Arthritis is a commonly reported health condition today. It causes chronic inflammation in the affected individual’s joints. Arthritis can result in intense pain and may even damage the joints, bones, and other parts of the body. However, dietary interventions can help people with arthritis manage their condition. Here are some of the common foods that people with arthritis should make sure to avoid:
Processed Meats
Processed meats such as sausages, ham, bacon, and other types of luncheon meats contain nitrates that can cause inflammation. These foods can also trigger an allergic reaction in some people.
Alcoholic Drinks
Alcoholic drinks like beer and wine are rich in sugar and carbs that can aggravate arthritic symptoms. Research shows that alcohol can affect the immune system’s functions and aggravate already present inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Alcohol also increases a person’s risk of developing liver disease, which can worsen joint pain in advanced stages of osteoarthritis.
Dairy Products
Some studies suggest that dairy products could be linked to worsening symptoms of arthritis due to their high-fat content in them. This may cause inflammation in the body over time. However, it’s important to note that there are many other factors that determine how foods affect one’s health, including how much fat is consumed overall per day as well as one’s level of physical activity and stress levels, among others. Thus, people who consume small amounts of dairy products may not experience any negative side effects.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits such as grapefruits, oranges, lemons, and limes are high in vitamin C, which may cause stomach irritation in some people who have arthritis. People who suffer from arthritis (especially those with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis) may want to avoid or limit these fruits.
Coffee
Coffee is known to cause inflammation in the body and irritate the joints and muscles due to its caffeine content. It may also increase heart rate and blood pressure, which can worsen joint pain associated with arthritis. People who love coffee should, ideally, try to find other ways to enjoy it without risking their health.
