What foods aggravate arthritis?

Highly processed foods, foods with extra salt and sugar, foods high in advanced glycation end products (AGPs), such as bacon, and a diet with a high omega-6 fat to omega-3 fat ratio are foods that may aggravate arthritis.

 

Which foods are beneficial for arthritis?

For anyone with arthritis, a balanced diet that offers a variety of antioxidants and other nutrients is likely to be helpful. This calls for a focus on whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and healthy oils like olive oil. Think about attempting the Mediterranean diet.

 

What fruits and vegetable items should you avoid if you have arthritis?

 

Tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplants, and tomatoes, according to some, tend to make arthritis pain and inflammation worse. These are all solanine-containing members of the nightshade family. These meals provide a variety of crucial nutrients, but there is no scientific proof to support this.

Citrus fruits like lemons, according to some experts, may not be useful, but other research suggests that citrus fruit flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory effects, may be helpful. More study is required.

 

What foods cause inflammation the most?

 

The following components may contribute to inflammation in food:

  • added sugar, including fructose
  • artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame
  • saturated fats, for instance, in cheese and pizzas
  • omega-6 fatty acids, present in many vegetable oils and salad dressings
  • refined carbohydrates, present in white flour products, fries, and many breakfast cereals
  • monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavor enhancer
  • gluten (for some people), present in wheat, barley, and rye products
  • casein (for some people), present in dairy products
  • alcohol
  • fried or grilled meats, as they contain AGPs

 

 

What beverages to avoid if you have arthritis?

1.Red wine and other alcohol

It is true that resveratrol, an antioxidant with potential health advantages, is present in red wine. Any alcohol consumption, though, has drawbacks. Scientists do not advise drinking alcohol to either prevent arthritis or treat its symptoms since further research is required to confirm the impact that alcohol plays in arthritis.

For illustration:

  • Alcohol consumption once a week or more may raise the risk.
  • Alcohol use raises uric acid levels in the body, which may be a factor in the development of gout.
  • According to a 2019 study, drinking alcohol may make axial spondyloarthritis patients more susceptible to spinal structural damage.
  • Females were shown to be more likely than males to acquire RA when drinking alcohol, according to a 2021 study by Research.

Briefly, it’s preferable to restrict

 

2. Sugar-sweetened drinks

Your risk of arthritis may greatly increase if you consume sugary drinks like soda. In a study of 1,209 adults between the ages of 20 and 30, those who drank beverages with added fructose five or more times per week or more frequently were three times more likely to have arthritis than those who drank little to no such beverages.

Fructose-containing beverages may also cause a rise in uric acid levels, which can make gout worse. Sugar, aspartame, and phosphoric acid are all ingredients found in sodas and other sweetened beverages, and they can all interfere with the body’s absorption of calcium, an essential mineral for strong bones. 

3. Coffee

According to the Arthritis Foundation (AF), it’s not clear whether coffee is good for people with arthritis or not. On the one hand, it contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation. On the other hand, people should be mindful of the caffeine content.

If you like a cup of coffee, it’s best to:

  • consume no more than 1–2 cups per day
  • avoid drinking coffee too soon before bedtime
  • avoid adding too much sugar, syrup, or cream to coffee
  • How does caffeine affect your body?

 

 

4.Milk

 

Milk and other dairy products can cause inflammation in some people, although this isn’t always the case. Milk is an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D if you can handle it. To reduce your chance of gaining weight and consuming unhealthy fats, choose dairy products with minimal or no fat.

Summary

If you have arthritis, a healthy diet and lifestyle may help improve your symptoms. Research suggests avoiding certain foods and beverages, including highly processed foods, red meat, fried foods, alcohol, and anything with added sugars.