Certain foods we eat have a propensity toward increasing inflammation, pain and stiffness in the joints. The discomfort caused by eating foods that contribute to medical conditions can also debilitate and make movement and exercise extremely difficult. By reducing or eliminating these foods from the diet, symptoms are easier to control and manage with medication and light exercise routines. As always, it is imperative to consult a licensed health professional before attempting to treat any condition on your own.
Saturated and Trans Fats
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic and often debilitating condition in which the joints are constantly under attack by the body's own immune system. This results in pain, swelling, and stiffness in the wrists, fingers, knees, feet and ankles to the point of disability. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that altering the diet to reduce daily intake of saturated fats found in red meat may help. In addition, they recommend eating fewer foods that are high in trans-fatty acids commonly found in baked and fried foods like cookies, crackers, cakes, french fries, onion rings, doughnuts, processed foods and margarine.
Sodium
Excess sodium increases the likelihood of having edema, or swelling caused by excess fluid retention in the tissues. Fluid retention can lead to stiffness in the joints and cause pain. In a research study using rats, scientists from the American Heart Association attributed high blood pressure, inflammation and excess salt intake with cerebral strokes. While it is important to get some sodium in the diet, it is a good idea to remain mindful of how your body reacts to even the smallest amounts. The excess water retained from too much sodium generally affects the hips, knees and ankles the most. These are also common joint pain complaint areas, as they bear the weight of the body.
Sugar
Sugar has been linked to numerous medical conditions, especially autoimmune disorders such as joint pain caused by arthritis. According to the Aging and Technology Research Center at the University at Buffalo, you only need follow the daily recommendations set forth by the Food Guide Pyramid developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services to make healthy food choices. Research has shown that the majority of selections should come from the whole grains, fruit and vegetable levels, while refraining from foods that are sweetened, fatty or oily.
Acid
In addition to arthritis, diet can also contribute to an excruciatingly painful disorder known as gout. Gout is caused by the accumulation of excess uric acid, a product of purines found in the tissues and common foods. Harvard Medical School's Family Health Guide suggests that medications such as low-dose aspirin, thiazide diuretics and niacin may also contribute to this painful condition. They also suggest avoiding certain high-acid foods to include all meats, gravies, seafood, products containing yeast, legumes, spinach, asparagus, cauliflower and mushrooms.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Rheumatoid Arthritis
- American Heart Association: Stroke: Excess Salt Causes Cerebral Neuronal Apoptosis and Inflammation in Stroke-Prone Hypertensive Rats Through Angiotensin II-Induced NADPH Oxidase Activation
- Aging & Technology Research Center: Health Information: Nutrition for Arthritis
- Harvard Medical School: Family Health Guide: Gout: Joint Pain and More
