Chronic inflammation of the joints is a frequent feature of arthritis. It causes discomfort and even injury to joints and bones. Non-inflammatory osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form, although there are over 100 others. Osteoarthritis affects around 40 percent of men and 47 percent of women at some point in their lives. Psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, both include inflammation and are autoimmune illnesses. Inflammatory arthritis known as Gout is also frequent.
People with inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis may benefit from dietary changes, such as cutting out particular foods and drinks, which may lower their symptoms and enhance their quality of life. If you suffer from arthritis, here are the eight foods to avoid arthritis.
1. Added Sugar
In general, but particularly if you suffer from arthritis, you should try to keep your sugar consumption to a minimum. Candy, soda, ice cream, and a slew of other foodstuffs, including barbecue sauce, include added sugars.
Sugar-sweetened drinks and sweets were the most often reported to exacerbate RA symptoms in a study of 217 patients with RA. Sugary drinks like soda, on the other hand, have been linked to an increased risk for arthritis.
A study of 1,209 people aged 20–30 found that those who drank fructose-sweetened beverages five times a week or more were three times as likely to suffer from arthritis as those who drank little to no fructose. In addition, big research including almost 200,000 women found a link between frequent soda use and an increased chance of developing RA.
2. Processed and red meats
Inflammation has been linked to red and processed meat in several studies, and this might exacerbate the symptoms of arthritis. Inflammatory indicators such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine are seen in diets rich in processed and red meats.
Researchers discovered that red meat consumption was linked to an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis was shown to be associated with a higher diet of red meat in a study of 25,630 participants. A study found that eliminating red meat from one’s diet helped alleviate arthritic symptoms.
3. Gluten-containing foods
In wheat, barley, rye, and triticale, a group of proteins known as gluten may be found (a cross between wheat and rye). Going gluten-free may help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis, according to several studies. In addition, celiac disease patients have a higher chance of getting rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The frequency of celiac disease among people with autoimmune illnesses like RA is much greater than in the overall population.
According to the results of an earlier one-year trial, gluten-free vegan diets dramatically decreased disease activity and improved inflammation in adults with RA (66 participants).
Some preliminary evidence suggests that a gluten-free diet may assist persons with arthritis, but further studies are required to prove this.
4. Highly processed foods
Fast food, morning cereal, and baked goods are all examples of ultra-processed foods that are heavy in refined carbohydrates, sugar, preservatives, and other potentially inflammatory elements. This may exacerbate arthritis symptoms and make them more severe.
Inflammation and other risk factors associated with RA may be exacerbated by a Western diet high in highly processed foods, according to new research.
A study of 56 people with Rheumatoid Arthritis found that those who ate the most ultra-processed foods had higher levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), a long-term marker of blood sugar control, in their bloodstreams. As a result, processed meals may harm your health in the long term and put you at risk of developing further disorders.
5. Alcohol
Anyone with inflammatory arthritis should limit or avoid drinking since it might increase their symptoms. Those with axial spondyloarthritis, inflammatory arthritis that mostly affects the spinal cord and SI joints, were shown to have an elevated risk of structural damage to their spines when they consumed alcohol.
Alcohol use has also been linked to an increased risk of gout attacks, according to research. In addition, while not all studies have established a substantial correlation, prolonged alcohol intake is linked to an increased risk of osteoarthritis.
6. Certain vegetable oils
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis may be worsened by diets heavy in omega-6 fats and deficient in omega-3 fats. For optimal health, these fats are essential. As a result, the Western diet is characterized by an imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which may contribute to inflammation.
Meals heavy in omega-6 fats, such as vegetable oils, should be avoided, whereas omega-3-rich foods like fatty fish should be consumed more often.
7. Foods high in salt
People with arthritis may benefit from reducing their intake of salt. Shrimp, canned soup, pizza, certain cheeses, processed meats, and a slew of other processed foods are rich in sodium. Arthritis was more severe in mice on high salt diets than in those provided regular salt diets, according to rodent research.
According to the results of an additional 62-day mouse trial, salt intake reduced the severity of RA whether it was either reduced or kept constant. Mice on a low-salt diet showed lower levels of inflammatory markers and less cartilage breakdown and bone damage than mice fed a high-salt diet.
High salt consumption may have a role in autoimmune illnesses, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). A higher incidence of RA was found in a study of 18,555 adults who consumed a lot of salt.
8. Foods high in AGEs
AGEs (advanced glycation end-products) are sugar-protein or fat-derived compounds. In raw animal meals, they are present and may be created by particular cooking procedures.
AGEs may be found in fried, roasted, grilled, seared, or broiled high-protein, high-fat animal diets. Grilled hot dogs and braised or roasted chicken are other good choices.
Margarine, mayonnaise, American cheese, and French fries, among other foods, are high in AGEs. Oxidative stress and inflammation may arise when AGEs build up in your body. People with arthritis experience worsening of their condition as a result of increased oxidative stress and AGE production.
Although persons with inflammatory arthritis have greater amounts of AGEs in their systems than those without arthritis, this is not the case for everyone. Osteoarthritis may also be caused by the buildup of AGE in bones and joints. Reducing the AGE load in your body by replacing high AGE foods with healthy, complete meals including vegetables, fruits, legumes, and seafood may help.
The bottom line
Arthritis sufferers may benefit from a balanced diet and lifestyle.
Certain meals and drinks, such as highly processed foods and red meats, should be avoided according to research. Those heavy in added sugars should be avoided as well.
It’s also important to consider how active you are, how much you weigh, and whether or not you smoke when it comes to controlling your arthritis.
