Arthritis is a painful chronic disease that causes recurring bouts of pain and inflammation within the joints of the spine, elbows, fingers and knees. According to the CDC, there are more than 100 arthritis conditions that affect millions of Americans. Although certain exercises and prescription medications can help alleviate arthritis symptoms, there are certain foods to exclude from your daily diet to stop additional flare-ups.
Nightshades
Potatoes, eggplant, paprika, sweet peppers, hot peppers and pimientos are part of the nightshade plant classification group and contain alkaloids, which tend to have an impact on joints, nerves and muscles in the body, according to the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine. Eating these foods can trigger an increase of cholinesterase, which inhibits steroids and glycoalkaloids. This may contribute to arthritis because it creates pain and inflammation. Arthritis Today recommends that arthritis patients limit or restrict dietary intake of these foods.
Gluten
Many arthritis patients suffer from gluten intolerance, a condition that occurs when they ingest gluten from grains like rye, barley and wheat. The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, suggests that gluten can exacerbate symptoms and cause joint inflammation. A gluten-free diet includes non-nightshade vegetables and fruits, nuts, seeds, breads, rice crackers, tuna, cold-water fish and olive oil.
Processed Foods
According to Arthritis Today, some physicians recommend anti-inflammatory diets to ease arthritis symptoms. These diets typically suggest that you avoid processed foods such as canned fruits and vegetables, polyunsaturated vegetable oils, processed or smoked meats, frozen dinners, chips, soda and sugar-coated cereals. A substantial amount of these processed foods contain salt, high-fructose corn syrup and trans fat, which promotes inflammation.
Other Foods to Avoid
Many arthritis patients are unable to tolerate dairy products such as eggs, milk and yogurt. This occurs because the human body requires more antibodies for dairy products during consumption, which indicates sensitivity or allergic reaction to the food. High-fat dairy, shellfish and fatty meats should be avoided because they contain a substance called purine, which converts to uric acid, reports the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine. This acid contains crystals which settle into the joints, causing pain and inflammation. Beans, fish and lean meats can be substituted to obtain a healthy amount of proteins. In addition, sugar should also be avoided because it can cause inflammation, weight gain and subsequent joint stress.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Arthritis
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health: Arthritis and Nutrition
- Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine: Foods and Arthritis
- Arthritis Today: Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet: RA and Food Allergies
- Today Health: Fight Arthritis with These Foods
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Arthritis
