Bad food for arthritis may lead to an increase in the severity of the symptoms associated with the disease. The specific foods may cause a reaction in the body that can hinder mobility, increase inflammation and make living a functioning lifestyle difficult. It is important to replace these foods in order to eat a well-balanced diet that supplies needed nutrients to the body.
Omega-6 Fatty Acids
The Arthritis Foundation claims that foods containing omega-6 fatty acids are bad for arthritis. Omega-6 is known for causing inflammation throughout the body. These fatty acids occur in a variety of oils, including sunflower, vegetable, grapeseed, safflower, soybean, cottonseed and corn. Salad dressings and mayonnaise made with these oils are also to be avoided or limited. Egg yolks, fried foods and margarines also contain rich amounts of omega-6's.
A variety of snack foods contain omega-6 fatty acids. Snack foods that contain rich amounts of these acids include sunflower seed sticks, potato chips (that have been fried), tortilla chips, yogurt-coated pretzels, crackers, cake snacks, corn chips, potato sticks, granola bars and mixes, trail mixes, cheese puffs and plantain chips, states Nutritiondata.com.
Fatty Animal Products
Red meats that contain too much fat and cholesterol are to be avoided and/or limited, according to University of Washington Medicine. This includes lamb, poultry dark meat, veal, beef, pork and game meat. Game meat includes elk, deer, moose and buffalo. Organ meat, in particular, contain large amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol. Organ meats include liver, spleen, heart and kidney. According to Nutritiondata.com, brain contains the highest amount of cholesterol. Variety meats, including sausage, breakfast links, bacon, sandwich spreads, liver sausage, luncheon meats and deli items, are also known for being bad food for arthritis. High cuts of red meat include varieties of ribs, rib eye, chuck, blade roast, 70-percent ground beef and brisket.
Whole-fat dairy foods are to be avoided and/or limited. These include milk, yogurt, cream, hard and soft cheeses and ice cream. Dairy products containing either no fat or low amounts of fat are recommended.
High Sodium
Foods containing large amounts of sodium are bad for arthritis. Sodium retains water in the body and increases blood pressure levels. Foods high in sodium include convenience foods, canned and/or packaged soups, frozen foods, miso, soy sauces, fish sauce, cheese sauce, canned foods, packaged gravies plus dried and salted fish. Condiments such as ketchup, mustard, relish and chili sauce can also be high in sodium content.
Trans Fats
According to University of Washington Orthopedics, foods containing partially hydrogenated oils are bad for arthritis. Partially hydrogenated oils are also known as trans fats. Trans fats are known for increasing inflammation throughout the body, including the cardiovascular system, tissues and joints. Partially hydrogenated oils are found in shortening, which is commonly used in commercially prepared baked goods such as cakes, pies, energy bars, pastries, cookies, brownies and muffins. Shortening is also found in boxed foods, canned foods and many other commercially prepared foods.
