11 Foods And Beverages To Avoid With Arthritis

Arthritis is a common yet chronic inflammation that affects your bone, joints, and other body parts. Arthritis can affect anyone, irrespective of their age. The amount of inflammation depends on multifarious factors including, diet, activity level, hydration, illness, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Arthritis diet plays an imperative role. Unwholesome foods can worsen your arthritis inflammation and symptoms.

Here we are going to discuss certain foods to avoid if you have arthritis.

3 Types of Arthritis

• Osteoarthritis: This is the most common and non-inflammatory arthritis. Several studies have claimed that nearly 40% of men and 47% of women may be diagnosed with osteoarthritis during their lifetime.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis: These are inflammatory arthritis related to autoimmune diseases.
• Gout Arthritis: This is another type of inflammatory arthritis

List of Worst Foods for Arthritis

Let’s take a look at certain foods to avoid if you have arthritis:

Processed and Red Meat

Several studies have claimed that processed and red meats are linked to inflammation. They can enhance the symptoms of arthritis. Generally, processed and red meats enhance the levels of inflammatory markers like interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine.

A study was performed in 2017 on people with RA and it was found that red meat strikingly worsened RA symptoms. Another study was performed on 25,630 people and it was revealed that a high intake of red meats could enhance the risk factor for inflammatory arthritis. Always substitute red meat with chicken, legumes, fish, and plant-based proteins to minimize the level of inflammatory markers.

High-Fat Dairy

If you are suffering from arthritis, then avoid full-fat dairy and products that come up with added sugar. There is a correlation between a high-fat diet and inflammatory reactions.

If you are sensitive to or intolerant of dairy, then discard dairy products from your diet for some time. Some dairy products like yoghurt and kefir (a milk product that has many resemblances with yoghurt) contain probiotics that are beneficial for gut bacteria. Several medical studies have proved that probiotics and a healthy mix of gut bacteria minimize inflammation and also, reduce the symptoms of arthritis.

Salt

Your body may require sodium in the salt form to maintain some functions. But too much salt consumption will increase inflammation and may develop some other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

A study was conducted for 62 days on mice and it was revealed that a low salt diet decreased the severity of RA, as compared to a high salt diet. Mice that consumed a low salt diet had less cartilage damage and bone destruction. Another study was performed on 18,555 people with a high sodium diet and it was found that high sodium consumption can increase the risks of RA. So, always consume foods that are low in sodium and have no added salt.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids

If you consume too much omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, then it will increase your inflammation. Some popular food items that contain omega-6 fatty acids are soybeans, corn, safflower, sunflower, canola oil, nuts, and meat.

While cooking, you must use olive oil (monounsaturated fat) and consume more fatty fish like salmon, tuna, and cod.

Alcohol

Alcohol consumption may aggravate the symptoms of arthritis. People who are suffering from inflammatory arthritis should avoid it or consume it moderately. A study was conducted on 278 people with axial spondyloarthritis (inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spinal cord and sacroiliac (SI) joints) and it was found that alcohol consumption increased the damage of the spinal structure. Moreover, chronic alcohol consumption will uplift the risk of osteoarthritis.

Red wine (one type of alcohol) possesses anti-inflammatory properties because they are flooded with antioxidants. To promote a healthy joint, it is recommended to drink less than 5 ounces of red wine per day.

Processed Foods

Ultra-processed food items like frozen meals, lunchmeat, baked goods, fast food, and packaged snacks are made up of ingredients that uplift your inflammation. They contain refined grains, added sugars, salt, and fat to maintain their taste and flavour.

Several studies have provided that Western diets are packed up with these heavily processed foods and thus, they may enhance your risk of RA by contributing to inflammation.

Gluten

Gluten is a protein that is commonly found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. Several studies have proved that a gluten-free diet is beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis patients by lessening inflammation.

Medical studies have also indicated that there is a link between celiac disease and rheumatoid arthritis. By avoiding gluten, you can observe whether your arthritis symptoms are improving or not. A study was conducted on 66 people for a 1-year study with RA and it was found that a gluten-free, vegan diet lessened the disease’s activity and improved inflammation.

Candy and Dessert

Popular food sources like candy, desserts, baked goods, ice cream, processed snacks, and condiments like ketchup and barbecue sauce contain added sugar. Restrict your added sugar consumption as it can increase inflammation if you have arthritis.

Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Soda, fruit juices, sweet tea, and other sweetened drinks are unhealthy for your health, as these items contain a large amount of sugar. Try to restrict your added sugar intake to 9 teaspoons per day. Several studies indicated that even low-to-moderate intake of sweetened beverages enhances inflammation.

Fried Foods

Fried foods are cooked in oils that contain saturated fat and omega-6 fatty acids. Both of these too, increase inflammation and uplift the symptoms of arthritis. Instead of oil, try to use an air fryer or bake your foods.

Canned Foods

Discard those canned foods that are high in sugar and salt. Because this can enhance inflammation. Salt is another common preservative in many canned foods. Purchase those products that are either low in sodium or contain no added salt.

Conclusion

The above article gave you an idea regarding the arthritis diet. If you are suffering from arthritis, then by changing your diet, you can manage your symptoms and inflammation. Research shows that food items like saturated fat, omega-6 fats, sugar, and salt are worse foods for arthritis. Always try to eat food items that contain fresh vegetables, fruits, omega-3s, and whole grains to minimize the inflammation of your joints.