Home - Health - 8 Foods And Beverages To Avoid With Arthritis

8 foods and beverages to avoid with arthritis

8 foods and beverages to avoid with arthritis

Arthritis is a group of bone-related disorders that include gout, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PA), and osteoarthritis. A person with arthritis is susceptible to inflammation, which triggers pain and other associated symptoms. The underlying cause is inflammation which eventually affects the tissues around the joints, leading to chronic conditions like heart diseases and diabetes and worsening the arthritis symptoms. Here are eight foods and beverages to avoid with arthritis:

Salt
The sodium content in salt is required for the body to perform innumerable functions. However, over intake of salt calls for a lot of trouble. Several researchers point out that one mostly uses way too much salt than is required. Excess salt intake is associated with greater inflammation levels which can also trigger pain and other symptoms related to arthritis. Make sure you look for foods with no added salt. Use spices or herbs to garnish food.

Omega-6 fatty acids
These polyunsaturated fatty acids, when used in excess, cause inflammation. Some common sources of omega-6 fats include sunflower oil, canola oil, nuts, and meat. Opting for olive oil would be a smarter choice as it contains primarily monounsaturated fat.

Sweetened beverages
Sweetened drinks like fruit juices, soda, and other sweetened drinks contain a high amount of sugar. It is highly advised to restrict sugar intake to 8-9 teaspoons a day, and if a comparison has to be made to a sweetened drink and its sugar levels, a 12-ounce soda contains 36 grams of sugar and is equated to more than 8 teaspoons. Trying to switch to natural flavors like fresh lemon juice to plain drinks would be a much healthier option.

Fried foods
Often, fried foods are cooked in oils that are pretty high on saturated fats and Omega -6 fatty acids index. Both are linked with an increase in symptoms related to arthritis and an increase in inflammation levels. Fried foods also tend to have excess salt, triggering arthritis symptoms. Opting for baked foods would be a healthier alternative.

Canned foods
Any canned food that is high in sugar and salt must be avoided. A fruit canned in syrup form can pose an immense threat as sugar leads to inflammation. In addition, canned foods are also high in salt as it aids in the preservation of the content of the can. Looking for low sodium and “no added sugar” foods would go a long way in protecting the person from any flare-ups.

Redefined carbohydrates
While grains contain fiber and other healthy nutrients, they are stripped away of their nutrients when processed into white flour and rice. These grains are high in carbohydrates which would only increase the sugar levels, leading to inflammation. Complex carbohydrates like whole grains, quinoa, and brown rice are any day better options.

Candy
Foods with empty calories does not mean they do not create any harm. To start with, they increase inflammation. In addition to not offering any nutritional value, food sources like ketchup, barbeque sauce, candy, desserts, ice creams, processed snacks, and baked goods can be directly linked to inflammation in the body.

Gluten
Foods like wheat, rye, and barley contain a natural protein called gluten. Some research studies have pointed out the direct link between a gluten-free meal plan and a reduced inflammation rate in rheumatoid patients. In addition, people sensitive to gluten should stay away from it as the arthritis symptoms will only worsen.

If a person with arthritis opts for the treatment options mentioned below, avoiding the listed foods and beverages is imperative. For any health intervention to effectively work, it is important to bring discipline to food habits.

Tremfya
Tremfya is a prescription for treating psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and plaque psoriasis in adults. In the case of PsA, the person tends to have pain and stiffness in the joints. Doctors are known to recommend Tremfya as a standalone option with certain other treatment methods.

One of the unique characteristic features of Tremfya is that it is a biologics solution. Biologics are certain options made from either living cells in a lab setting or through a biological process. It is administered as a subcutaneous injection – an injection given under the skin. It can be self-administered provided the person has obtained sufficient training from their healthcare provider. In the various clinical trials done to test the effectiveness of this treatment option, it is believed it had a 20% reduction in the various symptoms associated with PsA.

Actemra
Actemra (or Tocilizumab) is a biologic option used to treat adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is moderate to severely active, and also for children two years above with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis or systematic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The treatment option blocks the IL-6 inflammatory protein and improves pain and swelling associated with this condition.

Plaquenil
Plaquenil is used for acute and chronic rheumatoid arthritis in adults. Plaquenil comes under the DMARDs category, which stands for Disease-modifying Antirheumatic Drugs. It not only reduces but also prevents swelling and pain caused due to RA. This option is taken orally as directed by the doctor. The usual dose recommendation is anywhere between one and two times a day. More often than not, doctors start with minimal dosage and progressively increase it based on the need.

Previous Read

Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

Next Read

4 ways to ease psoriatic arthritis and its symptoms

Nearly thirty percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis later in life. While the former targets the skin, the latter causes the immune system to affect the joints. Both are autoimmune disorders. Psoriatic arthritis causes joint pain, swelling, and inflammation, which can often be debilitating. There is no definitive cure for psoriatic arthritis. However, here are some treatment options, meal plans, and lifestyle tips that can help manage the symptoms: Clinical treatment options While psoriatic arthritis can be managed by making changes in nutrition and home remedies, it is crucial to be aware of clinical options too. This is because natural remedies may not provide immediate relief from worsening symptoms as compared to the clinical treatment options. Otezla® Inflammation is one of the significant and most problematic symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, which can make performing daily tasks difficult. This oral treatment option can help manage symptoms like joint swelling, tenderness, and pain. One of the advantages of using Otezla® is that it does not require initial or routine blood tests. Rinvoq® It is yet another treatment option used for managing various types of arthritis, including psoriatic arthritis. It helps effectively manage symptoms like pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with psoriatic arthritis and also protects from irreversible joint damage. Apart from this, Rinvoq® has also been observed to provide relief from skin plaques. Foods to eat  Salmon Rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is highly beneficial for those with inflammatory disorders like psoriatic arthritis. Additionally, salmon and other fatty fish such as albacore tuna, herring, mackerel, and lake trout can help to protect against heart diseases. It is recommended to include fatty fish in the meal plans at least twice a week to keep inflammation at bay. Whole grains This includes brown and wild rice, whole-wheat pasta, quinoa, bulgur wheat, and barley. These are packed with fiber and are helpful in maintaining normal blood cholesterol levels. High cholesterol levels tend to cause inflammation of the blood vessel wall. This can trigger psoriatic arthritis symptoms. An average daily intake of 30 grams of whole wheat can benefit those with psoriatic arthritis.  Garlic It contains high levels of phytonutrients, which are potent inflammation-fighting nutrients. Garlic can be easily added to soups, curries, as well as salads. Raw as well as roasted garlic also helps to keep the immune system strong along with fighting inflammation. Powdered or packaged forms can deplete the nutrients, hence make sure you use fresh garlic.  Foods to avoid Fatty red meat Fatty red meat is one of the worse foods that trigger psoriatic arthritis symptoms. Overconsumption of such food can lead to an increase in BMI, leading to inflammation flare-up. In addition, it can lower the effectiveness of prescribed treatment options and hinder the recovery process.  Eggplant Nightshade vegetables such as eggplant, peppers, tomatoes, and potatoes have been known to trigger inflammation in some people. A regular intake of these foods can aggravate symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. This is because these vegetables contain solanine, a chemical that may trigger inflammation. However, eggplants, and other vegetables do not trigger psoriatic arthritis symptoms in everyone. A process of elimination can help determine if a person's psoriatic arthritis is affected by the intake of certain vegetables. Soda Soda and other carbonated drinks are infused with high amounts of processed sugar. Intake of artificial sugar can lead to elevated levels of insulin in the body, which can easily trigger inflammation and aggravate arthritis symptoms.  Tips for managing psoriatic arthritis Moisturize the skin daily One of the prominent symptoms of psoriatic arthritis is itchy, dry, and flaky skin, especially near the joints. Hence, doctors suggest applying creams, moisturizers, and emollients to prevent the same. Specific creams for treating psoriasis contain ingredients like coal tar and salicylic acid that can effectively treat dry and flaky skin. However, ensure that the moisturizers used do not cause any underlying conditions that might aggravate the condition. Use aloe vera Aloe vera has been long used for several autoimmune conditions, including psoriatic arthritis. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that not only treat skin wounds but also calm itchy and inflamed skin caused due to psoriatic arthritis. Aloe vera is one of the main ingredients in many topical creams. However, it is recommended to consult a doctor to use the same as some people are allergic to other components present in the plant that may aggravate other underlying health conditions which might worsen psoriatic arthritis. Drink more water Staying hydrated is essential for healthy skin. While it is recommended to drink eight glasses of water every day for hydration, the required quantity is different for everyone depending on the climatic condition of the location. For instance, people living in humid areas may require less water as compared to the ones living in hot and dry areas. However, it is crucial to maintain hydration as it can reduce the risk of joint inflammation and stiffness. Psoriatic arthritis is a serious health disease. With the required treatment option, changes in meal plans and lifestyle can help ease the discomfort of the condition's effect to a great extent. Make sure you consult a doctor as soon as you experience any symptoms of the disorder. 

Trending Articles

01

Everything you need to know about chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
02

What you should know about depression

Depression is a mental health disorder that results in bouts of continuous sadness. A clinical mood disorder can lead to physical and emotional suffering, and can also change one’s behavior. Frustration, anger outbursts, lack of energy, sleep issues, anxiety, disinterest in eating, concentration issues, and suicidal thoughts are also common symptoms of this disease. Depending on its severity, the illness can challenge one to lead a normal life, too. Diagnosis There are many different methods a medical professional can use to determine if one is affected by depression. Psychiatric evaluation is the most common way to determine if one is suffering from the disease. The mental health doctor will interview the affected person to understand their thought process, mood, and other symptoms. Some doctors may compare symptoms with the ones listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This makes it easier for them to understand the condition. A physical exam is also performed to determine if any physical health issue is caused due to this mental condition. Stages of depression Depending on the level of sadness, the stages of depression can be divided into five stages: Stage 1 Even though the signs of mental disease are hard to miss, for most people, it starts with denial.
03

Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
04

Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.

Our Blogs

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of ADHD

ADHD, short for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, affects children worldwide, and this also often carries on into their adulthood. Some of the different problems faced by kids suffering from ADHD include sustaining attention for a long time, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. There might be other problems associated with ADHD, like low self-esteem, low grades in school, and difficulty in keeping up with relationships. More often than not, symptoms of ADHD are seen to have decreased with age. However, there are cases wherein ADHD symptoms never subside. Levels of ADHD There are three different levels or stages at which ADHD can affect individuals. They are: Predominantly inattentive ADHD This level of ADHD may be related to missing details very easily and getting distracted often. Also, one may get bored very quickly. One has difficulty in processing new information, and there is also the tendency to not listen properly. One might not be able to follow directions very clearly and also lose things like pencils or papers. It has been observed that girls are more likely to get inattentive ADHD than boys. Predominantly hyperactive-impulsive ADHD This is mostly associated with symptoms like restlessness and difficulty with sitting still. Kids suffering from hyperactive-impulsive ADHD have a tendency to talk consistently, and it’s less likely that they will engage in quiet activities.
Read More
Understanding skin aging

Understanding skin aging

Changes in the skin are one of the biggest signs that the body is aging. But how the aging of skin takes place depends on a lot of factors such as our diet, lifestyle habits, stress levels, and the like. For example, if you smoke regularly, it can lead to the production of free radicals, which damage healthy skin cells and cause wrinkles. So, let’s dig a little deeper into skin aging so that you can diagnose it and prevent it for as long as possible. Stages of skin aging As you age, you will start noticing changes in your skin. These changes take place in phases or stages. Learning about these phases can allow you to take better care of your skin and stay away from everything that can prove to be harmful to it. So, these stages of skin aging are: Stage I – Between 25 and 35 years This is the time when your skin will look extremely voluminous to you. But, this is also the time when the early signs of aging will start to appear. Therefore, it is important that you follow a good skincare regime. Some wrinkles can start appearing on the forehead. Lines can also start to appear on the face when you make normal expressions such as laughing, smiling, or frowning.
Read More
Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of addiction

Stages, diagnosis, and prevention of addiction

There are three terms that one can relate to addiction – reward, motivation, and memory. Addiction is when the body craves a behavior or substance in an obsessive pursuit of a reward. The person will have little concern about the consequences of the particular behavior or substance. Things to note in case of addiction Some of the attributes that one can relate with addiction include an inability to stay away from the substance, lack of self-control, an outrageous desire for the substance or behavior, ignorance towards the problems that the behavior might be causing, and a growing tendency to ignore the emotional response. Addictions have been known to interfere with daily life and there are also cases of relapse and remission. The complications of addiction can be physical, emotional, as well as financial. Stages of addiction There are five main stages of addiction. These include: Experimentation Every addiction starts with experimentation and during this stage, one cannot understand that this is the beginning of an addiction. One cannot be sure that this will turn into something serious, and hence no necessary steps are taken at this stage. A simple way to find out how this will turn into addiction is understanding the reason for experimenting and how often a person experiments with new substances.
Read More
Top debt settlement companies in the USA

Top debt settlement companies in the USA

Incurring debt is really common in this age and era as everything has become extremely expensive, from college education to owing a house. If you ever feel that your debt is too large and you may not be able to pay it in time, then you can seek the help of a debt settlement company. These companies essentially communicate with your creditor to try and lower your debt and the rest of it is typically forgiven. Given below is a list of the top 9 debt settlement companies in the USA. National Debt Relief If you have USD 7,500 or more in debt, then the National Debt Relief can be a great choice for you. It is one of the most prominent debt settlement companies in the country. The initial consultation is offered for free, but you will have to pay 15-25% of the settled debt amount as a fee. Freedom Debt Relief This a dedicated company that offers debt relief services to people who have at minimum USD 7,500 to USD 10,000 in debt. 15-25% of the settle debt amount is charged as fee once a settlement is negotiated, and in return, they offer the possibility of settling the debt within 24-48 months.
Read More
Allergies – Stages and prevention

Allergies – Stages and prevention

The immune system of our bodies is constantly fighting against viruses and bacteria to keep us healthy. However, in certain cases, the immune system may also end up fighting some substances that are not always harmful. When this happens, you experience an allergic reaction. The allergens are the substances that cause the reactions. With a little carefulness, you can prevent the allergies effectively. The allergic development Even though an allergic reaction can vary from person to person, it generally progresses in the same five stages: Stage 1 The allergen enters your body through food, air, or touch, and contact the cells in your body. Stage 2 Your immune system creates immunoglobulin E, which is a type of antibody. Stage 3 This antibody enters your gastrointestinal tract or respiratory tract but does not do anything. Stage 4 The next time when you are exposed to the same allergen, the immunoglobulin E treats it as a harmful substance and reacts with it. Stage 5 24 hours after the reaction, the immune system cells move towards the areas that were affected to release certain chemicals to treat it. How to diagnose allergies Your allergies can be diagnosed by a doctor. Before visiting him or her, you must recognize the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Read More
Anemia – Symptoms, types, and prevention

Anemia – Symptoms, types, and prevention

Anemia is a kind of medical condition in which an adequate amount of oxygen fails to reach one’s body’s tissues owing to the deficiency of red blood cells in their body. When one suffers from this condition, their body feels weak and exhausted all the time. Symptoms There are different kinds of anemia and each of them has a cause of its own. It can have short-term or long-term effects and the disease can be mild or severe in nature. If one sees any symptoms suggesting that point toward anemia, it is essential to consult a doctor immediately. The signs vary from person to person and depend on the cause or their origin. Sometimes, the chronic disease causes anemia and the doctor ends up diagnosing the disease but the fact that one is suffering from anemia does not show up in the test. Sometimes, there are mild symptoms and then, with time the symptoms become more prominent indicating that the disease has penetrated one’s body more deeply. Some of the commonly found symptoms include breathing difficulties, fatigue, pale skin, chest pain, headache, dizziness, hands and feet turning cold, irregular heartbeat, and pain in the chest . Types of anemia Iron deficiency anemia This is the most common kind of anemia, which occurs due to iron deficiency.
Read More