Arthritis is a condition usually connected to the elderly, but it can strike a wide range of ages in different forms. Though the exact cause of any form of arthritis is not known, diet seems to play a large role in the worsening of the condition. The sugar in sweet foods in particular seems to have a negative impact on arthritis. If you are experiencing arthritic symptoms, see your doctor to discuss both diet and medication possibilities.
Identification
At its most basic level, arthritis is an inflammatory condition that affects the joints, and it encompasses several different forms, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and lupus. It is a painful condition that may sometimes be moderate and other times excruciating. This is due to sensory nerves connected to the inflamed joint. The long-term impact of arthritis can include joint destruction and permanent disability if it is not treated properly. Injury, genetics, infections and age are all implicated in the cause of arthritis.
Impact
According to health writer Ellen Hodgson Brown in her book "Healing Joint Pain Naturally," sugar and refined carbohydrates are bad choices for arthritics. This is due to the fact that sugar can increase joint deterioration by excreting calcium, which weakens the bones. Since sugar is acidic, it requires a base, in this case calcium, to buffer it. Another aspect of sweets that can make arthritis worse is the development of hypoglycemia, of which a common symptom is joint pain. Brown notes that cases of rheumatoid arthritis have actually cleared when blood sugar levels were balanced.
Studies
In a 2007 study published in the "Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology," researchers found that patients whose rheumatoid arthritis was active showed marked insulin resistance. This indicates that sweet foods would worsen arthritis by further increasing insulin resistance. Another study published in the May 2010 issue of "Clinical Biochemistry" found that patients with high rheumatoid arthritis activity had more insulin resistance than patients with moderate disease activity. Whether the arthritis or insulin resistance came first, a diet including sweets could potentially increase these conditions.
Considerations
If you have signs of joint pain, see your doctor as soon as possible to determine if it could be arthritis symptoms. As with most ailments, diet is often a factor in arthritis, and dietary changes may help, but prescription medication may be necessary to bring down inflammation. Other lifestyle changes may also be recommended. Work with a health care professional who understands the impact of diet on joint pain.
References
- "Arthritis"; John D. Clough, M.D.; 2006
- "Healing Joint Pain Naturally"; Ellen Hodgson Brown; 2001
- "Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology"; Insulin Resistance in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Effect of Anti-TNFα Therapy; A. Rosenvinge, et al.; 2007
- "Clinical Biochemistry"; Insulin Resistance in Early Untreated Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients; Dina Shahin, et al.; May 2010
