Overview
Arthritis is a condition that causes the breakdown of cartilage in one or more joints. Cartilage protects the joints, facilitates smooth movement and absorbs shock when pressure is placed on the joint. When the cartilage breaks down, the bones rub together, causing inflammation, pain, swelling, stiffness and limited movement. There are several different types of arthritis, including rheumatoid, osteoarthritis and reactive arthritis. Consuming a healthy diet and avoiding inflammation-causing foods is a key element in the treatment of arthritis.
Meat
You should avoid red meat, pork, cold cuts, frankfurters, sausage, canned meat and some types of shellfish if you have arthritis. These foods are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Consuming these foods, especially in excess, will lead to weight gain, elevated cholesterol levels and increased inflammation throughout the body. Try substituting chicken, lean meat and oily fish, such as trout, mackerel, salmon, tuna and herring for these meat products.
Dairy
Milk, sour cream, cheese, ice cream and non-dairy creamers are high in saturated fat and, therefore, you should avoid them if you have arthritis. Dairy may not be a problem if you choose low-fat or non-fat options such as skim milk, low-fat yogurt, low-fat frozen yogurt and reduced fat cheeses. Rice milk, nut milks, soy yogurt, cashew cream or sorbet may be better choices for you if dairy is a problem. Most animal products will cause inflammation of the joints. If your arthritis is acute, you may want to consider changing to a predominantly vegetarian diet.
Fats
Not all fats are created equally. If you have arthritis, you should avoid omega-6 polyunsaturated, trans and saturated fats. This means limiting your consumptions of butter, vegetable shortening, margarine, hydrogenated oils and all products which contain them. Sunflower, corn, coconut, palm kernel and safflower oils contain omega-6 polyunsaturated fats and should also be avoided. Cold pressed olive, canola, sesame, flaxseed, walnut and pumpkin oils are better choices that will not result in increased inflammation.
Carbohydrates
Sugars and processed carbohydrates are high on the glycemic index, meaning that they rapidly increase your blood sugar. These foods inhibit calcium, which is required for cartilage formation, and increase serum inflammatory markers. Simple sugars include potatoes, white flour, white rice, snack foods and processed snack foods such as pretzels and chips. Processed foods containing white or brown sugar, honey, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup and chocolate are also poor choices that may result in weight gain and inflammation. Consuming grains, such as wheat, corn, oats, barley or rye, may result in pain as well.
Night Shade Vegetables
Some plants, shrubs and herbs contain a substance called alkaloids, which can negatively impact the human body. Vegetables belonging to the night shade family include tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers, cayenne, paprika, chili and pimento. Night shade vegetables can compromise nerve, muscle, digestive and joint function. In addition, rhubarb, cranberries, spinach, Swiss chard and plums are high in oxalic acid, which inhibits calcium absorption.
Beverages
It is not just the food you eat that can cause inflammation and joint pain; it is also what you choose to drink. You should avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, cocoa, soft drinks and sugar sweetened beverages. Caffeinated and carbonated beverages are especially harmful as they deplete your calcium stores. Water is the best choice; it is needed by the body for a variety of functions including joint lubrication and protection.
source : livestrong.com
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