Arthritis is a condition that causes the joints in the body to become inflamed, the site of the pain and the cause of the inflammation depends upon the type of arthritis. The inflammation can either be due to the degeneration of the cartilage present between the joints (Osteoarthritis) or due to the attack of immune cells on healthy tissues(Rheumatoid Arthritis). However, here is the list of 8 foods and beverages to avoid with arthritis regardless of their type for a better life.

Food Items Rich In Salt

Several pieces of research conducted on the connection between salt consumption and arthritis concluded that people who consume a low salt diet have considerably low cartilage breakdown and low inflammation. On the other hand, people whose diet was high in salt content had more severe complications. 

In fact, researchers have also pointed to the fact that consuming high sodium diet can lead to one getting afflicted with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Hence one should avoid food items like pizzas, canned soup, processed meat, and cheese just to name a few. 

Food that is highly processed

Food items that are high in refined grains and contain a lot of added preservatives are known to make the symptoms of arthritis worse. The most popular ultra-processed food items include baked food, fast food, and breakfast cereals.

These food items not only aggravate the problems caused due to arthritis but also put one at a greater risk of developing heart diseases and diabetes. Hence the consumption of processed food should be kept to a bare minimum.

Gluten Rich Food

Gluten refers to a group of proteins that is found in items like wheat, barley, and rye. Research has shown that the consumption of gluten results in increased inflammation. A study conducted on 66 people having rheumatoid arthritis, revealed that people who stuck with a gluten-free diet observed a significant drop in the progression of the disease, and also the severity of inflammation went down.

Processed and Red Meat

Consumption of red and processed meat has been linked with an increase in the severity of inflammation. A study conducted on over 26000 people showed that people who have higher red meat intake stand at a greater risk for developing arthritis.

On the other hand, people who followed a plant-based diet had considerable improvement in the symptoms of arthritis.

Added Sugar

People with arthritis should limit their sugar intake. The most popular food items with added sugar include ice cream, soda, and candy just to name a few. Research has shown that soda and desserts are the main cause of the worsening of arthritis symptoms in people.

Not only that, frequent consumption of sugary beverages has been shown to increase the risk of developing arthritis, a study conducted on over 1200 people depicted that people who consumed sweetened beverages 4-5 times a week were three times more likely to develop arthritis as compared to people who didn’t.

Alcohol

Alcohol has been proved scientifically to increase the severity of gout attacks and increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis. People having arthritis should avoid alcohol consumption at all costs as it can severely aggravate the inflammation caused due to arthritis

Vegetable Oils

Imbalanced intake of fats like omega-6s and omega-3s can aggravate the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

People with arthritis should aim toward reducing the consumption of food items rich in omega-6s and increase the intake of food items like fatty fish which are rich in omega-3s, which intern helps in reducing the inflammation caused due to arthritis.

Food Items Rich in AGEs

AGEs also referred to as Advanced Glycation End Product are the molecules that are the result of a reaction between sugar and fat. Food items that are high in protein and high-fat animal food are the richest source of AGEs.

An increase in the amount of accumulation of AGEs in the body increases inflammation and it is linked with aggravating the progression of arthritis. One should increase the consumption of food items like vegetables, fish, legumes, and fresh fruits as they help in reducing the accumulated AGEs in the body.

Conclusion

Since Arthritis is an incurable disease, we can only control the rate of progression of the disease. Hence we must follow a strict diet plan and lead an active life which can make sure that the individual enjoys a long and relatively healthy life.