Arthritis can severely affect the mobility of your joints. It can also cause chronic, debilitating pain in the joints of your fingers, elbows, spine, knees and feet. It is characterized by inflammation of your muscles and connective tissues, as well as the degeneration of bone cells, according to Phyllis Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Avoiding certain foods and beverages may help reduce inflammation, pain and mobility problems associated with this condition. Check with your physician before altering your diet to address arthritis symptoms.
Solanine-Rich Foods
Foods containing the chemical solanine may increase joint stiffness and pain associated with arthritis, according to Balch. Solanine may interfere with enzymes produced in your muscle tissues that help fight inflammation. Also, some arthritis sufferers may experience allergic reactions to solanine. This chemical is found in nightshade vegetables such as potatoes, eggplants, jalapenos, tomatoes, habaneros and tomatillos.
Baked Goods
Baked goods are laden with refined flours made by extensively processing and bleaching wheat grains. The refining process removes dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals from the grains. It also turns the flour into simple carbohydrates. Cakes, white breads, pies, doughnuts and bagels, which contain refined flour, may irritate your muscles and joints, worsening symptoms of arthritis, according to Jessica Black, author of "The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Cookbook."
Soft Drinks
Soft drinks are loaded with refined sugars, which have been heavily processed to make them more palatable and easier to suspend in liquids. These refined sugars may trigger allergic reactions and trigger inflammation and pain in your muscles and joints, according to Black.
Animal Products
Animal products are loaded with saturated fats, which may trigger muscle and joint inflammation, according to Balch. These products include meats, eggs and dairy products. Pork, beef, whole milk, cheese, cream and dark-meat chicken and turkey are especially high in saturated fats.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Recipe Book"; Jessica K. Black, N.D.; 2006
