Arthritis is a condition of painful and swollen joints. The two most common types of arthritis affecting Americans are osteoarthritis, a gradual loss of cartilage in the joints of the knees, hips, fingers, and spine, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that attacks the lining of the joints. Some studies indicate that certain foods exacerbate the painful symptoms of arthritis. Diet may be part of an effective arthritis management strategy.
High Fat, High Calorie Foods
While fat itself may not trigger arthritis symptoms, an increase in weight can worsen osteoarthritis pain. Excess weight can put pressure on the joints, causing further breakdown of the cartilage and bone tissue. Weight loss through diet and gentle exercise is recommended to decrease pain and reduce joint damage.
Meat
A Swedish study published in the journal Arthritis Research and Therapy found that a vegan diet, one that is free of all animal products including all meat, fish, milk, and eggs, reduced a compound that causes the inflammatory symptoms typical of rheumatoid arthritis. Red meat, in particular, has been implicated as the most common triggering factor.
Gluten
The same study that found that a reduction of meat was beneficial in the relief of arthritic symptoms also found that a gluten-free diet may also be beneficial. Intolerance to gluten, the protein found in wheat and barley, is thought to affect 1 in 100 to 150 people in the United States. Gluten may worsen arthritis by triggering the inflammatory response of the immune system. Gluten may also be responsible for joint pain experienced by children, according to a research review by PureHealthMD.org.
Nightshade Vegetables
Nightshade is a term for certain plants that prefer to grow in shady areas or that flower at night. Nightshade vegetables include potatoes, peppers, eggplant and tomatoes. Some arthritis patients have sensitivity to alkaloids that are naturally present in the plants, which can cause pain and swelling. Tobacco, although not a food, is also included in this plant classification, and smoking should be avoided for those with a degenerative arthritis condition.
Milk
Milk has been anecdotally associated with an exacerbation of arthritic symptoms. A case study presented in the Arthritis and Rheumatism Journal found that some patients have an allergic response to milk that creates inflammation in the joints. Another study published in Arthritis Today magazine found that one compound in milk called conjugated linoleic acid actually reduced inflammation. Patients are advised to eliminate milk for one week to monitor symptom relief. In addition, milk and dairy products are rich sources of calcium and vitamin D which strengthen bones and prevent fractures and other bone concerns for those with osteoarthritis.
