What Foods Make Arthritis Worse?

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Inflammatory foods cause inflammation throughout the body. By removing inflammatory food items from your diet, you can help ease joint pain and reduce arthritic episodes.

Did you know that certain foods could exacerbate your arthritis? These foods are known as inflammatory foods. By removing inflammatory food items from your diet, you can help ease joint pain and reduce arthritic episodes. The following article will teach you which foods you should avoid if you suffer with arthritis.

Processed Foods

Foods that are processed, such as frozen dinner, sandwich, meats and snacks, can cause a marked increase of inflammation within the body. This inflammation can result in a flare-up of arthritis. So, skip those convenience foods and turn to whole foods to help the fight against arthritis.

Sweets

Foods containing simple carbohydrates can increase inflammation within the joints. Stop consuming candies, white flour, bakery items and sodas to help ease arthritis pain. Instead, turn to naturally sweet fruits when a sugar craving occurs.

Dairy Products

Even though your mother always told you to drink your milk for strong bones, dairy products can actually increase pain in those suffering from arthritis. The proteins found in dairy products can irritate the joints. Instead of consuming dairy products, try some of the vegan products, such as soy milk or almond milk.

Salt

Everyone knows that too much salt intake can cause edema, or water retention. However, did you know that too much salt could also cause inflammation inside the joints? The Institute of Medicine recommends adults consume between 1500 mg and 2300 mg of sodium each day. Those suffering with arthritis may benefit from reducing sodium consumption down to 1500 mg. You can keep your sodium consumption in check by avoiding prepared meals, sandwich meats and other sodium rich foods. Read labels carefully when purchasing groceries. Many people are surprised to find added salt in items, such as tomato juice and canned vegetables.

Gluten

Those suffering with arthritis have an increased risk of developing gluten sensitivities. When a gluten sensitivity occurs, inflammation can be found throughout the body. This inflammation is a direct result of the body's response to gluten. The body then begins to attack itself, thus destroying the villi in the small intestine. Gluten comes from numerous grain sources and can be found in baked goods as well as products you would never think of, such as soups, puddings and gravies. Read labels carefully when shopping and avoid products containing gluten to help minimize arthritic episodes.

Oils

Many cooking oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, including vegetable oil, corn oil and soybean oil. Omega-6 fatty acids can increase inflammation in the body. Instead of using this type of oil, switch to those offering omega-3 fatty acids, such as olive oil, flaxseed oil and walnut oil. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to relieve joint pain. By switching from oils high in omega-6 fatty acids to omega-3 fatty acids, you can help ease joint pain.

Inflammatory foods cause inflammation throughout the body. Knowing which foods can increase arthritis symptoms is the first step to finding relief. Use the guidelines listed above to help turn your diet around and begin finding relief today.

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