Trigger Foods for Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. The food you take can affect your condition. Certain foods can aggravate inflammation and pain, leading to worsening of symptoms. The article lists out some of the worst foods for arthritis.
1. Processed foods
One of the worst foods for arthritis is processed foods. These foods that include prepackaged foods, snacks, and baked goods use trans fats. These fats can increase inflammation and aggravate the arthritis condition. Processed foods also contain more sugar and salt, which is not suitable for your arthritis.
2. Gluten in food
Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, rye, and barley. Studies have shown a relationship between inflammation and gluten consumption. Studies have also shown that people who adopt a gluten-free diet experience improvement in their arthritis symptoms. Giving up gluten foods and replacing them with non-gluten grains can help arthritis patients.
3. Salt
Salt or the sodium in salt can increase inflammation in the body. This is why it is essential to reduce the consumption of salt. Arthritis patients should not take more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium a day from all sources.
Adding extra salt to food and consuming snacks, processed foods, and junk foods that are high in salt must be strictly avoided.
4. Excess sugar
Excess sugar is not suitable for health. Increased sugar leads to the production of a substance called cytokine in the body. This leads to inflammation and can worsen the symptoms of arthritis. Foods and drinks with sugars, like chocolates, pastries, sodas, candies, and even fruit juices, should be avoided.
Alternatives to sugar like aspartame should also be avoided.
5. Red meat
Red meat (and processed meat) are linked to aggravation in arthritis symptoms. This type of meat contains saturated fat. This increases the level of cholesterol in the blood and also contributes to increased inflammation. Meat also contains a substance known as AGE, which can cause inflammation and worsen arthritis symptoms.
6. High-fat dairy products
Dairy products with high fat contents, like cheese, butter, margarine, and mayonnaise, are not suitable for arthritis patients. They have high levels of saturated fat and AGE that increase inflammation. It is recommended to consume low-fat dairy products to avoid this problem.
7. Alcohol
Alcohol is very bad for arthritis. It is one of the drinks that can worsen inflammation and aggravate symptoms, especially when taken in excess. Studies have shown the relationship between alcohol consumption and inflammation. Those suffering from gout have severe symptoms increase due to alcohol consumption.
8. Omega-6 fatty acids
Omega-6 fatty acids are found in vegetable oils like sunflower oil, corn oil, and soy oil. It is also found in meat. Omega-6 is good for the body only in small doses. Excess oil usage can worsen inflammation in arthritis patients. These types of vegetable oils must be avoided or used in moderation.
The article presented some of the worst foods for arthritis. These foods can aggravate your symptoms and must be avoided.