Arthritis is a chronic condition that occurs when your joints become inflamed, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of arthritis include pain, swelling, redness, fever, fatigue and decreased joint mobility. Genetics, injury, age and weight appear to play important roles in its development. Treatment often includes aerobic exercise, medication, acupuncture or hot and cold packs. Limiting certain foods, keeping a healthy diet and getting regular exercise will help ease the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.
Dairy Products
Consuming dairy products can worsen your arthritis, according to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. Milk, butter, cheese, yogurt and even goat's milk should be avoided because they contain dairy protein that can irritate the tissue around the joints and trigger an arthritis flare.
Hydrogenated Corn Oil
Partially hydrogenated corn oil can aggravate arthritis, according to the University of Wisconsin Health. Partially hydrogenated corn oil contains a large amount of omega-6, an essential fatty acid, but high doses of omega-6 fatty acids can cause inflammation in the body. According to the Arthritis Foundation, joint inflammation can occur when you take in more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of arthritis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Peanut, sesame, grape seed, safflower, soybean and sunflower oils are all rich in omega-6. The University of Wisconsin Health website reports that snack foods that have a long shelf-life, such as crackers, processed pastries and potato chips, among many others, often contain added doses of omega-6. A healthy balance of omega-6 fatty acids and omega-3 fatty acids can help you ward off potential arthritis flares.
Foods High in Sodium
Foods high in sodium can exacerbate your arthritis, according to the magazine Arthritis Today. Some foods contain additives that help preserve them for longer periods of time. These preservatives generally contain high amounts of sodium. Foods that contain high levels of sodium can cause inflammation and water retention around your joints. Fluid build-up around the joints can decrease joint mobility and increase pain in the affected area. High sodium foods include frozen or pre-packaged foods, fast food hamburgers and French fries, deli meats, canned soups and hot dogs. Obviously table salt should be limited, but other condiments, such as soy sauce, cheese sauce, ketchup, mustard, relish and chili sauce, can also contain high amounts of sodium. Limiting your intake of high sodium foods can help you ease the pain and inflammation commonly associated with arthritis.
Nightshade Family Vegetables
Nightshade vegetables can aggravate your arthritis, according to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. This family of vegetables contains a chemical compound that can irritate and inflame the tissues surrounding the joints. Members of the nightshade family include tomatoes, eggplants and potatoes. Avoid arthritis flare-ups by replacing nightshade vegetables with spinach and broccoli.
Beef
Consuming large amounts of beef can increase arthritis inflammation and pain, according to the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine. It's the saturated fats in beef that can worsen arthritis. According to the University of Wisconsin Health, meats high in saturated fats, such as beef, have been associated with increased inflammation and flares. Replacing meat-based protein foods with alternative protein food sources such as tofu, beans and soy foods can help you reduce arthritis pain and inflammation.
Caffeine
Drinking large amounts of caffeine may cause your arthritis to flare. According to the Arthritis Today website, caffeine can cause your body to absorb less calcium, which may result in joint deterioration and increased inflammation. It is important to note that no scientific studies have established whether drinking coffee causes bone loss. If you suffer from arthritis, avoiding all caffeine-based products such as coffee, tea, chocolate, soda and energy drinks may prevent flares.
Sugar
Sugar can also increase your inflammation and trigger a flare up, according to Consumer Health Organization of Canada. Avoid processed foods such as cereals, snack foods, cookies, candies and baked goods because they contain hidden sugars that can inflame joint tissues and worsen arthritis.
source : livestrong.com
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