medication taken by people suffering from arthritis who take corticosteroids will already make them hang onto sodium more so it is very important to reduce just how much salt you take.

Saturated fats

First of all, people suffering from arthritis are already at a higher risk of getting heart disease so taking a diet with a lot of saturated fats does not do them justice. These fats will do a lot of damage to your heart and joints. While foods containing saturated fats, such as red meat and junk food, are usually the most delicious, it is worth staying away from them if you want to remain healthy and minimize inflammation.

Foods that have been cooked at high temperatures

Preparing foods at high temperatures produces AGEs which cause inflammation. Foods that require preparation by grilling or frying release cytokines in the body that causes inflammation of your joints. It is therefore better to eat more raw salads compared to foods that require more heat. If you really have to eat hot food, make sure you heat it more gently. It will take longer to get it ready but it is better.

Dairy products

There’s a particular protein contained in these products that causes irritation of the tissues around the joints. The good thing is that intake of dairy products does not affect everybody suffering from arthritis negatively, so it’s worth trying them out first to see how you react to them. If they have negative effects on you then you could replace that protein with spinach, lentils, beans and other protein-rich foods. If you don’t react negatively to dairy products, then keep drinking and eating the ones you can get your hands on.

MSG

This salt-based food additive is known to have effects such as water retention and swelling. This is not good for arthritis patients as it can cause discomfort as it triggers inflammation. MSG can also damage your liver. Although it is mostly present in Asian foods, it can be present even in some commercial soup mixes, deli meats, salad dressings, and fast foods. To be safe, it is advisable to read the labels on these products very carefully. Reading labels generally helps you protect your body by ensuring you stay away from ingredients that could harm it.

Refined carbs

White flour can be found literally everywhere. It is almost impossible to avoid it. Unfortunately, it is a result of very highly processed grain, which will increase cytokines in your bloodstream. As a result, it could trigger inflammation. While foods made from white flour such as baked goods are very tasty, they do not have the same nutritional value that the original grain has. You can find the whole grain that is healthy for you in rice, cereal, bread or even pasta. Just watch your portions so that you also do not start developing other complications.

Corn oil/ Omega-6s

Our bodies actually need omega 6 fatty acids, which can generously be found in corn oil. The problem is that our intake of it is usually more than we need, which could trigger inflammatory chemicals. These chemicals could end up causing arthritis flare-ups. It is advisable to stay away from oils that have been made from grapeseed, vegetables, peanuts or soy and while you are at it, also avoid assorted salad dressings as well as mayonnaise that have the oils.

Gluten

It is a type of protein that could cause serious inflammation to people who are gluten intolerant or people with celiac disease. It can be found in grains such as barley, rye, wheat and oats. Gluten can also trigger some types of arthritis. For those who already have it, it is advisable to get tested for gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Trans fats

Trans fats are triggers of inflammation and should definitely be avoided by people suffering from arthritis. Foods that contain these trans fats include fried products and fast foods. Unfortunately, so many people like to eat fast foods because they are very tasty and could be addictive. Other sources of trans fats that should be avoided are frozen breakfast products, donuts, crackers, cookies, processed fats and most sticky kinds of margarine.

Red meat

Too much intake of red meat triggers inflammation. In as much as eating red meat can help give you more protein and other nutrients, you need it in very small quantities. Getting rid of it completely could improve your symptoms if you are suffering from arthritis. If you really can’t resisit it, just have lean cuts.