Arthritis is an incurable condition that can cause pain in your joints, and usually affects the elderly who are more susceptible to calcium loss in their bones. But just because there is no cure for arthritis, doesn’t mean it can’t be managed with treatment and good nutrition.
These are the five best foods you need to stock up on to relieve joint pain and inflammation, according to the owner of To The Point Nutrition, Rachel Fin. It is important to note here that you can’t manage pain and other arthritis symptoms through your diet only. You must always consult your doctor for possible interventions such as exercise, physical and cognitive therapy as well as medication.
These are the 5 worst foods you can eat with arthritis.
Processed Carbohydrates
Not all carbs are bad for you, but some are worse than others because of the damage they can do inside our bodies. Processed carbs like refined sugar, flour, white rice and breads, are so prevalent in our diets, but they’re poison for arthritis sufferers. These foods can cause severe inflammation in your diet and weaken your gut microbiome, which further increases joint pain.
Sugary Drinks
Sodas and sugary beverages take up a considerable chunk of the industry because they have such a high demand for it. But these beverages act just like processed carbs because they have refined sugar in them which triggers inflammation. A shocking study published in American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that women who drank 12 ounces of fizzy drinks in a day were 63% more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
Omega-6 Fats
We’ve all heard the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids on our health, but there’s another type of omega fat compound, called the omega-6 which can do more harm than good, especially to those who have arthritis. This type of fat, found in grapeseed, soybean, corn, sunflower, and safflower oil, has harmful molecules called eicosanoids which can increase blood pressure and inflammation.
Processed Meats
Bacon, sausages, and other deli meats are a part of the standard American diet, but these meats are treated with cancerous chemicals that can deteriorate your health over time. Moreover, these foods are loaded with sodium, which all arthritis patients should avoid due to its inflammatory properties.
Frozen Foods
Most ready-to-eat meals in the frozen section are treated with sodium and other preservatives which can cause joint inflammation and worsen your arthritis symptoms. One of the foods you should absolutely steer clear of is frozen pizza, a mixture of refined carbs (the crust), processed meat (pepperoni), and sodium.