Foods That Cause Arthritis

Foods That Cause Arthritis

Arthritis is generally characterized by joint inflammation, stiffness, warmth and redness, swelling around the affected joints and joint pain, according to Earl J. Brewer and Kathy Angel, authors of the book "The Arthritis Sourcebook." The two most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis caused by everyday wear and tear or ill-fitting shoes, and rheumatoid arthritis, a type of arthritis that occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your joints. Certain foods may activate or increase joint inflammation, stiffness and pain. Knowing the trigger foods can alleviate arthritis symptoms and ward off future flares.

Nightshade Vegetables

Avoid or limit your consumption of nightshade vegetables because they may trigger arthritis. According to Monica Reinagel, author of the book "Inflammation-Free Diet Plan," nightshade vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, pimientos, and sweet peppers and hot peppers are loaded with alkaloids, a substance that can interfere with muscle function, exacerbate joint inflammation, pain and stiffness, and cause joint damage. A healthy diet consisting of alkaloid-free antioxidants such as broccoli, spinach, kale, turnip greens, Brussels sprouts, beets and Swiss chard may help protect you from developing or aggravating arthritis.

Processed Foods

Consuming large amounts of processed foods may increase your risk of developing arthritis. According to Swami Sadashiva Tirtha, author of the book "Ayurveda Encyclopedia: Natural Secrets to Healing, Prevention, and Longevity," processed foods such as deli meats, soda, frozen dinners, chips, ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, bacon, sausage and packaged cookies are loaded with unhealthy fats, high fructose corn syrup and salt, additives that can trigger joint pain, inflammation and stiffness. Replace processed foods with fresh fruits, vegetables and foods prepared at home.

Milk

Adding cow's milk to your morning cereal may increase your risk of developing arthritis. Carolyn Chambers Clark, author of the book "Holistic Nursing Approach to Chronic Disease" explains that an allergy or sensitivity to cow's milk can cause joint inflammation, swelling, stiffness and pain. Clark recommends that you eliminate cow's milk or milk-based foods for up to one week to see if the milk is causing your arthritis symptoms. If you notice an improvement in your condition, eliminate cow's milk and milk-based foods from your daily diet. Replace cow's milk with soy, almond or rice milk.

Beef

Avoid or reduce your consumption of beef because it may cause you to develop arthritis. According to Lavon J. Dunne, author of the book "Nutrition Almanac," beef is loaded with saturated fat, which can trigger joint inflammation, stiffness, redness and pain. Other foods rich in saturated fats include sausage, bacon, deli meats, whole milk, cream, cheese and eggs. Replace foods with large amounts of saturated fats with foods rich in healthy unsaturated fats such as olive oil, salmon, mackerel, halibut, sardines, tuna, flaxseeds, flaxseed oil, soybeans, pumpkin seeds and walnuts.

source : livestrong.com