Foods And Beverages You Should Avoid If You Have Arthritis

Arthritis is a difficult disease to deal with, and it affects several millions of people in India. It can cause significant pain, limit your movement and cause you to lose your appetite. If left untreated, it can also lead to further damage to your joints and bone. 

Dr. Dilip Mehta, an eminent orthopedic surgeon in Jaipur, says that there are a number of foods that can cause inflammation and attack the joints more than others. If you have arthritis, it is essential to know what types of foods to avoid so that your condition does not get worse. 

Here is some important information on what you should avoid eating if you have arthritis.

Foods And Beverages To Avoid

Following are some foods and beverages that you must avoid in order to keep your arthritis symptoms from increasing.

Red meat

Red meat (pork, beef, lamb, deer, boar etc.) has more fat, especially saturated fat, than white meat or plant-based protein. Red meat consumption has been linked to higher levels of an inflammatory response, which can aggravate the swelling in your joints and arthritic symptoms.

According to one study, replacing red meat with chicken, fish, lentils, or nuts showed decreased inflammatory biomarkers. A biomarker is a natural molecule found in tissues or body fluids that indicate if a function is normal or defective or whether a disease or condition exists.

Added sugars

Sugar should be avoided at all costs, especially if you suffer from arthritis, as it might aggravate your symptoms. Added sugars are commonly found in soda, candy, ice cream, and various other meals, including less obvious things like barbecue sauce.

Furthermore, studies have revealed that people who drank sugar-sweetened beverages 5 or more times per week were 3 times more likely to develop arthritis than those who rarely or never consumed them.

Fried food

Fried foods are usually fried in oils rich in omega-6 fatty acids and saturated fat. Among the leading orthopedic doctors in Jaipur, Dr. Dilip Mehta says that omega-6 fatty acids and saturated fat have been linked to an increase in inflammation and symptoms of arthritis. 

Other elements in fried foods, such as salt, breading, and added sugar, can also contribute to inflammation. Instead, try baking or air frying your dish.

Salt

Salt is necessary for numerous functions in the body, but too much of it can cause problems. High salt consumption has been linked to increased inflammation and a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Look for foods with low sodium content and no added salt. Use herbs and spices like ground pepper, cumin, oregano, minced garlic, or onion powder to flavor your cuisine. Turmeric can add a peppery and earthy essence. Turmeric's anti-inflammatory qualities can be especially beneficial for people who suffer from arthritis.

Alternatively, use a spice blend with no added salt. Seasoning blends are sold on shelves at many grocery stores, so there are plenty of options.

Canned food

Avoid canned goods that contain a lot of sugar or salt. 

Canned fruit in syrup, for example, frequently contains a lot of added sugar, which might cause inflammation. Instead, you can get fruits that have been canned in fruit juice or water without any added sugar.

When it comes to canned soup, veggies, or meat, go for the ones that have no added salt or have low sodium levels. It is recommended that you do not exceed your salt intake of over 2 grams daily.

Alcohol

Because antioxidants are present in some forms of alcohol, such as red wine, they can have anti-inflammatory qualities. In fact, studies have shown that drinking about 145 ml of red wine every day is beneficial to joint health.

A word of caution from Dr. Dilip Mehta, a highly experienced orthopedic surgeon in Jaipur, alcohol can cause flare-ups in gout arthritis. All types of alcohol have been linked in studies to an increased risk of gout and frequent gout flares.

Processed Foods

Ingredients that cause inflammation are commonly found in highly processed foods, including frozen foods, baked goods, lunch meat, packaged snacks, and fast food. They usually contain refined grains as well as added salt, sugars, and fat to increase their shelf life and retain their flavor, such foods are linked to insulin resistance and obesity, which can worsen your arthritis symptoms.

Gluten

Gluten is a protein found in grains like barley, wheat, and rye. According to several studies, a diet that is gluten-free can help patients with rheumatoid arthritis by lowering inflammation. 

Gluten sensitivity affects a small percentage of the population. You can avoid it for a while and see if it reduces your arthritis symptoms. You can opt for gluten free grains such as brown rice, oats, corn, millet etc.

Foods with excess AGEs

AGEs (advanced glycation end-products) are molecules formed when sugars combine with proteins or fats. They can be found in raw animal feeds and are produced by certain cooking procedures.

Advanced glycation end-products have known to cause chronic inflammation and stiffening of cartilage which keeps accumulating with age.

Fried, grilled, roasted, seared, or broiled high protein and high-fat animal dishes are some of the highest dietary sources of AGEs. AGEs can also be found in American cheese, French fries, mayonnaise, and margarine.

You can instead poach, stew or boil fish (not breaded) and white meats.

Conclusion

Arthritis is a painful, chronic disease, and according to statistics by Global RA Network - 2021, more than 350 million people of all age groups are afflicted by it globally. The good news is that there are ways to fight back and prevent the pain and stiffness that comes from having arthritis. Healthy eating is essential to the  successful treatment of the disease. The key is to avoid foods that can make your condition worse. 

Dr. Dilip Mehta, an accomplished orthopedic surgeon in Jaipur, says that making smart dietary choices can help you reduce your risk of developing the condition, as well as manage your symptoms, pain, and stiffness that come with it.

If you or your loved one is suffering from arthritis and need expert guidance and assistance to help alleviate the problem, please do not prolong the discomfort any longer. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Dilip Mehta, a top-notch Orthopedist and Arthroscopic Surgeon in Jaipur.