Arthritis is a disease that affects the joints and cartilage of the body, according to Harvard Health Publications. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, the causes and treatments of which vary. Over 46 million people in the United States suffer from some form of arthritis, and many cases are triggered by the foods they eat. If you think one or more foods are triggering your pain, consult with your health practitioner to help you identify which food it is and how to eliminate it from your diet.
Alcohol
If you suffer from gouty arthritis, then you may have noticed that alcoholic beverages might trigger the pain in your joints. The University of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine department advises people who have gout to eliminate all alcoholic drinks from their diets, including beer. Chemicals in alcoholic drinks can stimulate the production of uric acid, which deposits in the joints of gout patients, causing pain.
Purine-Producing Foods
In addition to problems caused by alcohol for arthritis patients suffering from gout, red meat, poultry, shellfish, organ meat, some legumes, spinach and mushrooms can contribute to worsening gout symptoms by creating excessive amounts of uric acid in the system, says the University of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. These foods are broken down in to chemicals called purines, the byproduct of protein digestion. The purines are further reduced to uric acid and may be deposited in joints in crystal form, creating severe pain.
MSG
Manfred Mueller, president of the North American Society of Homeopaths, discussed in an interview, the effects of the food additive MSG on body and joint pain, including various forms of arthritis. Although there is no scientific proof, anecdotal reports from patients support this claim. MSG is a chemical used as a flavor enhancer and preservative in the majority of packaged foods and in many restaurants. It may cause a wide range of symptoms including joint and body aches, headaches, difficulty with cognitive functions, confusion and dizziness. The best way to avoid MSG is to eat whole foods and unprocessed foods. If you dine out, always ask the restaurant beforehand if they use MSG and request they eliminate from your order.
Wheat
If you have joint pain, it may be the result of an allergy to wheat, which causes a rare form of arthritis called sprue, says the University of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. This disease also affects the bowel causing diarrhea, weight loss and possibly osteoporosis. Eliminating all wheat products from your diet may eliminate all symptoms of arthritis.
Nightshade Vegetables
Although there is no scientific research, anecdotal evidence points to nightshade vegetables being the trigger for musculoskeletal and joint pain in some people, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. Nightshade plants contain a chemical called solanine, which can cause side effects, and in some people may cause severe body pain. The nightshade vegetables include eggplant, tomatoes, white potatoes, peppers and tobacco. Eliminating the vegetables from the nightshade family may bring relief from arthritis pain.
References
- University of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine: About Diet and Arthritis
- Manfred Mueller RSHom(NA), CHC; North American Society of Homeopaths; Asheville, NC
- Hospital for Special Surgery: Eating Right with Arthritis: Arthritis Nutrition FAQs
- Harvard Health Publications, Harvard Medical School: Arthritis--Keeping Your Joints Healthy
