Arthritis is a common but painful condition that afflicts over 20 million Americans. The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine states that there are many different types of arthritis, from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and reactive arthritis. The common factor among all types of arthritis is joint swelling and pain. Many Americans choose to take pain medications and anti-inflammatory medicines for their arthritis, though it is possible to decrease pain and swelling simply by avoiding certain foods. Some foods can actually promote inflammation and pain in the body.
Dairy
According to the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine, dairy has been linked to an increase in arthritic pain. They state that when people with arthritis take dairy out of their diet, they usually start to feel better overall. Diets low in fat, such as vegetarian and vegan diets, have been found to reduce inflammation and pain. Since whole milk is high in fat and calories, it may lead to weight gain and increased pain.
Beef
Beef should be limited by people who have arthritis because of the saturated fat content. Diets high in saturated fats from meats like beef and pork have been linked to an increased occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis. The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine states that all meats can cause pain to people with arthritis.
Eggplant
Even though eggplant is a vegetable full of vitamins and minerals, eating eggplant can actually worsen some of the symptoms associated with the various types of arthritis. Plants from the nightshade group, such as eggplant, may cause inflammation and swelling of the joints. This can make the stiffness and pain of arthritis worse.
Eggs
Eggs are one of the major triggers for all types of problems associated with arthritis. Additionally, Arthritis Today explains that people with rheumatoid arthritis have high antibodies towards eggs.
