Some meals and beverages, such as highly processed foods and drinks with added sugar, might either raise the risk of developing arthritis or exacerbate its symptoms. Making the best food decisions if you have arthritis can help you manage your symptoms, lower your risk of complications, enhance your general wellbeing, and prolong your quality of life.
Although there are more than 100 different forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and gout are some other varieties.
All of them contain some level of inflammation. Your arthritis symptoms and general health may be impacted by the food and beverage choices you make. Learn about some foods and drinks to stay away from if you have arthritis in this article.
1. Foods with added Sugars
Sugar consumption should be restricted for everyone, but especially for those with arthritis. Candy, soda, ice cream, and a wide variety of other foods, such as ketchup, salad dressings, and barbecue sauce, all include added sugars.
In a study including 217 RA patients, participants reported that of 20 items, sugar-sweetened soda and sweets appeared to be the most likely to aggravate their symptoms.
2. Red meats and processed meats
Inflammation has been linked in several studies to red and processed meat, which may exacerbate the symptoms of arthritis. For instance, individuals with higher levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine may consume more processed and red meat. These are inflammation-related indicators.
Red meat frequently made RA symptoms worse, according to the research of 217 persons with the disease that was stated above. An analysis published in 2019 found that plant-based diets without red meat may reduce the symptoms of arthritis.
In contrast to fish and seafood, research released in 2022 identified a relationship between a higher risk of RA and consumption of processed meats. However, neither red meat nor poultry were linked to RA by the authors.
3. Foods containing gluten
The group of proteins known as gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains. Going gluten-free may help with the symptoms of arthritis, according to some studies that links it to an increase in inflammation.
Additionally, persons who have celiac disease are more likely to develop RA than those who do not. A gluten-free, vegan diet may lessen disease activity and improve inflammation, according to some limited data.
To clarify whether a gluten-free diet can help persons with arthritis, more research is required.
4. Foods with a lot of processing
Fast food, breakfast cereal, and baked goods are examples of ultra-processed foods that frequently contain refined grains, added sugar, preservatives, fructose, and other potentially inflammatory elements that may exacerbate arthritis symptoms.
Highly processed meals have been linked to inflammation and obesity, both of which are risk factors for RA, according to research.
In addition, a study of 56 RA patients found that those who consumed more ultra-processed food had higher risk factors for heart disease, including higher levels of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), a long-term indicator of blood sugar control. As a result, eating processed meals may harm your overall health and raise your risk of contracting further ailments.
5. Specific vegetable oils
Diets that are heavy in omega-6 fats and low in omega-3 fats may make knee discomfort, a frequent sign of OA and RA, worse. Although these fats are essential for good health, an imbalance could make inflammation more likely.
While omega-6 is found in margarines, vegetable shortening, and cooking oils like corn and safflower, omega-3 is
found in oily fish, oily nuts, and green vegetables.
Maintaining a balance between these different oils may reduce the symptoms of arthritis.
Tip: To achieve the ideal omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, increase your consumption of fatty fish while using olive oil as an example of an oil that is low in omega-6 FA.
6. Salt-rich foods
Those who have arthritis may benefit from reducing their salt intake. Shrimp, canned soup, pizza, some cheeses, processed meats, and several other processed foods are examples of foods high in salt.
High sodium consumption may put people at risk for developing autoimmune conditions including inflammatory arthritis, according to a study. The fact that salt increases immunological processes that result in inflammation may be one contributing factor.
Meanwhile, a 2015 study found a connection between RA risk and sodium intake. The study examined information on 18,555 individuals.
7. AGE-rich foods
The compounds known as dietary advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are produced when sugars and proteins or lipids interact. They are naturally present in raw animal feeds and are created during specific cooking processes.
The following foods have a high AGE content:
- Fried Roasted, Grilled, Seared, Broiled, Or Other High-Protein,
- High-Fat Animal Dishes, Such As
- Bacon
- Beef That Has Been Pan-Fried Or Grilled
- Chicken That Has Been Roasted Or Fried, Etc.
- Hot Dogs
- Fries
- European Cheese
- Mayonnaise
AGEs can cause oxidative stress and inflammation in your body when they build up in large quantities. In persons with arthritis, oxidative stress and AGE production are associated with disease progression. RA patients and others who do not have inflammatory arthritis may have higher amounts of AGEs in their bodies than those who do. The genesis and course of OA may be influenced by AGE accumulation in bones and joints.
The total AGE burden in your body may be decreased by substituting wholesome, whole meals including vegetables, fruits, legumes, and seafood for items rich in AGE.
In conclusion
A balanced food and way of life may aid with arthritic symptoms. According to research, it’s best to stay away from foods and drinks that have been heavily processed, red meat, fried foods, alcohol, and anything with added sugars. Keep in mind that controlling arthritis also requires consideration of lifestyle elements like your level of activity, weight, and smoking history.