Eating healthy should always be a priority for anyone who wants to maintain his or her health and wellness, but for people who suffer from arthritis, their diet is even more important.
Inflammation and pain in the body, especially around the joints can make it difficult to really enjoy the foods that we like. But, we can still eat healthy even with arthritis by incorporating these tips into our daily lives.
Right Foods and Beverages for Arthritic Joints and Pain
Arthritis is a common disease that affects many people in the world. It is an umbrella term for more than 100 different conditions that cause joint pain and stiffness.
Fortunately, there are ways in which individuals can reduce their arthritis pain through diet and exercise. In this article we will discuss how foods can help reduce arthritis pain by reducing inflammation in the body as well as what types of food you should be eating if you suffer from arthritis or want to avoid developing it in the first place.
Whether you are experiencing a flare-up or have been living with chronic arthritis for years, there are plenty of natural ways to reduce pain and inflammation.
As an Eastern medicine practitioner, Beverly Hills Chiropractor, Dr Rakesh Patel, says the cause of inflammation is the accumulation of toxins in the joint, which can usually be attributed to a poor diet high in refined sugars and processed foods. A person with arthritis may experience an inflammatory response when his or her body is put into a state of stress, such as an injury or infection.
The immune system kicks into gear to fight the infection using inflammation as a weapon, but instead it may cause long-term damage. The three main factors in inflammatory response are increased blood flow, increased cell protein aggregation and increased release of hormones like cortisol and interleukins which regulate the body’
The first step in caring for arthritic joints is to make sure you have the right footwear. You should never put excess weight on your joints, so be sure to stay away from high heels and look for footwear that has good arch support. Switching to flats can also help relieve the pain.
Next, make sure you are getting enough quality sleep and not skipping naps. Prolonged periods of sleep deprivation can make symptoms of arthritis more severe. Also, be careful to not overdo it on exercise. Excessive amounts of strenuous exercise can cause pain and inflammation in the joints, but too little activity can be just as harmful.
In a study published in the journal “Arthritis Care & Research”, researchers found that people with arthritis may benefit from a home-based noninvasive biofeedback therapy called myofascial release therapy. The researchers concluded that myofascial release therapy could be an effective way for people with arthritis to improve joint function and decrease pain.
The right foods and beverages can help reduce arthritis pain and inflammation. They can also help to keep your joints healthy and flexible. The following are some of the best foods for people with arthritis:
– Omega-3 fatty acids:
These are known to be good for reducing inflammation as well as joint pain. Foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, tuna, walnuts, flaxseed oil, chia seeds and hemp seed oil.
– Foods rich in vitamin D:
Vitamin D helps to protect your bones from damage while also reducing inflammation in your body. Foods that have this nutrient include salmon, tuna, trout and mackerel.
– Foods rich in magnesium:
Magnesium helps to regulate blood pressure and it also has a calming effect on the body. Foods such as nuts, cashews, oatmeal and avocados are all good sources of this nutrient.
– Foods rich in gluten help to care for arthritic joints:
Foods rich in gluten help to care for arthritic joints. Gluten has been shown to help reduce the inflammation of arthritic joints and also help relieve pain. There are a number of foods that have gluten as an ingredient, such as pastas, breads, pizzas and more that are perfect for someone with arthritis or joint pain.
– Foods rich in calcium:
These are common for people with arthritis because calcium helps to strengthen bones and increase the density of cartilage. Dairy products, such as cheese and ice cream, are some good sources of calcium that can help with arthritis. Other foods containing a lot of calcium include tofu, sardines and kale.
Types of Foods and Beverages That We Should Avoid if You Have Arthritis
If you have arthritis, there are certain types of food and drinks that can worsen your symptoms and conditions which should be completely avoided.
Below are some examples of foods and drinks that we should avoid if we have arthritis:
– Coffee, tea, or any other caffeinated beverage:
Caffeine is the most heavily used psychoactive drug in the world. It can be found in coffee, tea, chocolate and many more products. However, caffeine has been linked to an increased risk of osteoarthritis in some people. In addition, caffeine can cause a person's blood pressure to increase and that could lead to heart problems.
– Alcoholic beverages:
Alcohol use is a risk factor for arthritis and it leads to an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Alcohol also increases the severity of the symptoms. People with alcoholic beverage that can cause arthritis suffer from morning stiffness, joint pain, and inflammation. This is because of ethanol damages cartilage in joints, which leads to the development of rheumatoid arthritis.
– Processed meat products:
Processed meats such as hot dogs, bacon, and sausage were linked to an increased risk of developing arthritis. Processed meat producers use nitrates in the meat preparation. Nitrates are converted into nitrites when the meat is preserved with salt or smoked. Nitrites can react with other compounds to form carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds in the food.
– Dairy products:
Dairy products can cause arthritis in people who suffer from lactose intolerance. Dairy products are a major culprit for the onset of arthritis in people who suffer from lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is an inability to break down milk sugar (lactose) which can result in diarrhea, gas, abdominal cramps, and overall discomfort.
– Red meat:
The National Arthritis Foundation estimates that around one in five adults have arthritis and red meat can cause this. Red meat contains a high amount of saturated fat and cholesterol. These substances lead to inflammation which is the main cause of joint degeneration.
Red meat is a high source of purines which are broken down into uric acid, which can cause gout and kidney stones. Red meat causes blood clots and stroke due to the presence of heme iron in red meat.
Wrapping up
The best way to combat your arthritis symptoms is to adjust your diet. Allergies or sensitivities may be causing you discomfort, so start with a food diary to determine what foods are causing you the most discomfort. If you have been diagnosed with arthritis, talk with your doctor about medications that might help alleviate symptoms.
