5 Inflammatory Foods to Skip for Arthritis Prevention
Approximately 25% of U.S. adults experience arthritis-related symptoms, as reported by the CDC. Although there’s no cure for arthritis, making dietary adjustments can alleviate symptoms like joint pain, swelling, and reduce the risk of developing various forms of arthritis.
Exploring 5 Foods That Might Trigger Arthritis Symptoms
Gluten
regardless of whether you do not have Celiac disease, gluten could be the cause of your painful and irritated joints. However, it appears from recent research that those who have celiac disease are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
However, research indicates that a gluten-free diet can significantly ease arthritis symptoms while lowering inflammation, suggesting that cutting back on gluten may be beneficial in reducing joint inflammation.
Red Meat
Research indicates that red meats, including beef, pork, lamb, and veal, may exacerbate inflammation, worsening arthritis symptoms.
A comprehensive review suggests that adopting plant-based diets could alleviate pain in individuals with arthritis.
Red meats, high in saturated fat, have been associated with increased inflammation, potentially intensifying joint swelling and arthritis symptoms, according to Verywell Health.
Furthermore, processed meats like hot dogs, pepperoni, and bacon may pose a risk, with a 2021 Nutrition Journal study linking high consumption to an increased risk of developing Rheumatoid arthritis compared to fish and poultry diets.
Added sugars
The consumption of added sugars, prevalent in soda, candy, pastries, and dairy desserts, has been linked to the exacerbation of arthritis symptoms, according to research.
A 2017 survey identified sugar as a prominent trigger for arthritis symptoms, with 12.7% attributing symptoms to sugar and 12.4% to desserts.
Individuals frequently consuming sugar-sweetened beverages, like soda or energy drinks, may face an increased likelihood of arthritis.
A 2016 study involving over 1,200 adults revealed that those consuming sugar-sweetened beverages at least five times per week were three times more likely to have arthritis than infrequent consumers.
High-salt foods
High consumption of salty foods, or sodium, has been associated with an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases like inflammatory arthritis, according to a 2017 study.
Americans, on average, consume nearly double the recommended daily sodium intake, which is approximately 1 teaspoon of salt per day according to the FDA.
Among the foods high in sodium are:
- fast food items like fries and hamburgers.
- Pizza.
- meat from delis.
- Salad dressings and condiments.
- vegetables in a can.
- Dinners from frozen.
Processed Foods
Highly processed foods, rich in Dietary Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), contribute to oxidative stress, leading to increased inflammation.
Foods like hot dogs, American cheese, mayonnaise, salty snacks, and fried bacon are examples.
Regular consumption of highly processed foods is linked to obesity and heightened insulin resistance, factors that can contribute to arthritis, as suggested by a 2018 study.
Comments are closed.