Sugar And Certain Sugar Alternatives
Foods that contain refined sugarincluding pastries, chocolate, candy, soda, and even fruit juicestrigger the release of proteins in the body called cytokines, which cause inflammation. Sugar is labeled many ways in food items in addition to sugar, watch out for corn syrup, fructose, sucrose, or maltose in ingredient lists.
Cutting back on regular sugar may lead people to seek out foods made with sugar alternatives, such as aspartame and sucralose, when a sweet tooth hits. However, some people are sensitive to these substances, which can cause an inflammatory response from the body. Sugar alternatives are often found in diet sodas, gum, sugar-free candy, and low-fat yogurt and pudding.
Avoid These 5 Inflammatory Foods To Ease Joint Pain
As a leading orthopaedic practice serving patients throughout the Triangle region, we care about your bone and joint health. Not only do we offer comprehensive surgical and non-surgical orthopaedic care, but we also advise our patients about things they can on their own to increase strength and mobility and improve their overall health. Choosing the right foods is a basic place to start.
Smart food choices are important for everyone, especially for those who suffer from joint pain and inflammation. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a well-balanced diet should be full of plant-based foods. The FDA recommends a diet of two-thirds fruits, vegetables and whole grains, leaving one-third for lean protein and low-fat dairy.
While some foods may help fight inflammation in the joints and muscles, studies have found that others can exacerbate inflammation, causing pain in the knees, back and other parts of the body. Compounds found in certain foods can trigger the body to produce chemicals that cause inflammation as well as other health issues such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
To help decrease joint and muscle pain and inflammation, try eliminating these foods from your diet or consume them in moderation:
In The Kitchen With Arthritis: Foods To Avoid
The goal of an anti-inflammatory diet for arthritis is to reduce inflammation and the joint degeneration and pain it causes.What Are Anti-Inflammatory Foods?
You can influence inflammation by eating anti-inflammatory foods, such as leafy greens and colorful vegetables, and avoiding these 7 inflammatory foods:
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Where Does Inflammation Come From
The stress that causes this inflammation can come from a number of sources. These include:
- Physical stress.
- Chronic low grade bacterial, viral and fungal infections.
- Chronic low-level food allergies or food sensitivities.
- Emotional stress which raises cortisol levels.
- A toxic environment: metals and other contaminants in the water and air.
- Toxicity in our diet: too much fat, sugar, protein, and alcohol.
What Causes Reactive Arthritis
As mentioned, reactive arthritis is felt in part to be genetic. There are certain genetic markers that are far more frequent in patients with reactive arthritis than in the normal population. For example, the HLA-B27 gene is commonly seen in patients with reactive arthritis. Even in patients who have the genetic background that predisposes them to developing reactive arthritis, however, exposure to certain infections seems to be required to trigger the onset of the disease.
Reactive arthritis can occur after venereal infections. The most common bacterium that has been associated with this post-venereal form of reactive arthritis is an organism called Chlamydia trachomatis. Reactive arthritis also occurs after infectious dysentery, with bacterial organisms in the bowel, such as Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia, Campylobacter, and Clostridium difficile. Typically, the arthritis develops one to three weeks after the onset of the bacterial infection. Reactive arthritis has also been reported associated with bladder infusions of BCG used for treating bladder cancer.
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Dont Go Overboard With Olive Oil
It’s a tasty part of the good-for-you Mediterranean diet. But itâs also high in calories, so make sure you donât drizzle too much on your salad. That said, olive oil is a âgoodâ fat. And âextra virginâ versions have a natural chemical called oleocanthal, which shares similar properties with the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen. Nuts, avocados, and olives are other âgoodâ fats you can enjoy in moderation.
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How Is Arthritis Treated
Theres no cure for arthritis, but there are treatments that can help you manage the condition. Your treatment plan will depend on the severity of the arthritis, its symptoms and your overall health.
Conservative treatments include:
- Medication: Anti-inflammatory and pain medications may help relieve your arthritis symptoms. Some medications, called biologics, target your immune systems inflammatory response. A healthcare provider may recommend biologics for your rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis.
- Physical therapy: Rehabilitation can help improve strength, range of motion and overall mobility. Therapists can teach you how to adjust your daily activities to lessen arthritic pain.
- Therapeutic injections: Cortisone shots may help temporarily relieve pain and inflammation in your joints. Arthritis in certain joints, such as your knee, may improve with a treatment called viscosupplementation. It injects lubricant to help joints move smoothly.
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Best Foods For Rheumatoid Arthritis
Making healthy food choices can help reduce inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis.
Diet wont cure rheumatoid arthritis , but the right food choices can help by controlling the inflammation that wreaks havoc in the body, delivering nutrients your body needs and helping you maintain a healthy weight. Thats important because excess weight adds to pressure on achy joints and can make certain RA meds less effective. Whats more, body fat produces proteins called cytokines that promote inflammation.
Studies show that a Mediterranean diet, with lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats is a good choice for people with RA. Heres a look at some foods you should be eating.
Fatty fish. Salmon, tuna, sardines, herring and other cold-water fish are rich in omega -3 fatty acids, which may help control inflammation. Your body needs a healthy balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Researchers have found that a greater ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s is associated with an increase in chronic inflammatory diseases like RA. So its important to reduce omega-6s which may provoke inflammation and are found in meats, certain oils and in fried and processed foods that contain those oils and increase omega-3s.
For more information about healthy eating for arthritis, click here.
You can also view past webinars about good nutrition for arthritis, here.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Related Articles
Health And Wellness: Why Arthritis Feels Worse In Winter And What You Can Do About It
Do you dread the winter because you know your arthritis is going to act up? If so youre not alone. Theres a very good reason arthritis sufferers love to fly south when the cold weather sets in.
But why does this happen?
The science is a bit inconclusive on this. Some studies have completely debunked the myth that weather can affect your joint pain, while others have shown that arthritis sufferers do indeed have what we call weather sensitivity where you feel worse in the cold, especially when its about to rain or snow. The working theory behind this is related to barometric pressure. As a storm system develops, barometric pressure begins to drop. Some scientists believe that this results in expansion and contraction of tissue in and around your joints . If those tissues are already inflamed and sensitive due to arthritis, this could irritate them further. Additionally, the lower temperatures of winter are thought to increase the thickness of fluid inside your joints, making them stiffer and perhaps more sensitive to pain during movement.
Is there anything you can do about this? The good news is yes. Regardless of whether you think arthritis feeling worse in winter is myth or fact there are things you can do to minimize the arthritic pain you experience in your joints.
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Red Meat And Fried Foods
Meatespecially red meatis high in saturated fats, which may cause high cholesterol and inflammation. In addition, meat contains high levels of advanced glycation end products that stimulate inflammation, particularly when it is broiled, grilled, roasted, or fried.1
Its not just fried chicken that you should avoid, though. Other fried foods, such as donuts and french fries, contain trans fats in addition to AGEs.
Your Sleep Cycle Is Off
RA pain and sleep trouble are a vicious cycle. If youre in pain, you cant sleep well. If you dont get enough rest, your symptoms get worse. Good habits can help you get the downtime you need. Use guided imagery to distract you from the pain. Take pain meds before bedtime so you can nod off more easily. Switch off your phone and bedside clock. Their lights can disturb your slumber.
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These 4 Foods Can Trigger Joint Pain
The CDC has reported that over 50 million adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with arthritis. Not only is it one of the most common chronic conditions, its also a leading cause of work disability in the nation.
Arthritis is a general term for conditions that cause pain and inflammation in the joints, says Dr. Michael Suk, chair of Geisingers Musculoskeletal Institute & Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. While its often thought that these conditions affect only those 65 years and older, anyone can develop arthritis even children, adds Dr. Suk.
If you have arthritis, you know how challenging it can be to live with the condition. Everyday things like taking a walk, exercising or even holding a pencil can be very painful.
You may see an orthopedist or a rheumatologist for help treating and managing your arthritis symptoms. However, research suggests that you can also help reduce your joint pain by cutting back on foods that cause inflammation and following an anti-inflammatory diet.
While theres no one-size-fits-all diet for people living with arthritis, reducing these 4 foods from your diet might give you some relief.
Factors That Influence Chronic Arthritis Pain
Arthritis often causes chronic pain, which is often defined as pain lasting for twelve weeks or more. Over time, it tends to be variable rather than constant. You may have long stretches lasting for weeks or months during which you can experience milder or more intense pain, and you may even notice a difference in intensity throughout the day. Treatment can often control or diminish the pain, but so can identifying some of the factors that can play into the chronic pain of arthritis so you can either address them or make modifications with them in mind.
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When Some Patients Stopped Using Nsaids And Started Exercising As Best They Could These Patient Much Better
- So bringing this forward, and this is something we have seen many times in the many years we have seen patients, here we have someone in pain, they are taking anti-inflammatories because they and their health care providers believe inflammation is at the core of the problem. The pain persists, the NSAIDs are replaced by exercise felt much better.
Ditch The Salt In Favor Of Beneficial Spice
Investing in quality spices is good for your wallet and your health. Excessive salt intake can worsen other related conditions such as high blood pressure, which could indirectly lead to more inflammation in the body. Although eating salt in moderation is okay, Tehrani notes that it doesnt have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Overconsumption leads to many issues, she says. People with arthritis who take corticosteroids, a drug that is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, should especially watch their salt intake because the medication causes people to retain sodium.
If you want to add flavor to your food and reduce inflammation, consider using anti-inflammatory herbs and spices such as turmeric, garlic, black pepper, and ginger. A study published in November 2012 in the journal Phytotherapy Research found that curcumin, an active ingredient in turmeric, reduced tenderness and swelling in the joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
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Which Foods Make Arthritis Worse
Any food that can cause or aggravate inflammation in the body can worsen arthritis symptoms.
Common foods that trigger inflammation include:
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
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Nightshade Vegetables Cause Inflammation
Tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, and peppers all contain the chemical solanine, which some blame for arthritis pain. However, the Arthritis Foundation say that there is no scientific evidence for this. Adding these nutritious vegetables to the diet can have many benefits for chronic health conditions.
There is evidence that certain foods and nutrients can improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis. They do this by fighting inflammation, providing nutrition, and boosting bone, muscle, and immune system function.
People may also benefit from avoiding or restricting foods that contribute to inflammation.
Being overweight or obese places extra pressure on the joints, which can make the symptoms of osteoarthritis worse.
Eating a balanced diet rich in plants, fiber, and anti-inflammatory fats, such as those that the Mediterranean diet includes, can help people living with osteoarthritis to maintain a healthy weight.
This will help to ease symptoms, such as pain and swelling.
Search For Rheumatologists Near You And Schedule Your Next Appointment Today
Dietary choices are always important to overall health, but if you have arthritis, the foods you choose can have a surprising impact on your joint health. You may find some arthritis trigger foods cause pain, stiffness, and swelling, while others actually alleviate your symptoms.
There are several common trigger foods to avoid if you have arthritis. For happier, healthier joints, try these simple food swaps.
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Osteoarthritis Versus Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition where the cartilage in joints is damaged, disrupting the smooth gliding motion of the joint surfaces. The result is pain, swelling, and deformity that can worsen over time. The most common joints affected are knees, hips, spine, and hands. The pain of osteoarthritis increases with overuse and improves with rest.
Rheumatoid arthritis , on the other hand, is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects connective tissue throughout the body. The most common result is redness, swelling, and tenderness in the joints. RA symptoms and severity can vary significantly between people. Some may have mild symptoms over a short period of time and some may have more severe forms that last many years. RA may occur in cycles of remission with no symptoms and flare ups where symptoms are more severe.
Joints Affected by Osteoarthritis:
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What Causes Arthritis Pain
Many different diseases and conditions cause chronic pain. One of the most common is arthritis, a group of diseases that cause inflammation of the joints. Other common types of chronic pain are backache, muscle pain, headache and sore feet.
Arthritis pain is caused by:
- inflammation, the process that causes the redness and swelling in your joints
- damage to joint tissues caused by the disease process or from wear and tear
- muscle strain caused by overworked muscles attempting to protect your joints from painful movements
- fatigue caused by the disease process which can make your pain seem worse and harder to handle
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