Manage Arthritis Symptoms through Dietary Interventions: A Guide to Avoiding Inflammatory Foods and Beverages for Enhanced Quality of Life.
Arthritis is a prevalent health condition that causes chronic inflammation in the joints, resulting in pain and damage to bones, joints, and other body parts. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, with Osteoarthritis being the most common noninflammatory type. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis, and gout are types of inflammatory arthritis considered autoimmune diseases. The following ten foods and beverages should be avoided by people with arthritis to reduce symptoms and risk factors:
Added sugars:
Sugar intake should be limited, especially for those with arthritis. Added sugars are found in many foods, including candy, soda, and ice cream, and have been found to worsen RA symptoms. Sugary beverages like soda can significantly increase the risk of arthritis.
Processed and red meats:
High levels of inflammatory markers like interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine have been associated with diets heavy in processed and red meats, and these markers can increase arthritis symptoms. Red meat commonly worsens RA symptoms, and high red meat intake can be a risk factor for inflammatory arthritis. Plant-based diets that exclude red meat have been shown to improve arthritis symptoms.
Gluten-containing foods:
Some research links gluten to increased inflammation, suggesting that going gluten-free may ease arthritis symptoms. Those with celiac disease are at greater risk of developing RA, and those with autoimmune diseases like RA have a significantly higher prevalence of celiac disease than the general population. A gluten-free, vegan diet significantly reduced disease activity and improved inflammation.
Highly processed foods:
Ultra-processed foods like fast food, breakfast cereal, and baked goods contain potentially inflammatory ingredients, which may worsen arthritis symptoms. Western diets rich in heavily processed foods may increase the risk of RA by contributing to inflammation and obesity.
Alcohol:
Alcohol may worsen arthritis symptoms, and those with inflammatory arthritis should restrict or avoid it. Alcohol intake has been linked to increased spinal structural damage in those with axial spondyloarthritis and may increase the frequency and severity of gout attacks. Chronic alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis.
Certain vegetable oils:
Diets high in omega-6 fats and low in omega-3 fats may worsen symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Reducing the intake of foods high in omega-6 fats, such as vegetable oils, while increasing the intake of omega-3-rich foods like fatty fish may improve arthritis symptoms.
Foods high in salt:
People with arthritis should consider cutting back on salt, found in foods like canned soup, pizza, and processed meats. A high-salt diet has been found to increase arthritis severity in mice, and high sodium intake may be a risk factor for autoimmune diseases like inflammatory arthritis.
Foods high in AGEs:
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are formed through reactions between sugars and proteins or fats. High protein, high-fat animal foods that are fried, roasted, grilled, and broiled have higher levels of AGEs. AGEs can worsen arthritis symptoms by contributing to inflammation.
Dairy products:
A high intake of dairy products has been associated with increased inflammation in people with arthritis, particularly those with RA. Low-fat dairy products may be a better option.
Nightshade vegetables:
Some people with arthritis may be sensitive to nightshade vegetables, including eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes. Eliminating nightshades from the diet may reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.
Additional foods that should be added to the list of foods to avoid by people with arthritis include fried foods and refined carbohydrates. Fried foods contain trans fats, which can increase inflammation in the body. Refined carbohydrates found in white bread,
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