Arthritis is a painful condition that affects millions of people around the world. It can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, and can make everyday activities difficult. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are certain foods that can help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. Here are eight foods that should be avoided to prevent arthritis pain:Sweets.
Consuming too much sugar can increase inflammation in the body, which can worsen arthritis symptoms. Added sugars are found in many foods, including candies, soft drinks, ice cream, and even barbecue sauce. A study of 217 people with rheumatoid arthritis found that sugar-sweetened soft drinks and desserts were the most common cause of worsening symptoms. Additionally, a large study involving nearly 200,000 women associated regular intake of sugar-sweetened soft drinks with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis.Red Meat.
Diets rich in red and processed meat have been linked to high levels of inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine. The study in 217 people with rheumatoid arthritis also found that red meat generally worsened RA symptoms. In addition, a study in 25,630 people found that high consumption of red meat may be a risk factor for inflammatory arthritis.
Alcohol
. Studies have shown that alcohol consumption can increase the frequency and severity of gout attacks.Chronic alcohol consumption is also associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis.
Omega-6 Fats
. Diets high in omega-6 fats and low in omega-3 fats can worsen symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. These fats are necessary for health, but an unbalanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 can increase inflammation. Reducing the intake of foods high in omega-6 fats, such as vegetable oils, and increasing the intake of omega-3-rich foods, such as fatty fish, may improve arthritis symptoms.High Sodium Foods
.A study with mice found that arthritis was more severe in mice fed a high-salt diet than those who followed a diet with normal levels of salt. In addition, a study with 62-day-old mice revealed that a low-salt diet reduced the severity of RA compared to a high-salt diet. High sodium intake has also been linked to an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs)
. AGEs are molecules created through reactions between sugars and proteins or fats.They exist naturally in raw animal foods and are formed by certain cooking methods. French fries, American cheese, margarine, and mayonnaise are all rich in AGEs. When AGEs build up in large amounts in the body, oxidative stress and inflammation can occur. Replacing foods high in AGEs with whole, nutritious foods such as vegetables, fruits, legumes, and fish can reduce the total AGE burden on the body.
Refined Carbohydrates
.Refined carbohydrates such as white bread, white pasta, and crackers cause an increase in blood glucose which has been shown to increase inflammation in the body.
