Arthritis refers to a type of medical condition that causes pain and inflammation around the joints. It's often caused by genetics, injury, age, weight or previous illness. Treatment often includes aerobic exercise, medication, rest or physical therapy. Although a healthy dietary lifestyle won't dissolve the condition, restricting or limiting certain foods pain will help reduce the symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Saturated Fats
Saturated fats, commonly found in deep-fried foods, ice cream, whole milk, red meat and butter, increase your risk for conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, stroke and diabetes. According to the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, unhealthy fats may worsen inflammation symptoms in arthritis patients. Replace saturated fats with healthy plant-based oils, such as canola or olive oil. Seeds and nuts also provide additional healthy fat to other nutrients that support overall physical health. Rather than grill or fry foods in unhealthy oils or butter, use healthier cooking methods including baking, steaming or grilling in olive oil. When dining at restaurants, order lean poultry or fish rather than bacon, steak or other red meats.
Trans Fats
Trans fats are created by adding vegetable oil to hydrogen to create longer-lasting fat. Trans fats can worsen inflammation in arthritis patients and increase the risk for different diseases, notes the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Trans fats are typically found in shortening, margarine, partially hydrogenated vegetable oils and processed foods such as french fries, doughnuts, canned soups, cookies and commercially prepared snacks. These products that offer little nutrition are best replaced with natural foods, such as whole-grain products, fruits or vegetables.
Processed Carbohydrates
Processed or refined carbohydrates are grains that have been chemically stripped of substantial amounts of nutrient content. Popular examples include sugary cereals, white flour, processed crackers and cookies, enriched wheat or white bread, corn syrup, table sugar and chips. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine explains that processed carbohydrates can worsen or cause arthritic inflammation. Avoid or limit these foods and replace them with healthy food sources.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Arthritis
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health: Arthritis and Nutrition
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine: Foods and Arthritis
- Arthritis Today: Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet: RA and Food Allergies
- MSNBC: Today: Fight Arthritis withThese Foods
