Arthritis is characterized by involuntary pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints. It can be caused by an autoimmune disease, wear and tear of the joints, infection, or a broken bone. Although over 100 arthritis types exist, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and reactive arthritis are the most common forms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Adjusting your diet to include arthritis-friendly foods can prevent joint inflammation and improve your overall health.
Tomatoes
Even though tomatoes hold a large source of nutrients, they often cause pain if you have arthritis. As a result, physicians will often advise you to restrict or limit your consumption of tomatoes. The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine notes that nightshade plants, such as tomatoes, have chemical agents that leads to pain and inflammation in arthritis sufferers. However, other vegetable and fruit sources like berries, broccoli and spinach are encouraged if you have arthritis.
Citrus Fruits
The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine reports that arthritis sufferers who restrict citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit, from their dietary regimens experience less arthritis-related symptoms. Although a scientific cause of why citrus fruits trigger arthritis symptoms doesn't exist, clinical studies are ongoing to pinpoint an exact cause. However, you can benefit from other fruits such as apples, pears, peaches, watermelon, papaya and cantaloupe.
Refined Carbohydrates
White bread, flour, candy and other refined carbohydrates contain less nutrients than whole grains and other complex carbohydrates. Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that nutrient deficiencies are rampant among rheumatoid arthritis patients. To provoke arthritis symptoms, replace refined carbohydrates with whole grain sources such as oats, spelt, bulgar and rye. Adjusting your diet to include more complex carbohydrates is ideal because refined carbohydrates are associated with involuntary weight gain, which can promote joint inflammation and pain.
Saturated Fat
Eating substantial amounts of saturated fat can elevate your risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and obesity. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, consuming saturated fat sources can also eliminate room in your diet regimen for omega-3 nutrients, which may help decrease arthritis symptoms. High saturated-fat foods include sausage, bacon, red meat, organ meats, high-fat cheeses, fried chicken, poultry fat, bacon, heavy cream, whole milk, coconut oil, butter, corn chips and creamy salad dressings. Frying healthy food sources, such as fish and lean poultry, increases the saturated fat content. For best results, cook these foods through baking, steaming or broiling.
References
- Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine: Foods and Arthritis
- "Arthritis Today" Magazine: Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Arthritis
- University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health: Arthritis and Nutrition
- MSNBC: Joy Bauer: Fight Arthritis With These Foods
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
