Introduction
Avoiding certain foods and drinks can reduce the severity of symptoms of inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis , resulting in a marked improvement in the quality of life of people with these conditions. Arthritis is a common health condition involving chronic inflammation of the joints . It causes pain and damage to joints, bones , and other parts of the body, depending on the type
Osteoarthritis, which is not an inflammatory disease , is the most common, although there are over 100 types. In fact, up to 40% of men and 47% of women may be diagnosed with osteoarthritis in their lifetime. Rheumatoid arthritis ( RA) and psoriatic arthritis are inflammatory conditions that are considered autoimmune diseases . Gout is another common type of inflammatory arthritis .
Foods to avoid if you have arthritis
- added sugars
- sugary and carbonated drinks
- breakfast cereals _
- industrial bakery products
- foods rich in omega 6 and low in omega 3
- gluten (cereals, flours and products containing gluten)
- french fries
- grilled foods (due to the advanced glycation process )
- red meats
- sausages
- ultra-processed foods
- excess of salt
Foods and drinks with added sugars
Arthritis sufferers should limit their sugar intake . Added sugars are found in candy, soda , ice cream , and numerous other foods, including less obvious items like barbecue sauce . A study of 217 people with rheumatoid arthritis found that among 20 foods, sugar-sweetened soda and desserts were the most frequently reported to worsen symptoms.
Red and processed meats
Some research links red and processed meat to inflammation, which can increase arthritis symptoms. For example, diets high in red and processed meats demonstrate high levels of inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 ( IL-6 ), C -reactive protein ( CRP ), and homocysteine . The study of 217 people with RA mentioned above also found that red meat commonly worsens symptoms of rheumatoid and inflammatory arthritis. Conversely, plant-based diets that exclude red meat have been shown to improve arthritis symptoms.
Gluten
The gluten contained in wheat , barley , rye and in triticale (a cross between wheat and rye) is associated with increased inflammation, so specialists suggest avoiding foods containing gluten in order to relieve the symptoms of ‘arthritis. People with celiac disease also have a higher risk of developing arthritis. Similarly, those with autoimmune diseases have a significantly higher prevalence of celiac disease than the general population.
In particular, a study of 66 people with rheumatoid arthritis found that a gluten-free vegan diet significantly reduced disease activity and improved inflammation.
Ultra-processed foods
Ultra-processed foods such as fast food , breakfast cereals and processed baked goods are typically high in refined grains, added sugars, preservatives and other potentially inflammatory ingredients, which can worsen arthritis symptoms.
Research suggests that Western diets high in highly processed foods may increase RA risk by contributing to inflammation and risk factors such as obesity. Additionally, in a study of 56 people with RA, those who ate higher amounts of ultra-processed foods showed increased heart disease risk factors , including higher levels of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), a long-standing marker end of blood glucose monitoring .
Spirits
Because alcohol can make arthritis symptoms worse, anyone with inflammatory arthritis should limit or avoid it. A study of 278 people with axial spondyloarthritis — inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spinal cord and sacroiliac (SI) joints — linked alcohol intake to increased spinal structural damage. Studies have also shown that drinking alcohol can increase the frequency and severity of gout attacks .
Omega 6 fats
Diets high in omega-6 fats and low in omega-3 fats can worsen symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The unbalanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in most Western diets can increase inflammation. Reducing your intake of foods rich in omega-6 fats, such as vegetable oils , while increasing your intake of foods rich in omega-3s, such as fatty fish ( salmon , sardines , mackerel , etc.), may improve arthritis symptoms
Advanced Glycation: What Happens to Chips, Burgers, or Toast?
What is Advanced Glycation Process (AGE)? The reaction by which molecules are created through reactions between sugars and proteins or fats . They exist naturally in raw animal foods and are formed through certain cooking methods. Fried , roasted, broiled, seared, or broiled high -protein, high-fat foods are among the richest dietary sources of AGEs. These include: bacon , pan-fried or broiled steaks, hamburgers , roasted or fried chicken , and grilled hot dogs. The succulent crust that forms on the surface of these foods conceals advanced glycation, which is harmful to health.
French fries, American cheese, margarine and mayonnaise are also rich in AGEs which, accumulated in high amounts in the body, can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation. Oxidative stress and AGE formation are linked to disease progression in people with arthritis . In fact, people with inflammatory arthritis have been shown to have higher levels of AGEs in their bodies than people without arthritis. The accumulation of AGEs in bones and joints may also play a role in the development and progression of osteoarthritis.
Excess of salt
Reducing salt is always a good habit in every individual’s diet, even more so it proves to be a good choice for people with arthritis. Foods high in salt include shrimp , canned soups, pizza , some cheeses , processed meats, and numerous other processed products. A low-salt diet reduces the severity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, compared to a high-salt diet, which results in less cartilage breakdown and bone destruction, as well as lower inflammatory markers than a high-salt diet. salt content. Experts agree that a high sodium intakeit may be a risk factor for autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory arthritis.
