Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the joints. In its early stages, arthritis makes routine tasks slightly annoying. Stiffness in your joints makes it difficult to grasp, hold, bend, reach, and lift. It becomes extremely painful and disables in its later phases. Although there are over 100 different forms of arthritis that affect various parts of the body, they all share one feature: inflammation. Currently, there is no cure for RA. However, both pharmaceutical and natural rheumatoid arthritis treatments can help you feel better. One wholesome way to manage rheumatoid arthritis pain is through a diet. Including an antioxidant-rich, nutrient-dense diet can help to reduce inflammation in your body. Here, you can see the list of foods to avoid when you have rheumatoid arthritis.
The link between Diet and Arthritis
Before delving into the topic, it is essential to understand the link between diet and arthritis. While arthritis is considered non-curable, incorporating a healthy diet into your daily regimen can control its symptoms.
Diet is important in arthritis treatment, influencing inflammatory levels and general joint health. Excess body weight can aggravate symptoms by putting stress on weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees. Certain meals might cause inflammation and exacerbate arthritis symptoms. Thus, avoiding certain food triggers is critical for optimal arthritis therapy.
A well-balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can help reduce arthritis symptoms and improve overall joint function. Individuals with arthritis should consult with a healthcare provider or qualified dietitian to receive individualized dietary suggestions.
Foods to Avoid When You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis
Red Meat
Red meat is the worst foods for rheumatoid arthritis, which consist of high levels of saturated fat, causing inflammation and contributing to obesity. Furthermore, red meat contains omega-6 fatty acids, which, in large amounts, may worsen inflammation.
Certain people with rheumatoid arthritis have reported symptom relief after eliminating red meat from their diets. Conversely, lean cuts of red meat can provide protein and other nutrients to those with RA without increasing inflammation.
Those with RA should carefully analyze their food choices and seek specialized advice from healthcare providers.
Sugar and Refined Flour
Fried foods are typically prepared using oils high in saturated fat and omega-6 fatty acids, both linked to heightened inflammation and exacerbated arthritis symptoms.
Additionally, these foods often incorporate other inflammatory ingredients such as breading, salt, and added sugar. Moreover, their high fat content can contribute to obesity.
Who would say no to fried foods?! Right? Is it tempting to eat fried food? For a healthier alternative, consider using an air fryer and opting for baked foods instead.
High-Fat Dairy Product
Most people include dairy products in their daily lives. If you have arthritis, then you need to make some changes to your daily diet. Some individuals with rheumatoid arthritis may experience increased inflammation and joint pain after consuming dairy products.
Dairy contains a protein called casein, which can trigger an inflammatory response in certain individuals. If you are feeling sensitive to or intolerant to dairy, avoid it for a short period. This step may help determine whether you feel better when dairy is removed from your diet.
Those with arthritis should monitor their dairy intake and consider alternatives like plant-based milk or dairy-free options to see if symptoms improve.
Alcohol
While occasional drinking is harmless, excessive drinking can hurt your health. Excess consumption can contribute to weight gain and dehydration, which can worsen arthritis symptoms.
Consuming alcohol in moderation reduces your risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Whether or not to drink is a personal decision, but limiting or eliminating alcohol may be an option to explore while you actively work to treat your RA symptoms.
If you want to drink alcohol in moderation, try a glass of red wine rather than a beer. Red wine may help prevent and lessen inflammation, depending on the type of arthritis you have.
Added Sugars
Added sugars, especially refined sugars, are found in more than just cookies and sweets. Sugar can be found in many packed foods, such as boxed cereals and fruit drinks.
Consuming refined or added sugar, like refined carbs, is harmful to some types of arthritis because it promotes inflammation.
Furthermore, eating too many refined sugars and carbohydrates, which are high in calories but low in critical vitamins and nutrients, can contribute to weight gain, which can aggravate arthritis.
If you have a temptation to eat refined sugar foods, try a piece of fruit instead, which provides vitamins, fiber, and other beneficial components.
Salt
Many people enjoy eating salty foods frequently. However, eating too much sodium may hurt your joints and overall health.
Cutting back on salt may prevent calcium loss from bones, lowering the risk of osteoporosis. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may need to be even more cautious about sodium.
Corticosteroids, a frequent treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, cause the body to retain more sodium. If you take sodium regularly, strive to stay under the daily suggested amount to maintain your health.
Corn oil
Corn oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can worsen inflammation in individuals with RA. Excessive intake of these oils can lead to weight gain, increasing pressure on joints, especially the knees.
Consuming them in moderation or considering eliminating them from your diet is essential. Reducing omega-6 intake and maintaining a healthy weight can help alleviate RA symptoms and improve joint health.
Consulting with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations is recommended for individuals with RA.
Gluten
Gluten, a protein prevalent in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley, is often avoided by individuals due to allergies or dietary preferences. Cutting back on gluten intake has become a trend, with many seeking to eliminate it from their daily diets.
Moreover, reducing gluten consumption can facilitate faster weight loss, indirectly alleviating joint pain associated with excess weight.
By knowing the rheumatoid arthritis treatment foods to avoid, individuals may experience relief from joint discomfort and achieve overall better health.
Refined Carbohydrates
Foods high in refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, pastries, and sugary snacks, can cause spikes in blood sugar levels and promote inflammation.
These foods lack essential nutrients and fiber, contributing to weight gain and worsening arthritis symptoms.
Choosing whole grains, fruits, and vegetables over refined carbohydrates can help individuals with rheumatoid arthritis manage their condition more effectively.
Nightshade Vegetables
Do you know what Nightshade Vegetables are? They are a specific type of vegetable that contains the solanine substance.
Some individuals with rheumatoid arthritis may be sensitive to nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. These vegetables contain alkaloids that may contribute to inflammation and joint pain in certain individuals.
While not everyone with arthritis is affected by nightshades, some may relieve symptoms by avoiding or reducing their consumption.
Sugary Drinks
Sodas, fruit juices, sweet tea, sports drinks, and sweetened coffeehouse beverages are high in added sugars and low in useful nutrients.
The high fructose sugar levels in these drinks can cause an inflammatory response, raising the chance of developing Rheumatoid Arthritis, even with just one daily soda consumption.
Choose healthier options like water, herbal tea, homemade fruit, or herb-infused water. Berries, citrus fruits, mint, basil, and melons are high in antioxidants, which can help maintain healthy inflammatory levels and promote overall well-being.
Artificial Trans Fats
Have you heard about artificial Trans fats? These foods are produced by adding hydrogen to liquid vegetable oils to make them solid at room temperature.
Artificial Trans-fats are commonly found in processed foods, margarine, and baked goods. These fats can promote inflammation and increase the risk of heart disease, which is already elevated in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
Reading food labels and avoiding products that contain hydrogenated oils can help individuals with arthritis reduce inflammation and support overall joint health.
Final Words
Making informed dietary choices plays a crucial role in managing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. By avoiding certain foods that can trigger inflammation and worsen joint pain, individuals with arthritis can better control their condition and improve their quality of life.
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