Arthritis refers to an inflammation of the joints. There are different types of arthritis and they can affect one or even multiple joints in our bodies. While it is most common among the elderly, especially people over 65 years of age; it can affect younger people too, unfortunately, including teenagers and children and can cause a lot of pain. Arthritis usually requires medical attention because you will need medication for it but other than that, did you know that following a good diet can help you reduce the suffering that comes with it? Some foods are known to cause further inflammation and you should definitely avoid them if you are looking to help your situation. Getting rid of certain foods may not be the most interesting thing especially because it might mean getting rid of something you really like eating, but it is worth it. You will for sure realize it when you experience less pain or even have the doctor minimize on the number of medicines you need to take. So here are the foods you need to avoid if you have arthritis.
1. Coffee
This is truly some bad news considering just how many people prefer to start their day with a cup of coffee. While it is known to have its own share of health benefits, coffee has been proven to increase one’s chances of getting rheumatoid arthritis, as some of its ingredients spark the rheumatoid factor. Studies have shown that those people who drink four or more cups in a day are more at risk of getting rheumatoid arthritis compared to those who do not. Their chances are twice as much in fact. If there is the slightest risk factor that could cause arthritis, then you might want to consider starting your morning by drinking tea instead.
2. Tobacco
Unfortunately, this is a hard one to quit. Tobacco is just very addictive regardless of the form you take it in. People who smoke this substance have very high chances of developing severe rheumatoid arthritis so it’s better not to start intake if you haven’t yet, but if you do take this substance, it might be time to actually stop because you are not doing yourself a favor. Smoking affects how medication taken for arthritis works on the body. It lessens the effect and even continues to damage your joints, bones and connective tissue.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol is a drink that could also become addictive when taken excessively. While drinking alcohol may be socially enjoyable, it is a dangerous vice especially to those that suffer from arthritis. Alcoholics will often be the ones experiencing cases of gout. Gout is a form of arthritis. It is responsible for the formation of hard crystals in the person’s joints. If you have arthritis, then you should know that drinking will lead to further inflammation, even if you just drink a few bottles. So it’s better to just avoid alcohol altogether. That’s another reason to stop drinking, added to the common “it will ruin your liver
4. Added sugars
A lot of people love sugar. It is sweet after all. Unfortunately, it is another indulgence that might increase your pain if you suffer from arthritis. When the proteins in your body as well as the fats come into contact with sugar, your body produces “advanced glycation end products” (AGEs). These AGEs will make you age faster, which is something you do not want and will trigger further inflammation. So, to avoid further pain, go for sugar sources that are less processed, like honey.
5. Aspartame
Yes people, this one too. Artificial sweeteners are not that healthy either when compared to actual sugar. The worst part is, they are made entirely in the laboratory. Your body might not even recognize them as food, you know, and that is what will cause painful inflammation. What’s worse is that in addition to making the situation worse for those who already suffer from arthritis, it can bring the condition to people that never even had it in the first place. So watch your intake of it. You do not want to create a health problem such as arthritis for yourself.
6. Salt
It is not exactly uncommon for doctors to ask you to reduce your intake of salt. This is because too much intake of salt often causes water retention and even high blood pressure. It could also be the cause of a variety of other diseases that you definitely do not want. Medication taken by people suffering from arthritis who take corticosteroids will already make them hang onto sodium more so it is very important to reduce just how much salt you take