Overview:
Swelling and tenderness in your joints is called arthritis. It is a common joint-related condition. Arthritis can affect more than one joint at a time. Often affected joints include, hands, hips, knees or spine. There are several ways to manage arthritis. Some people consider change in their diet helps in managing arthritis. This article includes the foods to avoid with arthritis (rheumatoid and osteoarthritis). It also includes the changes patients should make in their diet.
Symptoms of Arthritis:
Symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis. Commonly occurring symptoms of arthritis include your joints. For instance:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling and Redness
- Reduced range of motion
Foods to avoid with arthritis:
Following are the foods to avoid/limit if you have arthritis:
- Sugar
- Gluten
- Trans Fats
- Saturated Fats
- Omega-6 Fatty Acids
- Refined Carbohydrates
Trans Fats:
Small amounts of these fats are available in beef and dairy products. Trans fats reduces HDL (good cholesterol) on the other hand increases the bad cholesterol (LDL). This raise also increases the inflammation and risk of heart disease. The change in HDL and LDL can also result in obesity and heart disease. Trans fats makes it difficult for your body to fight arthritis. These fats are found in fried, processed or fast foods. Even though they are present in small amounts, they should be avoided.
Saturated Fats:
Food items like red meat (beef or lamb), cheese, pepperoni, salami, beef sausages and butter have saturated fats. Studies have shown that saturated fats can trigger inflammation. These fats can also cause risk of heart disease. Saturated fats should be consumed in moderation. They should be about lesser than 10% of your total calorie intake (Arthritis Foundation).
Omega-6 Fatty Acid:
Even though omega-6 fatty acids are essential for a healthy growth. Avoid the excessive and over-consumption of omega-6 fatty acids. Immoderate consumption can also trigger the release of inflammatory materials. Omega-6 fatty acid are found in:
- Soy
- Corn
- Peanut
- Vegetables
- Fried and snack foods
Limit your omega-6 fatty acid consumption.
Sugary Items:
It might be difficult to resist or limit sugary items like pastries, cold drinks and deserts. But effects of sugar are similar to saturated fats. Studies have shown that excessive intake of sugar also increases the risk of inflammation. According to a survey, less sugar intake results in weight loss. Losing weight improves the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Consumption of excessive processed sugar can cause the release of inflammatory proteins called cytokines.
Refined Carbohydrates:
Refined carbs can also increase pro-inflammatory substances in your body. Hence, producing an inflammatory state. This makes arthritis worse. Refined carbohydrates are found in:
- Bread
- Cereals
- Crackers
- White rice
- White potatoes
- Items made from white flour
Gluten:
According to arthritis foundation, people with joint related diseases are sensitive to gluten or casein (dairy products). Gluten can also set of an auto-immune response in celiac disease patients. Gluten is found in:
- Rye
- Wheat
- Barley
People with arthritis as well as celiac disease are sensitive to gluten.
Seeking Medical Attention:
Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis diet plan should not include the above-mentioned food items. In case of any arthritis related symptoms. Book an appointment with KKT Pakistan. Here, arthritis and spinal ailments are treated without surgery and medications. KKT has a team of competent orthopedic surgeons in Lahore, Rawalpindi and other metropolitan cities across Pakistan.
For further information, you can contact us through the below given number, and one of our representatives will guide you to the best of their ability.
Phone: 0800-00-558