The CDC estimates that over 25% of adult Americans experience the excruciating symptoms associated with arthritis. Even though there is now no recognized treatment for arthritis, making small dietary adjustments can help manage symptoms like joint pain or swelling and reduce the chance of getting the disease.
Let’s examine 5 inflammatory foods that may exacerbate symptoms of arthritis
1. Meat from red meat
According to research, eating red meats like veal, lamb, hog, and beef may worsen the symptoms of arthritis by causing inflammation. An extensive analysis of research revealed that plant-based diets may help arthritis sufferers feel less pain.
“Red meats have more fat than white meats and plant-based protein, especially saturated fat. According to Verywell Health, “Red meat consumption has been linked in studies to higher levels of inflammation, which may exacerbate joint swelling and arthritis symptoms.”
For people who are susceptible to arthritis, processed meats such as bacon, pepperoni, and hot dogs may also be problematic. When compared to diets high in fish and poultry, a 2021 study published in the Nutrition Journal discovered a correlation between high consumption of processed meats and an increased risk of getting rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Gluten
Even if you do not have Celiac disease, gluten could be the cause of your painful and irritated joints. However, it appears from current research that those who have celiac disease are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis.
However, evidence indicates that a gluten-free diet can dramatically improve arthritic symptoms and reduce inflammation, suggesting that cutting back on gluten may be beneficial in lowering joint inflammation.
Many people who follow a gluten-free diet report feeling better in their joints. They may have a gluten sensitivity, but that doesn’t always indicate they have celiac disease, according to Rush University Medical Center rheumatologist Sonali Khandelwal, MD, who spoke with Women’s Health.
3. Salty foods
A 2017 study found that eating a lot of salty foods, or sodium, may increase a person’s risk of getting autoimmune disorders like inflammatory arthritis.
According to the FDA, Americans consume nearly twice as much sodium than is advised daily, or around one teaspoon of salt, on average.
Among the foods high in salt are:
- fast food items like fries and hamburgers.
- Pizza.
- meats from delis.
- Dressings for salads and condiments.
- canned veggies.
- Dinners from frozen.
“Your body needs the sodium in salt for many functions, but consuming too much (which is common) can be problematic. Research has associated high salt intake with greater inflammation and an increased risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis,” according to Very well Health.
About 400 of the 18,555 people who were examined in a 2015 study self-reported having rheumatoid arthritis. The findings connected a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis with a high sodium intake.
4. Sugar additions
According to study, eating foods high in added sugars, such as soda, candies, pastries, and dairy desserts, can make arthritic symptoms worse.
Sugar was identified as the primary trigger for symptoms in a 2017 poll of people with arthritis; 12.7% of respondents stated sugar caused symptoms, and 12.4% said desserts were the cause.
According to Medical News Today, “the body produces more cytokines, which are inflammatory proteins, when eating excess sugar.” “Increased inflammation can exacerbate the symptoms of arthritis patients, as they already have elevated cytokine levels.”
People who regularly use sugar-sweetened drinks, including energy drinks or soda, may be at higher risk of developing arthritis. A 2016 study with over 1,200 participants discovered that people with arthritis were three times more likely to drink sugar-sweetened beverages at least five times a week than those who consumed them less regularly.
5. Excessively processed meals
Healthline states that “ultra-processed items—such as fast food, breakfast cereal, and baked goods—tend to be high in fructose, preservatives, refined grains, added sugar, and other potentially inflammatory ingredients, all of which may worsen arthritis symptoms.”
Dietary advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are found in high concentrations in a lot of highly processed foods. According to Healthline, these AGEs can lead to oxidative stress in the body, which raises inflammation. Hot dogs, American cheese, mayonnaise, salty snacks, and fried bacon are a few of these delicacies.
A 2018 study found that eating a lot of highly processed food is frequently linked to obesity and increased insulin resistance, both of which can aggravate arthritis.