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8 foods to avoid if you have arthritis

Posted on 2018-08-02

Arthritis is a chronic disease that affects a person’s joints. While it can occur at any age it usually becomes a more severe condition for patients who are 40 years and older. Until recently no connection between diet and arthritis had been made. Thankfully, as doctors learn more about the connection between gut health and inflammation, new studies are emerging and they show that certain foods and dietary changes are able to greatly improve the impact of arthritis. Dr. Gupta explains in a study to Frontiers in Nutrition : “Doctors, physicians and dietitians can use our study to summarize current proven knowledge on the links between certain foods and rheumatoid arthritis.”

Which foods To Avoid ? Although no diet can cure arthritis completely, these 8 foods can cause painful inflammation and lower the body’s natural defenses. Here is our list of 8 foods to avoid for those living with arthritis.

• Fried foods

  All fried foods, including fried meats and potato chips, are not recommended for people with arthritis. Eliminating fried foods helps to reduce joint inflammation while effectively increasing the body’s natural defenses. Replace fried foods with fresh fruits and cooked or uncooked vegetables.

• Red meats

  They provide protein to the body, but people with arthritis should instead opt for lean, low-fat foods such as fish, legumes and nuts. When cooking meat, you should avoid frying or broiling. Prepare fish and poultry on the grill or in the oven, it is a much better for your health.

• Sugars and carbohydrates

  A diet high in sugar and carbohydrates increases the production of advanced glycation in the body. And this glycation damage the proteins and cause inflammation.

• Preservatives

  Preservatives are another food to avoid for people with arthritis. These serve to prolong the shelf life of a food, but can increase pain and inflammation in the joints. People with arthritis should always be wary of what is on the grocery store shelves.

• Alcohol

  The consumption of alcohol in large quantities is very harmful for those who suffer from arthritis or gout. Alcohol consumption over long periods of time can actually lead to many joint problems, including arthritis, while aggravating existing symptoms.

• Corn oil

  Avoid certain oils such as corn oil and palm oil. The use of these oils in cooking can significantly increase inflammation in the joints because of their high content of omega-6 fatty acids. To counteract the effect of corn oil, replace it with fish oil. Omega-3s have the opposite effect. It can relieve the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

• Tobacco

  Avoid smoking since it has been shown to trigger certain types of arthritis, while causing the deterioration of the condition of smokers already suffering from arthritis.

• Salt

  It’s hard to know exactly how much salt is hidden in the food you buy at the supermarket but people with arthritis should be wary as salt can increase inflammation of the joints, which it then leads to greater pain. Be vigilant because many companies are stuffing their products with salt to increase their shelf life.

While cutting out these foods can be difficult it is possible. Although it is important to remember that no diet can cure arthritis completely, avoid these 8 foodsand you will definitelly help your body’s natural defenses.

Want to go further? Check out the 3 Lifestyle Changes That Can Help Combat Arthritis.

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