Foods to Avoid to Ease Arthritis Pain

Foods to Avoid to Ease Arthritis Pain

Arthritis is a painful but common condition that more than 20 million Americans suffer from, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are many types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis and osteoarthritis. Arthritis symptoms typically include joint pain and swelling, states the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine. Although many arthritis sufferers choose to take anti-inflammatory and pain medication to alleviate pain, it is possible to decrease arthritis-associated pain by avoiding certain foods.

Dairy

Dairy has been determined to increase arthritis pain and inflammation, notes the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine. Arthritis suffers who exclude dairy products out of their regular diet lessen arthritis associated symptoms, according to Arthritis Today. Dairy products include eggs, yogurt, low-fat milk, reduced milk and skim milk. Since whole milk contain large amounts of calories and fat, it may contribute to increased pain and weight gain. Arthritis Today notes that physicians normally recommend soy or goat milk as milk alternatives. Diets low in fat, such as vegan and vegetarian, have been found to reduce pain and inflammation.

Beef

Arthritis patients should limit or restrict their beef intake as it contains unhealthy amounts of saturated fat. Diets high in saturated fats from beef and other meats have been linked to recurring arthritis symptoms, according to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine reports that over consumption of beef can create and increase inflammation and pain in arthritis sufferers. This occurs because beef contains high amounts of purine, a substance that converts to uric acid. When uric acid crystallizes, it settles around the joints which causes pain and inflammation, according to Arthritis Today.

Eggplant

Although eggplant contains beneficial amounts of minerals, vitamins and other nutrients, eggplant consumption can worsen arthritis associated symptoms. Nightshade plants all contain a chemical called solanine, which promotes joint swelling when consumed by arthritis patients. Plants from the nightshade group, including eggplant, may cause swelling of the joints and inflammation, according to the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine. This can worsen the effect of pain, stiffness and swelling of the affected joints.

source : livestrong.com