Foods and habits that can worsen arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that causes painful and swollen joints. It is also categorized by the presence of signs like soreness and stiffness of the joints. Feet, hands, wrists, and knees are some of the most commonly affected areas of the body. Treatment options often aim to reduce the inflammation and pain caused by the condition. It has been found that natural remedies, and healthy eating habits, show greater results. Treatment options: TREMFYA® Tremfya® belongs to the class of compounds known as monoclonal antibodies. Its mode of action is based on blocking a compound called interleukin-23. The body naturally produces interleukin-23 and is blocked by guselkumab present in TREMFYA®. It is essential in the prevention of frequent inflammation and the reduction of swelling. These are two of the most common symptoms seen in arthritis patients. It is administered as an injection, preferably by a trained professional. Some common side effects of TREMFYA® include gastroenteritis, skin infections, headaches, and more. ACTEMRA® Actemra® is a rheumatoid arthritis treatment option that contains tocilizumab as its primary ingredient. It is generally prescribed to patients with moderate to severe arthritic symptoms. Actemra® works by blocking the IL-6 compounds responsible for the body's inflammatory response to triggers. Doctors may prescribe the treatment in either of the two available forms. Injections must be administered weekly, whereas Intravenous infusions are administered only once a month. However, the dosage may vary according to the patient's need and the doctor's treatment plan. PLAQUENIL® Another prescription is used in treating and managing arthritis and certain other health conditions that arise due to increased inflammation in the body. PLAQUENIL® contains hydroxychloroquine as its main component. PLAQUENIL® can be prescribed as a stand-alone treatment option or combined with other options that the doctor might add to the treatment plan. Foods to eat and avoid: Safflower oil The body requires numerous components for its unhindered functioning. However, the deficiency or abundance of any of these components can lead to adverse effects if not rectified. Similarly, using safflower oil for cooking can provide the body with an extra amount of Omega 6 fatty acid. Although an essential compound, it is only required by the body in small amounts. It is particularly harmful to people with inflammatory health conditions such as arthritis. A high amount of omega 6 in the body increases the inflammation, resulting in aggravation of symptoms and frequent flare-ups. Red meat Red meat is known for its high-fat content, especially saturated fats. It is among the fattiest foods people eat. Increased or frequent intake of red meat can increase inflammatory responses in the body. This can result in swollen joints, aggravated symptoms, and frequent flare-ups for patients with arthritis. Full-fat cheese Cheese is often considered a tasty and healthy source of protein. It is often found on lists that contain foods that must be consumed for better health. However, in the case of arthritis, it is the complete opposite. A dairy product, cheese, can trigger the body's inflammatory response and cause problems for patients with arthritis. The high concentration of fat found in cheese triggers most patients and can lead to flare-ups. It can also cause swelling of the joints, pain, and increased inflammation. Artificially sweetened beverages Packaged beverages like juices, teas, and sodas contain huge amounts of sugar or alternative sweeteners. An average can of soda contains approximately 8 teaspoons of sugar, which is much higher than the recommended daily intake. Regular intake of such foods and beverages can increase the body's sugar stores resulting in increased inflammation and a more frequent aggravation of symptoms. White flour Refined carbohydrates are yet another food component that is considered more harmful in the case of patients with arthritis or other inflammatory disorders. These foods also are low in their fiber content, making foods made from white flour a source of simple carbohydrates. Regular intake of these foods can lead to more frequent dips and spikes in blood sugar levels. On the other hand, whole grains are a source of complex carbohydrates, making symptom management easier. Lifestyle changes Self-care activities are a common factor that helps better manage health conditions. The same is true for patients with arthritis. Not exercising regularly Skipping regular activity can lead to worsening symptoms associated with arthritis. Indulging in regular exercising helps relax bones and muscles and reduces the inflammation levels in the body. Avoiding maintaining activity levels can contribute to higher inflammation and pain levels, making arthritis worse. Alternating temperature treatment Using alternating temperatures can go a long way in pain management for patients with arthritis. It is often a remedy that doctors suggest for arthritis patients. It involves alternatingly using cold press and hot press against the area of the body that is in pain. Not following the treatment plan prescribed by the doctors is among the major contributing factors that worsen arthritis and impact the patient's lifestyle. Acupressure and acupuncture Sticking to traditional treatments alone might not deliver the quality of results one was expecting. In such scenarios, it is important to consider the available alternative therapies. Taking help from alternative treatments like massages, acupuncture, and acupressure. This helps relieve the tension and pain in the body. Alternative traditional treatments like acupuncture and acupressure use small needles and pressure, respectively.