Arthritis is a condition characterized by cartilage breakdown that results in pain and inflammation surrounding the joints. As joint pain and swelling worsen, you may experience stiffness and the inability to properly use or move the joint. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that a nutrient-rich diet, minus foods that may contribute to pain and inflammation, might prevent the overall condition from worsening and help reduce symptoms of arthritis.
Saturated Fats
Saturated fats occurs in foods such as lamb, pork, fatty beef, beef fat, butter, cheese, lard, dairy products made from whole milk and poultry skin. Saturated fats are also added to certain commercially compared foods, including deep-fried foods, cakes and cookies. The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health notes that saturated fat intake is associated with increased arthritis symptoms such as pain and inflammation. To prevent these symptoms, replace unhealthy saturated fats with healthy fat sources, such as canola or olive oil, seeds and nuts. When you do consume saturated fat, minimize your portion sizes.
Trans Fats
Trans fats develop through a process in which hydrogen is added to vegetable oils to construct a more reliable fat source. Trans fats add texture, shelf life and flavor to foods and cost less than other fat sources. However, trans fat intake can increase pain, inflammation and worsen arthritis symptoms, according to dietitian Joy Bauer. If you suffer from arthritis inflammation and pain, avoid trans fat-packed foods such as hydrogenated vegetable oils, margarine, shortening, fried foods and commercially prepared snack foods, including cakes, cookies and pie crust. Instead, rely upon canola oil, olive oil, seeds or walnuts for healthier sources of unsaturated fat sources. Choose whole grain-based products, vegetables, fruits and naturally prepared snacks for inflammation-reducing results.
Refined Carbohydrates
Refined carbohydrates, such as enriched wheat and white bread, instant rice and pasta, sugary cereals and processed snack foods like cakes, chips, cookies and candy, contain low nutritional values when compared to whole grain-based foods. Dietitian Joy Bauer explains that a carbohydrate rich-diet is likely to increase arthritic inflammation. This occurs because such diets often lead to weight gain, which can aggravate arthritis symptoms. If you experience arthritis pain or swelling, replace refined carbohydrates with cereals, pasta and breads made from whole grains. The American Heart Association recommends that the maximum amount of 150 daily calories come from sugar for most adult women and men, which is equal to 6 to 9 teaspoons.
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
