The term "arthritis" includes a range of conditions that involve inflammation of one or more joints. Mayo Clinic rheumatologist April Chang-Miller, MD, emphasizes there is no solid evidence that proves one food or another affects joint inflammation and pain. There is, however, plenty of anecdotal evidence. Many arthritis sufferers and alternative health practitioners have strong opinions about which foods seem to aggravate arthritis pain and inflammation. Always consult your doctor before making any changes in your diet or lifestyle.
Nightshades
The nightshade family of vegetables is often at the head of the list among foods that can increase inflammation. Nightshades---eggplant, peppers, white potatoes, tomatoes, tobacco---contain solanine. Solanine interferes with enzymes in the muscles. In a 1993 article for the "Journal of Neurological and Orthopedic Medical Surgery," the researchers state that nightshades often aggravate arthritis in "sensitive people."
Acidic Foods
People with arthritis usually have a high acidity level, which increases the possibility of inflammation. Acid-forming foods add to that problem. Authors and medical professionals Ellen Kamhi, Eugene Zampieron and Burton Goldberg say in their book "Arthritis: An Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide," that the main dietary culprits here are coffee, refined sugar, alcohol, dairy products and meat.
Oxalic Acid
Holistic practitioners often recommend that people with arthritis avoid foods that are high in oxalic acid, which reduces calcium absorption. Calcium is especially needed to help arthritic joints. Foods high in oxalic acid include cranberries, spinach, chard and rhubarb.
Saturated Fats and Trans Fats
Although healthy fats, like olive oil, can help reduce inflammation, saturated fats and trans fats can contribute to the pain. Nutritionist and author Joy Bauer states that saturated fats are found in animal products, like fatty pork and beef, regular cheese, bacon, whole and 2 percent milk, salami and pepperoni. They are also found in palm kernel oil, palm oil and coconut oil. Trans fats contribute to a variety of health problems and can increase inflammation.
Simple and Refined Carbohydrates
Bauer says that this class of carbohydrates creates a physical state of inflammation and causes an increase in pro-inflammatory compounds. Among the simple and refined carbohydrates are: white flour baked goods, white rice, sugary foods and bread.
Gluten
There may be a connection between arthritis pain and gluten---found in wheat, rye and barley. Dr. Steve Windley, the founding medical director of the Integrative Medicine Center at Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, Indiana, quotes research that suggests gluten may increase inflammation when people have arthritis and gluten intolerance. He suggests that even arthritis sufferers who don't have this allergy might try a gluten-free diet to see if it helps them feels better.
