What Foods Should You Avoid If You Have Arthritis?
Inflammation, a key cause of arthritis, is frequently exacerbated (or alleviated) by a person’s diet. Changing one’s diet can help alleviate arthritis symptoms for some people. This may entail avoiding foods that cause inflammation, such as saturated fat and sugar. It could also entail avoiding high-fat foods.
While there is no cure for arthritis, there are a number of effective therapies available. The most important of these is to avoid foods that aggravate joint pain and eat ones that relieve it.
Foods You Should Stay Away From
- Tobacco & Alcohol
Tobacco and alcohol can aggravate arthritis while also causing a number of other health problems. “Smokers are more likely to get rheumatoid arthritis, whereas alcoholics are more likely to acquire gout,” according to HealthLine.com. Cut back on drinking and smoking to keep your joints healthy. Promote a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a regular sleep schedule. Your body will be grateful!
- Preservatives & Salt
Excess salt consumption has been linked to joint inflammation in a number of patients who suffer from arthritis. Many people are unaware that many goods contain excessive amounts of salt and other chemicals in order to extend their shelf life. If possible, avoid frozen meals and read food labels to decrease your salt intake.
- Milk and Dairy Products
The types of proteins found in dairy products may contribute to arthritis discomfort. These proteins may irritate the tissue around the joints, according to HealthLine.com and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. “Some arthritis sufferers have found success converting to a vegan diet—which excludes all animal products,” they write. Switching to alternate protein sources like spinach, beans, lentils, and quinoa may assist if meat and dairy are your primary sources of protein.
- Sugars and refined carbohydrates
AGEs are increased when you consume a lot of sugar in your diet (advanced glycation end product). When foods are heated, grilled, fried, or pasteurized, a toxin called AGE is produced. “AGEs can harm particular proteins in the body, and the body tries to break these AGEs apart by employing cytokines, which are inflammatory messengers,” according to HealthLine.com. AGEs can cause arthritis or other forms of inflammation depending on where they occur.” To avoid this, avoid sugary foods, soda, and baked products made with white flour.
- Foods that have been fried or processed
Consuming fried and processed foods, such as fried meats and frozen dinners, has been proven to exacerbate inflammation in studies. Furthermore, eating these items on a daily basis might contribute to weight gain, putting additional strain on your joints. Replace these harmful foods with more fruits and vegetables.
Many delectable meals may appear to be off-limits at first. Remember that a few easy substitutions can frequently mean the difference between healthy and unhealthy eating options. For instance, instead of maize oil, use olive oil to cook whole-grain bread instead of white bread.
It isn’t just healthy for your arthritis to avoid foods and drinks that cause inflammation. In addition to preventing heart disease and diabetes, an anti-inflammatory diet can help avoid other chronic diseases.
Are You Looking for Arthritis Relief the You Can’t Seem to Shake?
Pace Physical Therapy in San Jose, California specializes in non-surgical arthritis pain relief and recovery therapies. We pride ourselves on offering the best possible physical therapy available and going above and beyond for our patients. Do you ever wake up feeling like you’re stiff or tight in your joints? Do they ache in the morning as you shift, becoming less painful as the day goes on? If so, this may be a symptom of early-stage arthritis. Arthritis is a common illness that many people suffer, but before seeking treatment, they tend to live with it for far too long. Pace Physical Therapy will help you find relief today. You don’t have to struggle with sore joints from arthritis. If you have arthritis, or you think you can have arthritic symptoms, contact Pace Physical Therapy today to request an appointment. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
