If you have arthritis, you’ve probably heard that certain foods and beverages can exacerbate your symptoms. But the problem with not eating this or that list is that they can be challenging to follow and understand, especially if you don’t have access to professional nutrition advice. These food and beverage suggestions aren’t necessarily bad for everyone with arthritis; instead, they are foods and beverages that can affect your symptoms more than others, depending on what kind of arthritis you have and how serious it is. If you have arthritis, these are 8 Foods and Beverages to Avoid with Arthritis:
1) CAFFEINE
If you have arthritis, you may find yourself commonly reaching for a cup of coffee or tea to give you energy, but it’s probably better to avoid caffeine if your symptoms are severe. The caffeine in coffee and tea can intensify the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis by stimulating the release of certain hormones. It can also produce greater pain even when not consumed, as long-term caffeine intake has been shown to cause similar symptoms of withdrawal as discontinuing opioids. Talk to your doctor if you think that avoiding caffeine would be helpful to you.
2) CITRUS
While citrus isn’t necessarily sour for you and may even be beneficial as part of a healthy diet, it can worsen symptoms in arthritis sufferers. Oranges, lemons, and limes all contain high amounts of psoralen. Foods high in psoralen can aggravate the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. You can still eat citrus fruits if you want them; just make sure to drink plenty of water with them to counteract their effects on your digestive tract.
3) ALCOHOL
Alcohol can aggravate symptoms of arthritis, but the reason for this is somewhat controversial. While the alcohol itself may be a factor, it’s more likely that alcohol consumption leads to dehydration and poor dietary choices, which worsens joint pain. Alcohol consumption can also increase your risk of falls, which are frequent in people with arthritis simply because they are slower and move less frequently.
4) SALT (SODIUM)
Most people with arthritis know that adding salt to your diet can worsen symptoms. But many packaged and prepared foods have added salt – often listed on the label as sodium or sodium chloride – in amounts that can increase swelling and inflammation levels above average and worsen symptoms. Sodium is also found in many condiments like ketchup, mustard, salad dressings, soy sauce, barbecue sauce, etc.
5) RED MEAT
Red meat is high in purines, substances that may promote the production of uric acid and can increase the likelihood of developing gout. Also, red meat is high in saturated fat, which can clog the arteries and contribute to the development of heart disease. So it’s best to avoid red meat altogether if you have arthritis.
6) WHITE BREAD
While it’s best to avoid refined carbohydrates like white bread directly because they may worsen arthritis symptoms, it is also important to limit white bread as part of a well-rounded diet. White bread contains compounds that may worsen symptoms of arthritis in people with diabetes or those at risk for developing diabetes because their bodies cannot fully metabolize carbohydrates properly.
7) REFINED GRAINS
Refined grains have been linked with various health problems, including heart disease and diabetes. Refined grains may worsen rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. However, some people with rheumatoid arthritis can tolerate refined grains. Talk to your doctor if you’re unsure how to handle refried beans or other processed grains.
8) SOY
Soy products are rich in isoflavones, which are believed to have antioxidant properties. However, soy products can also cause various health problems and symptoms in people with certain conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Soy may also worsen the symptoms of arthritis if you are sensitive to it; however, people with rheumatoid arthritis who avoid soy will often experience a significant decline in quality of life. Talk to your doctor before making any dietary changes.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, you can see that a healthy diet may help alleviate the pain and inflammation associated with various conditions. However, there are some foods that you should avoid at all costs, including raw garlic and citrus fruits. The complex nature of the factors that dictate our health makes it hard to know which foods worsen arthritis symptoms and which recipes will make them better. So always try to avoid anything that doesn’t taste good anymore and work with your doctor on a diet plan based on your specific needs.
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