If you suffer from arthritis, making certain dietary alterations and avoiding some food options minimizes the risk of developing symptoms and complications. It boosts your overall well-being and enhances your quality. According to healthcare experts, there are more than 100 types of arthritis, including some level of inflammation that can flare up by consuming the following foods.
If you notice the signs and symptoms of arthritis or are already diagnosed with it and are looking for foods to avoid rheumatoid arthritis.
Here are the top 12 foods you should avoid if you have arthritis:
1. Sugar Drinks and Beverages
Avoiding soda, sugary drinks, processed fruit juices, cold drinks, and sweet teas is recommended for arthritis, as these contain high amounts of sugar that can affect your joints greatly.
2. Red Meat
Red meats contain a high percentage of saturated fat compared to plant-based protein or white meat; thus it is one of the major foods to avoid with arthritis.
3. Gluten-Containing Food
Gluten is a group of various proteins, including rye, barley, wheat, and others, which can affect people who have arthritis. Therefore, doctors recommend avoiding gluten or shifting to a gluten-free diet to reduce inflammation and pain.
4. Foods High in Salt
Salt is one of the human body's common requirements required to perform everyday functions. However, high amounts of salt can cause many health problems; thus, it is one of the foods to avoid with arthritis.
5. Red Wine and Alcohol
Although red wine contains ingredients that lower your inflammation levels and give a soothing effect in every sip, it is alcohol with certain negative effects; therefore, it is listed in the list of foods to avoid with arthritis.
6. Coffee
As per the Arthritis Foundation (AF), coffee is not declared bad or good for people with arthritis. On one hand, it is rich in antioxidants, which are great for lowering inflammation. On the contrary, it is recommended to be mindful during caffeine intake.
7. Omega-6 Fatty Acids
When taken in high amounts, omega-6 fatty acids can trigger inflammation and result in a lot of pain, swelling, and discomfort. Common sources of omega-6 are corn, soybean, sunflower, nuts, meat, canola oil, and others. Ensure you switch your regular oil to olive oil and include fatty fish like cod, tuna, and salmon.
8. Fried Foods
Fried foods are rich in oil and contain a high percentage of saturated fats and omega-6 fatty acids, associated with increased arthritis symptoms and inflammation.
Wrapping Up:
Arthritis is a common health condition that causes tenderness or swelling in one or more joints, typically due to age or several other reasons like sitting in one place for longer hours, injuries, and more. If you have arthritis, this article features 12 foods to avoid with arthritis.
