Arthritis affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
There are so many types of arthritis with the common ones being osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
The condition causes inflammation and symptoms can worsen from bad food choices.
While a balanced diet is essential for overall health, certain foods and drinks may exacerbate arthritis symptoms.
In this article, we’ll explore seven foods and drinks to avoid if you have arthritis.
Read on, to find common foods that can make arthritis symptoms worse.
1. Processed Foods
Highly processed foods are filled with preservatives, additives, and unhealthy fats.
Processed foods are made in certain ways which affect their makeup as steps are taken to ensure longer shelf life, flavour, texture and colours.
These substances that manufacturers add are known triggers for inflammation.
Packaged snacks, fast food, and bread are common examples of processed meals.
They are filled with pro-inflammatory ingredients that can worsen arthritis symptoms.
Also Read: How to Naturally Cure Blurry Vision in Nigeria
2. Sugary Beverages:
Sodas and other sugary beverages are not only linked to weight gain but may also contribute to inflammation.
A study found that among high-risk food for arthritis, sugar was a top culprit for worsening symptoms.
High sugar intake can trigger the release of inflammatory cytokines, which can trigger arthritis symptoms.
It makes arthritis worse by not only leading to weight gain but also worsening pain and inflammation.
Opt for water, and herbal teas instead.
3. Red and Processed Meats
Red and processed meats are rich in saturated fats and advanced glycation end products (AGEs).
These are also foods that worsen inflammation.
If you have arthritis, you may benefit from limiting your intake of red meat, sausages, and processed meats.
Canned meat is processed meat too.
Opt for lean proteins like fish, poultry, and plant-based alternatives.
4. Dairy Products
Animal-based milk and products like yoghurt adversely affect some sufferers of arthritis.
Those high in fat, particularly, may aggravate inflammation and joint pain.
If you must take milk, experiment with alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, or lactose-free options to see what works best for you.
5. Gluten-containing Foods
Going gluten free has benefits for sufferers of arthritis, some study says.
For some people with arthritis, particularly those with rheumatoid arthritis, gluten may trigger inflammation.
Gluten is a group of proteins which the body finds difficult to digest.
Foods like wheat, barley, and rye contain gluten. They use them to make ultra-processed foods like bread and most flour-based products.
Now, that’s double trouble. So, consider trying a gluten-free diet to see if it positively influences your arthritis symptoms.
Swap gluten-rich foods for their alternative like almond flour. Avoid foods and drinks that are rich in gluten if you truly desire to win over arthritis.
6. Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to inflammation. It can also interfere with arthritis medications such as ibuprofen.
While moderate alcohol intake is generally considered acceptable, it is a bad choice of drink if you already have arthritis.
Beer for instance is high in purines and can cause problems if you have gout.
7. Vegetable and seed oils
Certain vegetable oils like safflower oil and margarine have high levels of omega 6 fatty acids and low levels of omega 3 fatty acids.
This results to an imbalance. Instead of using inflammatory oils, try a better option like olive and almond oil.
Then for some measure of omega-3 fatty acid, throw in some wild-caught fish and leafy greens.
Conclusion
While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for arthritis, try to make mindful choices about the foods and drinks you consume.
You can observe the foods that spike your symptoms and remove them from your diet. Then, re-introduce it.
If your symptoms worsen or reoccur, then that food is an identified trigger for you.
Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can provide essential nutrients while minimizing potential triggers for arthritis symptoms.
