Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes stiffness, tenderness and swelling of the joints. Different types of arthritis include reactive arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine reports that millions of Americans suffer from arthritis and its symptoms. Although prescribed painkillers can treat arthritis pain and inflammation, a proper diet can also help remedy symptoms. Arthritis patients should avoid foods that trigger arthritis symptoms.
Tomatoes
Even though tomatoes contain minerals and vitamins, they can cause painful symptoms in arthritis patients. For this reason, arthritis sufferers are advised to restrict tomatoes from their diets. Tomatoes are classified as nightshade plants, which have chemical agents that contribute to arthritic inflammation and pain, states the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine. Other vegetables and fruits like broccoli, spinach and berries are encouraged for arthritis patients.
Citrus Fruits
According to the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine, some arthritis patients who eliminate oranges and other citrus fruits from their diets experience fewer arthritic symptoms. The committee also states that citrus fruits are listed as one of the worst foods for arthritis patients. Although the exact cause of why oranges and other citrus fruits trigger arthritis flare-ups, arthritis sufferers can benefit by eating fruits such as berries and apples.
Milk
Dairy products, such as milk products, tend to worsen arthritic symptoms, states the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine. For this reason, the organization recommends that arthritis patients choose a vegan diet, which contains no dairy products or meat. Even dairy products with low or reduced fat can trigger inflammation and pain in arthritis patients. According to ArthritisToday.org, arthritis patients normally have high levels of antibodies to milk, which suggest they may have an allergy to milk products. If you encounter severe reactions to dairy products, consult a physician immediately.
Meat
Arthritis patients should avoid or limit their consumption of red meats to include beef, pork, organ meat and game meat. Arthritis Today explains that arthritis sufferers typically possess a higher amount of antibodies against red meat in their immune system. This implies that arthritis patients may have a hard time tolerating red meat or may have allergies to it. As a result, this can cause an influx of arthritic symptoms, such as inflammation and pain. The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine notes that low-fat diets are best for arthritis; red meat contains high amounts of unhealthy fat that may contribute to weight increase. Instead, eat cold-water fish such as trout, flounder, salmon and tuna.
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
- MSNBC: Joy Bauer: Fight Arthritis With These Foods
