What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a common condition of joints characterized by inflammation, which causes pain, swelling, and limiting movement. There are several types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout are the most prevalent.
Osteoarthritis: This type of arthritis results from the protective cartilage on the ends of bones wearing down over time, leading to bones rubbing against each other and causing pain and stiffness.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: It is an autoimmune condition during which your body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joints, resulting in inflammation and joint damage.
Gout: It is caused by an surplus of uric acid in the blood. The excess uric acid forms crystals that deposit in joints and surrounding tissues, leading to pain, swelling, and inflammation.
The exact causes of Arthritis are not well understood. Still, factors that increase the risk of developing the condition include age, diet, genetics, joint injury, obesity, and other conditions such as diabetes, blood pressure, lupus, and psoriasis.
It is recommended to seek medical guidance from an orthopaedic if you are experiencing persistent joint pain. Early treatment can help slow the progression of the condition and relieve symptoms. At the same time, you can also manage symptoms of Arthritis by managing your body weight, having essential nutrients and avoiding trigger foods that can worsen the inflammation.
Here is the list of foods and beverages that you must strictly give up on to improve Arthritis:
1. High purine foods
High-purine foods are foods that contain high levels of purines, which are naturally occurring substances found in many foods. These foods include red meat, organ meats (such as liver, kidney and brain), poultry, fish (such as anchovies, sardines and herring), shellfish (such as crab, lobster, and shrimp), yeast, and legumes (such as beans and lentils).
People with Arthritis, particularly gout, are advised to limit their intake of high-purine foods because when purines break down in the body, they produce uric acid. Excess uric acid can deposit in joints, leading to pain, swelling, and inflammation in the affected joint. By avoiding or limiting high-purine foods, people with Arthritis can reduce the production of uric acid and lower their risk of gout attacks.
2. High-Calorie Foods
Obesity is directly related to osteoarthritis, especially of the knees. Each pound of extra weight puts four pounds of stress on the knees. Fat itself generates chemicals that can exacerbate inflammation, which describes why overweight people are also at greater risk of Arthritis in the hands. Obesity is connected to rheumatoid Arthritis and gout as well. Cutting back on foods full of fats and sugars, especially empty calories such as soda or foods that trigger overeating, can help peel off pounds. Here are the high calories foods that you should avoid in Arthritis:
- Potatoes
- Oily fish
- Rice
- Red meat
- Full-fat dairy
3. Foods Cooked at High Temperature
Foods cooked at high temperatures, especially meat and fried foods, can produce compounds called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). These compounds can increase inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a crucial factor in developing Arthritis and other chronic conditions, and high levels of AGEs have been shown to exacerbate symptoms in people with Arthritis. By avoiding foods cooked at high temperatures, people with Arthritis can help lower their overall levels of inflammation and reduce their risk of flare-ups. In contrast, its recommended cooking using methods that decrease AGE formation, such as boiling, steaming, baking or slow cooking,
4. Gluten rich food
Some individuals with Arthritis also have celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which can result in an immune response to gluten. It leads to inflammation throughout the body. It can exacerbate arthritis symptoms, leading to increased pain, swelling, and joint damage.
However, not all people with Arthritis have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, and gluten avoidance may not be necessary or beneficial for everyone with Arthritis. If you have concerns about the role of gluten in your arthritis symptoms, it’s important to seek the guidance of a doctor or qualified dietitian to determine the optimal dietary approach for you.
5. Butter
Butter is high in saturated fats, which contributes to inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a critical factor in the development of Arthritis and other chronic conditions. In addition, butter is often used in high-fat, high-calorie foods, and obesity is a known risk factor for the development and progression of Arthritis. Replacing saturated fats with healthier unsaturated fats such as omega-3 fatty acids found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts improves overall health and arthritis symptoms.
6. Refined Sugar
Refined sugar in foods, beverages, sodas and energy drinks should be avoided in Arthritis. It is because sugar is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing a rapid and significant increase in blood sugar levels. Over time, this can lead to insulin resistance and increased inflammation, exacerbating arthritis symptoms.
In addition, sugary drinks are often high in calories and contribute to weight gain, which is a known risk factor for the development and progression of Arthritis.
7. Alcohol
Alcohol consumption can raise the production of uric acid in the body, which can trigger gout attacks and exacerbate symptoms in people with Arthritis. In addition, alcohol can disrupt the balance of other chemicals in the body, leading to increased inflammation and oxidative stress levels.
In addition, alcohol is often high in calories and contributes to weight gain, a known risk factor for the development and progression of Arthritis.
8. Processed foods
Processed foods, such as packaged snacks, fast food, and pre-packaged meals, are often high in unhealthy ingredients such as added sugars, saturated fats, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and artificial preservatives. These ingredients can disrupt the balance of chemicals in the body and contribute to oxidative stress and other factors that can exacerbate arthritis symptoms. These ingredients increase the risk of inflammation and chronic health conditions, including Arthritis.
Instead of the foods mentioned above, foods rich in fibre, healthy fats, vitamin c and vitamin D can help alleviate inflammation, strengthen bones, and boost the immune system. It is always best to consult your doctor or registered dietitian before introducing or completely eliminating certain foods from your diet to treat Arthritis. They can recommend the best diet plan for you, considering your individual health needs and circumstances.
Disclaimer: The information given in this article is true to our best knowledge. Still, we recommend you consult your registered dietician first before making any changes in your diet to treat arthritis.
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