Ten foods to avoid in Arthritis

Eating well is essential for everyone, but if you have arthritis, making smart dietary choices can significantly impact your joint health and help reduce pain and inflammation.

In this article, we'll explore how certain foods can worsen the joint complications and how they can make a bad impact on your overall well-being.

1. Gluten and wheat

Both gluten and wheat produce an inflammatory response, especially in people who are intolerant to either. Several studies have linked leaky gut — or increased gut permeability — to joint pain.

Leaky gut allows toxins and waste to enter the bloodstream through the intestines; these harmful byproducts are seen as a threat, and the body launches an immune response. The immune response itself leads to inflammation, sometimes targeting areas in and around the joints.

2. Dairy Products

Many dairy products contain a type of protein called casein. According to a study done by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, casein protein can cause irritation to the tissues surrounding the joints.

Of course, irritation to the joints always results in inflammation in the surrounding area.

3. Corn oil

Corn oil or, to be more precise, any food with a high dose of omega-6 fatty acids (baked goods or baked snacks) can cause inflammation. It is quite easy to consume too much of this fatty acid since so many foods contain it.

Corn oil is not the only industrial oil to avoid consuming. All oils derived from seeds – cottonseed, canola, grape seed, soybean, safflower, rice germ and sunflower oil – should also be avoided.

4. Fried and processed foods

According to a study conducted at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, reducing the consumption of fried and processed foods “can reduce inflammation and may actually help restore the body’s natural defenses regardless of the age of the health condition.”

The same study also provides dietary recommendations for the prevention of other diseases.

5. Salt and preservatives

Many foods produced today contain excessive amounts of salt and preservatives; The first makes certain foods more palatable, and the second artificially extends the shelf life of the product. Consuming too much salt and preservatives can cause inflammation within the joints.

Prepared foods, including frozen and microwaveable varieties, are often loaded with salt, preservatives and additives.

6. 'AGE'

Despite the name, AGE has no relationship to the number of years you've lived. AGE is an acronym for “Advanced Glycation End” product - a toxic by-product produced by fried, grilled, heated or pasteurized foods.

Advanced Glycation End foods "attack" certain proteins in the body when consumed. Predictably, this stimulates an autoimmune response. Cytokines are inflammatory messengers released by the autoimmune system to protect against further damage caused by AGEs and other harmful agents. Cytokines directed at areas within or around the joints exacerbate arthritis symptoms by increasing inflammation.

7. Certain Vegetables

It's surprising to see that certain vegetables are not recommended, isn't it?

The plant name for these vegetables is Solanaceae, and they contain solanine - a type of compound that causes an adverse physical reaction in arthritis patients. Eating vegetables like eggplant, peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes can worsen arthritis pain.

If you like sweet potatoes, here's some good news: they're not in this class of vegetables, and are fine to eat.

8. Sugar

Nobody likes to miss out on the occasional sweet treat, but processed sugars (similar to AGEs) release cytokines – molecules that stimulate inflammation.

Sugar, as many of you already know, is an “umbrella term” for other types of derived ingredients; namely, ingredients that end in “ose,” such as fructose, glucose and sucrose, among others. Just make sure you’re reading labels!

9. Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates; primarily white flour products, white potatoes, white rice and most grains are high-glycemic index (HGI) foods. HGI foods stimulate the production of byproducts (including AGEs), which increase inflammation.

Additionally, according to an article published by Scientific American, refined carbs “may increase the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease more than fats.” Obesity is one of the primary risk factors for arthritis.

10. Alcohol and tobacco

Alcohol and tobacco use are linked to the development of certain types of arthritis. According to Healthline.com, "Studies have shown that environmental factors play a role in developing (rheumatoid arthritis), and smoking is a major risk factor."

Apart from theses 10 foods, excessive caffeine intake is harmful. Consuming coffee in moderate quantities can benefit your body in many ways. However, too much consumption of caffeine can lead to worse consequences.

Caffeine is not just addictive; it can also trigger inflammatory reactions in your body. In addition, frequent coffee intake can increase heart rate, insomnia, anxiety and digestive issues. It also increases the chances of your bones being more prone to osteoarthritis. Thus, it is essential to control your coffee habits for an effective diet for osteoarthritis.

Taking care of your joints goes beyond exercise and medication—your diet plays a crucial role too. By incorporating nutritional, anti-inflammatory foods into your meals, you can support your body in managing osteoarthritis more effectively.

Remember, healthy eating is a lifelong commitment that can lead to lasting relief, improved mobility, and a better quality of life with osteoarthritis. Start today by making mindful choices that benefit both your joints and overall health!

Cj

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