Foods to Avoid for Arthritis and Inflammation – Arthritis is a common health problem characterized by the persistent inflammation of joints. Depending on the type, it can be painful to the joints, break bones, and cause other injuries.

Most people with Arthritis have osteoarthritis, a non-inflammatory form that comes in more than a hundred different forms. In reality, a diagnosis of osteoarthritis is possible in as many as 47% of women and 40% of men.

Inflammatory autoimmune diseases, psoriatic Arthritis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis are severe diseases. Gout is another common form of inflammatory joint pain.

Dietary changes, such as refraining from certain foods and drinks, may reduce the severity of inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis symptoms and improve a person’s quality of life, according to studies. Read on to find out what you can eat to lessen the pain and swelling of Arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.

Worst Foods For Arthritis

Worst Foods For Arthritis – Processed Foods And Red Meat.

Multiple studies have found that eating red and processed meats increases inflammation, which may worsen arthritis symptoms.

Specifically, inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine tend to accumulate in people who eat a lot of processed and red meats.

In a study involving 217 people with rheumatoid Arthritis, red meat worsened symptoms on multiple occasions. Research involving 25,630 participants suggests that a diet high in red meat may increase the risk of inflammatory Arthritis.

On the other hand, plant-based diets that exclude red meat have been shown to alleviate arthritis symptoms.

Worst Foods For Arthritis – Foods High in Added Sugars 

Limiting sugar intake is recommended for everyone, but people with Arthritis in particular. Added sugars can be found in various foods, from candies and ice creams to less obvious condiments like barbecue sauce. Sugary drinks and desserts were reported to worsen RA symptoms more frequently than any other 20 foods studied.

And there’s some evidence that sugary drinks like soda can raise arthritis risk even further. For instance, one study of 1,209 adults found that those who consumed beverages sweetened with fructose at least five times per week had a threefold increased risk of developing Arthritis compared to those who consumed such drinks less frequently. Regular soda consumption was associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid Arthritis, according to a large study that included nearly 200,000 women.

Arthritis Triggers: Gluten-Containing Foods – Worst Foods For Arthritis

In wheat, barley, rye, and triticale, you’ll find a group of proteins called gluten (a cross between wheat and rye). Some studies have found that eliminating gluten from one’s diet can alleviate arthritis symptoms because inflammation is reduced.

Celiac disease is also linked to an increased risk of developing RA. Celiac disease, like rheumatoid Arthritis, is significantly more prevalent in the autoimmune disease community than in the general population.

In particular, a previous 1-year trial found that 66 RA patients saw a significant decrease in disease activity and an improvement in inflammation after adopting a gluten-free, vegan diet. While promising, more research is needed to determine whether or not a gluten-free diet can alleviate arthritis symptoms on its own.

Drinking Alcohol Is One Of The Worst Foods For Arthritis 

If you have inflammatory Arthritis, you should cut back or eliminate alcohol because it can aggravate your condition. A study of 278 people with axial spondyloarthritis and inflammatory Arthritis primarily affecting the spinal cord and sacroiliac (SI) joints found that alcohol consumption was associated with more severe spinal structural damage.

It has been suggested that alcohol consumption can aggravate gout and make attacks more frequent. Consistent alcohol consumption is also associated with an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis. However, not all research has found a significant link.

Most Arthritis-Inducing Foods Are Highly Processed

Ultra-processed foods, such as fast food, breakfast cereal, and baked goods, can be high in refined carbohydrates, added sugar, preservatives, and other inflammatory elements that can worsen arthritis symptoms.

Research suggests that the Western diet, typically high in processed foods, may increase RA risk by promoting inflammation and risk factors, such as obesity.

The long-term indicator of blood sugar control, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), was also higher in the 56 RA patients who consumed the most ultra-processed food. Therefore, eating processed foods may harm your health and increase your vulnerability to various illnesses.

Salty Foods Are The Foods To Avoid For Arthritis And Inflammation

Those who have Arthritis should consider cutting back on their salt intake. Foods high in salt include shrimp, canned soup, pizza, cheeses, processed meats, and several other processed foods. An investigation in rodents found that Arthritis was significantly worse in those animals fed a high-salt diet.

A 62-day study in mice confirmed that a low-salt diet mitigated RA symptoms compared to a high-salt diet. Bone loss, cartilage degradation, and inflammatory markers were reduced in low-salt-diet mice compared to high-salt-diet mice. Intriguingly, some research suggests that eating a lot of salt can boost your risk of developing autoimmune diseases like inflammatory Arthritis.

Avoid These Arthritis-Worsening Vegetable Oils

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may be exacerbated by a diet low in omega-3 fats and high in omega-6. These fats are essential for optimal bodily functioning. However, inflammation may be exacerbated by the imbalanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio typical of Western diets. People living with Arthritis may relieve their symptoms by consuming more omega-3-rich foods, such as fatty fish, and fewer omega-6-rich foods, like vegetable oils.

Foods To Avoid For Arthritis And Inflammation

When proteins or lipids interact with sugars, molecules named advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are formed. They can be found in raw animal foods or made using specific cooking methods.

Fried, roasted, grilling, searing, and braising high-protein, high-fat animal dishes are among the best dietary sources of advanced glycation end products. To name a few examples: bacon, grilled or roasted poultry, pan-fried steak, and broiled hot dogs.

The development of Arthritis is associated with oxidative stress and the production of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Foods like french fries, mayonnaise, American cheese, and margarine also contain a lot of AGEs. When your body produces a lot of AGEs, you might experience oxidative stress and inflammation.

Age-related bone and joint degeneration may play a role in the onset and development of osteoarthritis. People living with Inflammatory Arthritis were found to have higher AGE levels compared to healthy controls. Consuming more plant- and animal-based foods and fewer processed foods may help you reduce your overall AGE load.

One Last Thing – Foods to Avoid for Arthritis and Inflammation

Foods to Avoid for Arthritis and Inflammation – People with Arthritis might find relief from their symptoms by adopting a healthier diet and lifestyle. Research suggests avoiding processed foods, red meat, fried foods, and beverages with high levels of added sugars. It is vital to remember that factors like physical activity, body mass index, and smoking history all play a role in managing Arthritis.