According to statistics, there are more than 50 million arthritis patients in the U.S. only. On a daily basis, they are looking for different method to manage the pain, inflammation, and discomfort.
The conventional treatment is consisted of pain meds; however, they do not resolve the root of the problem. This being said, even though there is no official arthritis diet, a lot of research points out that removing inflammatory foods can decrease the inflammation and help you deal with arthritis naturally.
The 9 Foods You Should Avoid If You Have Arthritis
Gluten and wheat
These ingredients cause inflammation in the body, especially in those who are intolerant to them. A lot of studies associate leaky gut and increased gut permeability with joint ache. Leaky gut allows waste and toxins to penetrate the bloodstream through the intestines. These by-products are considered a threat so the body activates an immune response. This response triggers inflammation in the joints and around.
Dairy
Dairy may lead to arthritis flare ups because of the protein they have known as casein. In some people, this protein may cause irritation of the joint tissue. A lot of arthritis patients have switched to a vegan diet which is free of animal products.
Corn oil
Foods rich in omega-6 fatty acids can lead to inflammation. Overindulging on this fatty acid is very easy because it is found in a lot of foods. Other oils you need to avoid are canola, soybean, rice brain, sunflower oil, and cottonseed.
Processed foods
According to what researchers at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine found, reducing fried and processed foods like dry meat and frozen meals can lower inflammation and strengthen the body’s defense.
Preservatives and salt
Nowadays, salt and preservatives are added to a lot of foods to either make them tastier or prolong their shelf life. Overconsumption can elevate the joint inflammation. Additives are also inflammatory.
Some veggies
Some veggies have solanine, a compound which causes negative physiological reactions in arthritis sufferers. These foods are peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant. You can freely eat sweet potatoes, however.
Refined sugars
Processed sugar causes release of inflammatory messengers known as cytokines. Refined sugar is hidden on products under names like fructose and sucrose. To prevent this from happening, avoid eating pastry, candy bars, soda drinks, and store-bought fruit juices.
Tobacco and alcohol
People who smoke are at a higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis while alcoholics are more prone to gout.
Decrease AGEs
Advanced glycation end product is a toxin which is released when food is grilled, fried, heated, or pasteurized. It damages the proteins in the body and the body will try to break them apart with the help of cytokines-inflammatory messengers.
Eat These Foods Instead
According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis patients should eat more of these foods:
- Fish like mackerel, salmon, and tuna
- Tofu and edamame
- Avocados, walnuts, virgin oil
- Cherries
- Broccoli
- Green tea
- Grapefruits, limes, and oranges
- Brown rice and oatmeal
- Beans
- Garlic