Steer Clear Of These Foods
Inflammation is the root of a variety of issues from bloating to joint pain to more serious health conditions like cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s if it persists long-term. If you find yourself constantly battling inflammation, the foods you eat may be to blame. Check your diet for these nine inflammation-causing foods, and find out what you should be eating instead.
You Could Raise Your Cholesterol
Did you know that your body needs cholesterol? No, that’s not a typo. Cholesterol is crucial for a number of activities happening inside of you right now, like the making of vitamin D and the building of new cells . However, not all cholesterol is the same, and unfortunately, ice cream boosts the wrong kind for your health.
As Healthline explains, cholesterol is divided into two types: high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein . While both HDL and LDL contain fat and protein, LDL has more fat than protein, making it bad for your heart. And, yes, when you hear about the dangers of having high cholesterol levels, you’re specifically hearing about the dangers of having high LDL levels. Although your liver makes both HDL and LDL, eating foods that are high in fat can lead to the production of more LDL. And since ice cream is a full-fat dairy product that’s loaded with saturated fat, there’s an excellent chance eating it regularly will raise your LDL levels.
If you’re an ice cream lover and worried about your cholesterol, you don’t have to quit your favorite treat cold turkey. An occasional scoop should be all right as long as you take care of yourself by regularly observing a healthy meal plan and exercising, etc. But indulging in even a small amount of ice cream every day is not a good idea if you want to keep your cholesterol under control.
Foods To Avoid If You Have Chronic Joint Pain
Many people in the Houston, Texas, area suffer from joint pain. They may feel as though there is nothing more they can do to cure their pain. However, a pain-free life is sometimes as simple as adjusting your diet. NASA Bone & Joint Specialists understands that it can be overwhelming to figure out a diet that is joint-friendly, so weve listed out some of the top foods to avoid if youre suffering from joint pain:
01. Eggs
Consuming eggs regularly can lead to an increased amount of swelling and joint pain. The yolks contain arachidonic acid, which helps trigger inflammation in the body. Eggs also contain saturated fat which can also induce joint pain. If you cant give up eggs completely, pass on the yolks and simply use the egg whites instead.
02. Dairy
Dairy contains a high level of protein casein. This type of protein triggers inflammation and pain in the joints, and may even contribute to irritation around the joints. Some dairy products, such as butter, contain a high amount of saturated fat. This can also contribute to inflammation and joint pain. Soy milk and almond milk are some good substitutions for dairy products.
03. Processed Meats
Processed meats contain nitrites and purines. These chemicals increase inflammation and lead to joint pain. Meats such as hot dogs, corned beef, bacon, and sausages are all processed and should be avoided. Reach for lean, fresh cuts of meat instead.
04. Sugar
05. Fried Foods
06. Refined Grains
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What About Nightshade Vegetables
There is no scientific evidence to confirm the link between nightshades and inflammation. Some individuals may be sensitive to nightshades, but nightshades themselves are not inherently inflammatory. If you believe these foods may be contributing to your inflammation, avoid them for 2 weeks and see if your symptoms subside.
Arthritis Wonder Pain Relief Cream
Wogonin is relatively new to the Western pain relief model. But it works on the familiar principle that reducing inflammation will reduce pain in most cases. Its a sound principle, and Arthritis Wonder Pain Relief Cream is proof of that.
What we like: We like the way this cream feels going on and that it seems to get to work pretty fast. It also has a pleasant scent and doesnt leave your skin all greasy. The open-ended money-back guarantee is also nice.
Flaws: The relief is real but relatively short-lived, so you have to keep on using it. Also, its not so effective for rheumatoid arthritis.
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What Should You Eat To Help With Osteoarthritis And Other Knee Pains
Although many people claim that a Mediterranean diet is the best for alleviating knee pain, there really is no one specific diet that can treat the problem directly. Generally, research tells us that healthy diets full of fish, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains can help with osteoarthritis and other knee conditions. To take better care of your health, load up your plate with these foods:
You’ll Make Happy Memories
Chances are that when you think back on eating ice cream, you’re reminded of cheerful memories like a birthday party, a day at the beach, or even just buying a cone with your friends at the local ice cream truck. And you’re not alone. A study from 2008 found a pattern between sweet treats like ice cream and feelings of happiness .
Conducted by Dr. David Vanata, associate professor in the foods and nutrition department at Ashland University in Ohio, the study involved more than 200 adults who had to rank 62 foods based on how they made them feel. Keep in mind that the participants were only supposed to record their knee-jerk reactions to the food. Not surprisingly, ice cream ranked high in the following four categories: happiness, pleasantness, excitability, and comfort. In addition, chocolate, which is an ingredient often used in ice cream , also scored high in these areas. In fact, ice cream and chocolate were among the foods that received the overall highest score in this study, along with cookies and cake.
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Can Hot Baths Or Spas Help Arthritis Pain
Many people with arthritis find relief from pain and stiffness with hot baths or spas. The moist heat increases muscle relaxation, boosts blood supply to the site of pain, and relieves rigidity and spasms in the muscles. But avoid hot tubs or spas if you have high blood pressure or heart disease, or if you are pregnant.
What Exactly Is Arthritis
Arthritis, or joint inflammation, describes swelling and tenderness of one or more of the joints. Its main symptoms include joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Arthritis is a general term for a group of over 100 diseases causing inflammation and swelling in and around the joints.
Joint inflammation is a natural response of the body to a disease or injury, but becomes arthritis when the inflammation persists in the absence of joint injury or infection. Arthritis usually worsens with age and may even lead to a loss of joint movement.
There are different types of arthritis such as:
- Warm skin over the joints
- Redness of the skin over the joints
- Reduced range of movement.
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Or Scan The Ingredients List
Ingredients in a given food are listed by weight if theres sugar in the top three, says Dubost, you know the product contains a lot. There are at least 61 different names for sugar listed on food labels. Some common ones include sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup, as well as cane sugar, dextrose, invert sugar, maltose, and rice syrup, among others. Honey and molasses may be more natural, but they still count as added sugar, says Dubost.
What Temperature Is Best When Using Heat Therapy For Arthritis
When using moist heat therapy, make sure the temperature is not so hot that you burn your skin. Find a temperature that you can comfortably tolerate, whether using a bath, hot water bottle, or spa therapy.
You also need to give it time to work. Use the moist heat application for at least 15 minutes before exercise. Then use it again immediately following exercise. You can also use moist heat anytime you want additional relief from arthritis pain.
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Who Needs Arthritis Cream
Anyone of any age who suffers from the pain and discomfort of arthritis needs to have arthritis cream on hand to provide both short and long term relief. Arthritis cream is an affordable and, perhaps even more importantly, effective and convenient way for arthritis sufferers from all walks of life to obtain some control over their condition. Whether you have slowly developed osteoarthritis over the course of many years, or you have been stricken by rheumatoid arthritis suddenly and unexpectedly, a good arthritis cream can help.
Keep in mind too that many arthritis creams deal with controlling or reducing inflammation. A major cause of pain for everyone. Not just arthritis sufferers. So if you are an athlete dealing with sore muscles or a waitress with a sore back or you were involved in an accident and are experiencing pain and stiffness, many types of arthritis cream can help.
Benefits Of Eating Ice Cream
All of the above factors provide compelling reasons to swear off ice cream. After all, a smart diet is key to staying fit and healthy. But if the thought of forever banishing this cold treat from your menu seems harsh, we have a loophole or two that may enable you to indulge without guilt. Its important to be realistic, after allalthough well still preach moderation.
First, consider that eating ice cream can make you happy . The act of indulging in this treat can increase serotonin, a neurotransmitter sometimes referred to as the feel-good hormone. Its thought that the carbs have something to do with this process.
Another bonus: Although ice cream is calorically dense, it does offer some nutritional value, says Laura Hartung, a Boston-based registered dietitian and nutritionist.
- Ice cream contains calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which help maintain healthy blood pressure levels. As we all know, calcium is also essential to strong teeth and bones.
- A half-cup serving of ice cream also boasts 5 g to 9 g of protein, which can help us feel full for longer while boosting energy levels.
- Other nutrients found in our fave frozen treat include vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and phosphorus.
Lets be honestwere not going to break the nutritional bank by downing a pint of Chunky Monkey, but its enough to make you forget, momentarily, the question Is ice cream bad for you?
WHICH ICE CREAM SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?
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What Happens When You Give Up Dairy
Everyone experiences different benefits when ditching dairy, however, some of the first effects are undoubtedly less inflammation and joint pain, better skin, and enhanced digestion. Fewer allergenic reactions, less fatigue, and even a better mood are other benefits that one usually experiences quickly.
And Go Easy On Coffee Concoctions
Thats because a medium pumpkin spice latte from one popular coffee house has more than 12 teaspoons of sugar and 420 calories a medium frozen mocha swirl from another chain contains about 35 teaspoons of sugar and 730 calories. Thats right in one drink. Some flavored syrups are all sugar, says Dubost. Unsweetened tea and coffee are your healthiest options, she adds, but if you prefer flavor, consider the syrups made with non-nutritive sweeteners.
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It Could Affect Your Mood
There’s no denying that when you’re feeling down, something sweet can lift your spirits. And ice cream has become so associated with being a mood-lifter that it’s almost cliché. Case in point, when someone goes through a breakup on TV or in the movies, they usually dive into a carton of ice cream for comfort. But the happy sensation you get from sugary treats is not just because of their flavor.
According to WebMD, sugar like the kind found in ice cream can impact how you’re feeling in two ways. First, when you eat sugar-rich foods, your body creates large amounts of a chemical called dopamine, which makes you feel happy. The problem is that dopamine can have a similar effect on your brain as some drugs, causing you to need greater quantities of sugar to get that same emotional high. Speaking of highs, the second way sugary ice cream can affect your mood is through a good old-fashioned sugar high and sugar crash. Since sugar can spike and drop your blood glucose levels, you can quickly go from feeling energized to nervous and shaky. While fluctuating dopamine and blood glucose levels might sound like temporary side effects of eating sugary foods like ice cream, research has connected eating too much sugar to an increased chance of developing depression . In addition to possible chemical changes, research is finding that sugar may cause depression because it increases inflammation throughout your body .
Best And Worst Foods For Arthritis
If you have arthritis, you may wonder if there are natural ways to reduce joint pain and inflammation. Incorporating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, protein and fiber into your diet is one way to do this. If you have questions about making changes to your diet, please talk with your doctor.
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You Could Wind Up With Tooth Decay
It’s no secret that classic ice cream is loaded with sugar, or that sweet treats are not good for your dental health. But what is it about sugar that makes it so potentially harmful for your teeth? To answer that question, we need to talk about something that comes up in just about every commercial for teeth whitening products: enamel.
Like your skin, your teeth have layers, and the outermost layer is called the enamel . Unfortunately, when you eat foods rich in sugar , a type of acid forms inside your mouth that can weaken your enamel . How? Well, according to the American Dental Association, your mouth naturally has bacteria inside of it that thrive on carbohydrates. When that bacteria comes into contact with foods that have high quantities of sugar and other simple carbs, it causes the food to ferment, creating acid that harms your teeth. And once your enamel is weakened, you’re more likely to develop dental issues. In fact, Parkcrest Dental Group’s website specifically says ice cream can lead to gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay.
Besides ice cream, the American Dental Association’s website warns that other foods commonly found in ice cream or its toppings can also be bad for your teeth. These include caramel, candy, cakes, and cookies. But whether or not you sometimes indulge in ice cream, make sure to exercise good dental hygiene by seeing your dentist for regular checkups and brushing your teeth two times every day .
Which Types Of Heat Therapy Help Arthritis Pain
You can choose from the following popular types of heat therapy for arthritis pain:
- disposable heat patches or belts available at most drugstores
- warm whirlpool or hot tub
- warm, moist towel or cloth
You may also sit on a stool that has rubber tips for safety while letting the warm shower hit the affected area. The constant heat flowing on the arthritic joint or pain site helps to keep pain minimal and allows for easier movement.
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Should I Use Heat Or Ice For Acute Injuries
If the new injury is red, swollen, or inflamed, then cooling the injury may help prevent inflammation. For example, if your pain stems from a muscle injury, treat it immediately with RICE — rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Rest the injured body part and then apply ice. You can use an ice pack or a pack of frozen vegetables or fruit for 20 minutes. Then take it off for 20 minutes. Add compression with a firm elastic bandage. Elevate the injured part to keep swelling to a minimum.
Before using moist heat or ice therapy, be sure your skin is dry and free from cuts and sores. If you have visible skin damage, don’t use cold or heat. And always protect your skin with a towel. After using heat or cold, gently move the arthritic joint to reduce stiffness.
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Does What You Eat Have An Effect On Ra
Question: Does what I eat have an effect on my rheumatoid arthritis? I heard about an anti-inflammatory diet that includes eating salmon and dark chocolate and drinking green tea. I currently take medication for my RA, but it can’t hurt to try this anti-inflammatory diet, right? Santa Barbara, CA
Answer: You’re right: What you eat may have a mild effect on your rheumatoid arthritis . Some foodsas part of the anti-inflammatory dietmay have an anti-inflammatory effect, which means that they may reduce inflammation levels in your body.The goal of an anti-inflammatory diet is to reduce the overall inflammation in your body. Photo Source: 123RF.com.Inflammation in your body can cause swollen, stiff, and/or tender jointsclassic RA symptoms.
The difference between this so-called “diet” and other diets is that the goal isn’t necessarily weight lossalthough anti-inflammatory foods do encourage weight loss. Rather, the goal of an anti-inflammatory diet is to reduce the overall inflammation in your body.
Eating to avoid constant inflammation is good for your overall health, but the question is: Is it enough to eat anti-inflammatory foods to combat inflammation?
Most people eat too many foods rich in omega-6 fatty acids, essential fatty acids that can be found in highly processed foods, red meat, full-fat dairy foods, saturated fats, trans fats, and baked goods. These foods can promote inflammation.
Below are some other foods that may ease the inflammation associated with RA.
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