Arthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints causing pain and disability for over 46 million Americans, according to Harvard Health Publications. There are over 100 types of arthritis-related conditions, and many are either triggered or aggravated by diet. If you suspect your joint pain is made worse by one or more foods, consult your health practitioner for tests to ascertain which food is affecting you and how to obtain relief from your pain.
Alcoholic Beverages
For those people suffering from gouty arthritis, alcoholic beverages may trigger attacks or aggravate existing gout problems, according to The University of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine Department. They suggest giving up alcohol, including beer, and replacing it with healthier drinks that do not contribute to gout. Alcohol can stimulate the body into producing excess uric acid, which deposits in crystals in the joints, causing gout.
High-Purine Proteins
Along with alcohol, purine-producing proteins can exacerbate gout, adds the University of Maryland Medical Center. Purines are the byproducts of protein digestion, and certain foods have higher levels than others do. During digestion, purines are further broken down into uric acid, which is responsible for the formation of gout. Reducing high-purine foods in your diet may help ease crystal formation in your joints and relieve some of your pain. Over time, eating less high-purine proteins may help prevent future gout attacks. Protein foods to avoid are red meats, organ meats, shellfish and poultry. There are also several vegetables and legumes that are high in purines. Although these foods are not always connected to increasing gouty arthritis symptoms, some people may be sensitive and need to avoid them. They are spinach, mushrooms, asparagus, cauliflower, lentils, kidney beans and black-eyed peas.
Nightshade Vegetables
Although there is little scientific research, many people report problems after eating nightshade vegetables. Eating nightshades may trigger arthritis attacks including pain, stiffness, swelling and inflammation in joints, cartilage and ever muscles surrounding the joints, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. The chemical solanine, found in nightshades, is the culprit that may produce severe body pain in certain prone individuals. The nightshade family includes white potatoes, tomatoes and all tomato products, all peppers, eggplants and tobacco and tobacco products. Joint pain may not appear immediately and may take up to a week to cause problems. Smoking cigarettes and using tobacco products may contribute to arthritis pain if you are susceptible to the nightshade effects.
Wheat
Wheat and wheat gluten may be causing your arthritic pain to worsen says the University of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. The form of arthritis known as sprue is reactive to wheat and gluten, presenting with inflammation in the joints as well as in the bowels. Sprue can be a serious disease, affecting a person's overall nutrition and ability to absorb nutrients. If you have joint pain accompanied by diarrhea, weight loss and other abdominal symptoms, consult your health practitioner for further testing. Eliminating wheat from your diet may resolve most or all of your symptoms.
References
- Harvard Health Publications-Harvard Medical School: Arthritis--Keeping Your Joints Healthy
- University of Washington Orthopedics and Sports Medicine: About Diet and Arthritis
- Hospital for Special Surgery: Eating Right With Arthritis: Arthritis Nutrition FAQs
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Gout -- Lifestyle Changes
