Eat

Trigger Foods for Arthritis

Plus Medications That Can Help

Arthritis is a term used to describe a shared joint inflammation and pain. There are various forms of arthritis, such as psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (or RA) symptoms include swollen joints, joint stiffness, loss of appetite, fever, and fatigue. These symptoms are common in other types of arthritis as well. Many patients choose to control their arthritis condition through a proper arthritis diet, in addition to doctor-prescribed medications, such as Rinvoq, Advil, Xeljanz, Humira, Voltaren, and therapies.

Therefore, these are the foods should you avoid if you suffer with any form of arthritis:

1. Processed and fried foods

According to a 2009 research by Mount Sinai School of Medicine, researchers examining disease prevention and control through diet concluded that reduction of consuming processed and fried foods could reduce inflammation. In addition to this, your body’s immune system improves. You should reduce your consumption of processed and fried foods like prepared frozen foods and fried meats. You should consume a lot of fruits and vegetables.

2. Reduce your AGEs

AGE has nothing to do with your birthday. Instead, AGE (or Advanced Glycation End product) refers to a toxin that arises from foods after they are heated, grilled, pasteurized, or fried. AGEs destroy specific proteins within your body. Your body produces cytokines, inflammatory messengers, to fight the AGEs. Based on where the AGEs appear, they may lead to arthritis or different types of inflammation. When you reduce the amount of cooked food at high temperature in your diet might lead to a reduction in blood AGEs.

3. Dairy products

Dairy products are part of your daily diet. If not milk, then it is meat. However, dairy products contain a protein that may result in arthritis pain. This pain may manifest itself in different ways. One such method is by irritating tissues around the joints. Some patients who have arthritis have successfully converted to a vegan diet. A 2007 review said that milk had anti-inflammatory properties, except in individuals who are allergic to cow milk. These results contradict earlier research. However, if you seek to know how your body reacts to dairy products, you should stop taking these products for a few weeks, then re-introduce them to your diet and observe how your body responds to it. Better yet, seek proteins from non-dairy products. Get much of your proteins from vegetables and cereals.

4. Tobacco and alcohol

Alcohol and tobacco use can lead to a lot of health problems. One of these issues includes the health issues you are experiencing on your joints. Consumers of alcohol are likely to develop gout, while smokers are likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. In addition to these, consumption of alcohol and tobacco might affect your ability to rest, exercise, and eat a balanced diet. All these contribute to unhealthy joints. To save yourself from developing arthritis, you should cut down on alcohol and tobacco. Eat a balanced diet, get good quality sleep, and exercise regularly.

5. Preservatives and salt

A high amount of salt results in joint inflammation. Most foods contain a lot of preservatives and salts to extend its shelf life. It is, therefore, essential for you to know the foods that you eat. Reduce your consumption of processed foods. You also need to cut down on your salt consumption to modest levels. Cutting down on your use of salt and processed foods will help you fight inflammation and arthritis.