Approximately 54 million people in the United States suffer from arthritis, a condition that presents as swelling and tenderness in your joints, brought on by inflammation. It ranges in severity and can even leave a sufferer debilitated if left untreated. The symptoms of arthritis usually develop over time and are most common in adults over the age of 65. However, it is possible for children, teens, and younger adults to suffer from it as well.
There are treatments available to inhibit the progression of arthritis, but aside from them, managing the symptoms is essential. An effective way to manage arthritis is to ensure you are eating the right foods and maintaining a healthy diet.
When it comes to arthritis, healing begins from the inside out. There are certain ingredients you can add to your meals that can reduce your arthritis flare-ups, such as garlic, which contains diallyl disulfide, an anti-inflammatory compound that can protect against cartilage damage. Turmeric is also an effective spice to use due to its active ingredient curcumin, which also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Aside from integrating arthritis-easing ingredients into your diet, it’s important to minimize those that may cause flare-ups. Here are a few things that you should be avoiding as much as possible:
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Processed Meats
A study showed that excessive intake of processed and red meat can affect the balance of plasma concentration in healthy women. Additionally, it can disrupt glucose metabolism and increase inflammatory proteins, which can worsen the symptoms of arthritis.
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Alcohol
Alcohol consumption can trigger the symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. There have also been studies that link alcohol to gout attacks.
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Added Sugars
Aside from having no nutritional value, refined sugar can have adverse effects on your health. It should always be taken in moderation. Eradicating it completely from your diet can be very difficult. Even so, you should be mindful of your consumption as overconsumption can trigger arthritis symptoms. A study in which 217 patients with arthritis participated found that sugary foods are one of the foods that are more damaging to the bones.
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Foods High In Salt
If you frequently eat foods that have high salt content, then you might want to modify your diet and try to decrease it as much as possible. Salt can trigger your symptoms, and it can also cause other major diseases that you don’t want to add on top of your arthritis.
A Step Towards A Healthier Life
Lifestyle changes are vital for people with arthritis, such as maintaining a healthy weight. Therefore, you need to modify your diet and avoid any of the foods listed above to prevent triggers. Instead, choose a diet with a lot of antioxidants, such as fresh fruits and vegetables that can help reduce inflammation. Fish and nuts can also provide you with nutritional value while reducing swelling.
Aside from avoiding these foods, it’s crucial to engage in regular exercise to help keep your joints flexible. Swimming is a recommended activity for people with arthritis because it doesn’t put too much pressure on the joints, unlike running and walking. Make sure you stay active and rest when you need to. Overexerting yourself is not good as this could lead to major problems and can worsen your symptoms.
There is yet to be a cure for arthritis, but you can manage your symptoms with medication, physical therapy, surgery, and most importantly, lifestyle changes. Learn more about arthritis management and prevention from our board-certified physicians at Garden State Medical Group. We pride ourselves on premier personalized service. Make an appointment with one of our primary care doctors today!