12 Foods To Avoid When You Have Arthritis

Arthritis is a medical condition that results in inflammation of the joints causing severe pain and stiffness of the muscles. It refers to all types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis.  

The extent of inflammation depends on the diet, physical activity, water intake, current health condition and habits (smoking, drinking).

Higher intake of sugar, salt, fat and refined carbohydrates can increase inflammation. Here is a list of foods to avoid during arthritis:  

1. Red meat :
   Red meat has a higher percentage of saturated fat as compared to white meat or plant-based proportion. So it is one of the foods to avoid during arthritis. Unfortunately, red meats can also worsen the swelling and inflammation.
2. Dairy products with high-fat content :
   Arthritis foods to avoid also include dairy products such as yoghurt, cheese, milk, ice creams and a lot more. Each product is different from the other and has a different nutritional value. In order to prevent arthritis, it would be better to avoid full-fat dairy products with high levels of sugar as it increases the inflammation of joints.
3. Omega 6 fatty acid :
   The excessive consumption of omega-6-containing food items can deteriorate the inflammation. Thus, make sure to check off items like soybeans, corn, safflower, sunflower, canola oil, nuts and meat in the list of foods to avoid during arthritis. You can use olive oil as a substitute for everyday cooking as it is monounsaturated.
4. Salt
   Sodium is an essential element required for the normal functioning of the body. However, our regular salt intake is always much more than needed. Thus higher salt levels should be included in the list of arthritis food to avoid.
5. High sugar beverages
   The beverages available in the market, such as soda, fruit juices, sweet tea and coffee drinks, have tremendous amounts of sugar. Thus, these are some of the worst foods for arthritis. If you suffer from arthritis, try and control your sugar intake by up to 9 spoons per day.
6.  Fried items
   Fried snacks and food are friends in cooking oils which are high in omega six fatty acids and fatty acids. Thus, if fried snacks are a large portion of your daily life, they can worsen arthritis. Therefore, you should limit fried foods to avoid arthritis or keep it under control.
   Fried food also has a high amount of salt, sugar, and refined carbohydrates, leading to more inflammation. A better alternative for this is to go for air-fried food or baked items.
7. Canned products
   The amount of salt used in canned food items is very high. It is used as a preservative in canned vegetables, meat, soup, etc. Thus, to manage your symptoms, make sure to exclude canned foods and avoid them in an arthritis diet.
8. Alcohol
   Alcohol can be a relief to those who have arthritis. Some varieties like red wine have anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming more than 5 ounces of red wine can improve inflammation.
9. Refined carbohydrates
   White rice and flour is the highly processed form of their respective grains. The fibre and nutrition are lost in the process, making it a simple carbohydrate. Simple carbohydrate is digested much faster and causes a spike in the blood sugar level, thereby increasing inflammation. Thus, try to limit refined carbohydrate intake as it is one of the worst foods for arthritis.
10. Candy and desserts
    Candy and desserts are loads of sugar without having any nutritional benefits. It is also known as empty calories for this reason. Thus, be sure to limit desserts, candies and added sugar foods to avoid rheumatoid arthritis.
11. Processed food
    Packaged food items such as frozen packets, baked items, chips, and fast food are loaded with food items which should be avoided in arthritis. The refined grains, high amounts of sugar, and salt make them last longer than the usual fresh food items. It can result in obesity, worsening the condition. So if you are looking for arthritis foods to avoid, make sure to include processed food items on the list.
12. Gluten
    Grains like wheat and barley contain protein which is known as gluten. Following a gluten-free diet helps in decreasing inflammation.

Want more information about arthritis foods to avoid? Then come over to Germanten Hospital. Our orthopaedic experts and dieticians will help you prepare a nutritious diet chart and manage your symptoms.