Arthritis is a common health condition that involves chronic inflammation of the joints. It causes pain and damages joints, bones, and other parts of the body, depending on the type.
Osteoporosis , It is a non-inflammatory condition, They are the most common – although there are more than 100 species. In fact , Up to 40% of men and 47% of women may be diagnosed with osteoporosis during their lifetime.
at the same time, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis are inflammatory diseases that are considered autoimmune diseases. Gout is another common type of arthritis.
Research shows that dietary interventions, such as eliminating certain foods and drinks, It may reduce the severity of symptoms in people with inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis. As well as improving their quality of life in general.
Below we will learn about some foods and drinks that you should avoid if you have arthritis.
1. Added sugars: (1) (2)
You should limit your sugar intake no matter what. Especially if you have arthritis. Added sugars are found in candy, soda, ice cream, and many other foods, such as sauces.
A study of 217 people with rheumatoid arthritis indicated that out of 20 foods, Sugar-sweetened soft drinks and sweets were the most commonly reported for exacerbations of RA symptoms.
Furthermore it, Sugary drinks such as soda may significantly increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
2. Processed and red meat (1) (3)
Some research links red and processed meat with inflammation. Which may increase the symptoms of arthritis. Whereas diets rich in processed meat and red meat show high levels of inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine. Plant-based diets that exclude red meat have been shown to improve arthritis symptoms.
3. Foods rich in gluten
Gluten is a group of proteins in wheat and barley. Some research links it to increased inflammation and suggests that eliminating gluten may relieve arthritis symptoms.
Furthermore it , People with celiac disease are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Likewise, Those with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis have a much higher prevalence of celiac disease than the general population.
Notably, an older study, It lasted for a year in 66 people with rheumatoid arthritis, Found that a gluten-free vegan diet significantly reduces disease activity and improves inflammation.
Although these results are promising, However, more research is needed to confirm whether a gluten-free diet alone benefits people with arthritis.
4. Highly Processed Foods (1)
Ultra-processed items such as fast food and baked goods are usually high in refined grains, added sugar, preservatives, and other ingredients that may cause inflammation. All of which may exacerbate arthritis symptoms.
5. Alcohol
Since alcohol may exacerbate arthritis symptoms, Anyone with inflammatory arthritis should reduce or avoid it.
Studies have also shown that drinking alcohol may increase the frequency and severity of gout attacks and increase structural damage to the spine.
6. Certain vegetable oils (1)
Diets that are high in omega-6 fats and low in omega-3 fats may worsen symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
These fats are essential to health. However, The unbalanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 in most Western diets may increase inflammation.
Reducing your intake of foods rich in omega-6 fats may lead to such as vegetable oils, With an increase in the intake of foods rich in omega-3s such as fatty fish, the symptoms of arthritis may improve.
7. Foods that are high in salt (1)
Cutting back on salt may be a good option for people with arthritis. Foods that are high in salt include canned soups, pizza, certain types of cheese, processed meats, and many other processed items.
A study in mice found that arthritis was more severe in mice fed a high-salt diet compared to those fed a diet with normal salt levels.
Interestingly, researchers have suggested that high sodium intake may be a risk factor for autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory arthritis
8. Foods High in AGEs (1)
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are molecules that are created through interactions between sugars and proteins or lipids. They are found naturally in raw animal foods and are formed through certain cooking methods
Animal foods that are high in protein and fat and fried, roasted, or grilled are among the richest dietary sources of these compounds. include bacon, steaks, fried or grilled, grilled or fried chicken, And grilled hot dogs
French fries, American cheese, ghee, and mayonnaise are also rich in these compounds
When AGE accumulates in large quantities in the body, Oxidative stress and inflammation may occur. Oxidative stress and AGE formation are associated with disease progression in people with arthritis
In fact, People with inflammatory arthritis have been shown to have higher levels of AGE in their bodies than people without arthritis. The accumulation of these compounds in the bones and joints may also play a role in the development of arthritis
Replacing these foods with nutritious and whole foods may reduce the damage in the body, Let’s get to know some of them: (3)
- fish: Since fish is full of omega-3 fatty acids, It has natural anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce arthritis symptoms.
- fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables contain beneficial antioxidants that reduce inflammation in the body. It is also rich in fiber. Which can benefit digestive health and help maintain a healthy body weight.
- Nuts: Nuts are a great source of calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin E. Pistachios, walnuts, and almonds contain monounsaturated fats that can fight infections.
- Onions and garlic: Both garlic and onions contain diallyl disulfide. Which is known to slow the deterioration of cartilage.
- Beans: The high amounts of fiber in beans are also known to lower C-reactive protein in the blood, a known inflammatory marker.
In addition to avoiding the foods and drinks mentioned above, Following a healthy lifestyle and diet is helpful in improving arthritis symptoms, taking into account our activity level during the day, body weight and smoking, all of which are necessary to help control the disease.
With best wishes
Prepared by: Dalal Edriss
References:
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https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods-to-avoid-arthritis
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