Did you know that a person’s diet can greatly affect the presence or intensity of arthritis symptoms, such as pain, stiffness, and swelling? does alcohol cause inflammation
Arthritis is the swelling of the joints in your body, which are structures that connect two bones together to improve mobility, such as the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. However, these structures are made of cartilage and break down over time, causing friction between the bones, and leading to pain and swelling.
There are certain food products that should be avoided because they produce certain chemicals that increase redness and stiffness. Although medication and physical therapy are necessary to treat arthritis, a well-designed diet plan can further reduce discomfort and swelling. These are the top 10 foods to avoid if you have arthritis. Don’t miss these 10 Best Foods to Eat If You Have Arthritis
1. White Rice
Although white rice is a common staple in American and Asian cuisine, it can worsen arthritic symptoms or cause them to develop prematurely. This is due to its high glycemic index, which means that it rapidly transforms into sugar, which causes a spike in your blood sugar levels.
Your body tries to stabilize these levels by releasing greater amounts of insulin, which also elevates inflammation markers in your bloodstream. Brown rice and quinoa are healthier options if you want to incorporate carbs into your diet.
2. Margarine
Many people love this butter substitute due to its taste, but it is not the healthiest choice. Even though it is vegetable-based, it contains high quantities of trans fats. Trans fats are known as bad “cholesterol” because they accumulate in your blood vessels, reducing blood flow, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as a stroke or a heart attack.
In addition, trans fats are associated with inflammatory diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis, and the development of certain types of cancer. Thus, they should eliminate them to improve your overall health.
3. Sugary Drinks
Soft drinks and processed fruit juices contain high quantities of refined sugar. Apart from producing a spike in your blood sugar levels, they also cause your body to liberate chemical compounds known as cytokines. Cytokines are one of the main biomarkers that causes inflammation to protect your body from injuries and infections.
For this reason, it is recommended to switch to sugar alternatives, like sucralose and aspartame.
4. Processed Meat Products
Sausages, ham, and bacon are food products rich in fats and protein. However, they are potential health hazards because they possess AGEs, which are advanced glycation end products. These compounds are released when meat is fried, roasted, or broiled and lead to inflammation.
White meat, like chicken and turkey, are better options because they are a great source of protein and do contain AGES.
5. Alcohol
There is never a good reason to drink alcohol and if you suffer from arthritis, add another reason for not drinking. Your liver is in charge of converting alcohol into energy but produces small waste products that cause inflammation. Since these levels are minimal, they accumulate over time and severely damage various organs, such as the intestines and kidneys.
Excessive alcohol consumption leads to chronic inflammation, which is linked to a weakened immune system, cancer, and many inflammatory diseases.
6. Salt
Moderate salt consumption is key in anyone who suffers from arthritis or any other inflammatory disease. Salt contains a chemical known as iodine, which regulates thyroid function. Your thyroid is an organ that modulates bodily functions, like blood pressure, breathing, presentation, etc.
Studies have shown that high levels of iodine place the thyroid into overdrive, which stimulates welling, specifically joint inflammation. Because of this, you must limit your salt intake to manage arthritis symptoms.
7. Fried Foods
Donuts, french fries, and other fried products must be limited if you suffer from arthritis. Cooking oils contain omega-6 fatty acids, which stimulate fat metabolism and produce inflammation. Additionally, they lead to weight gain, obesity, and type 3 diabetes.
8. Dairy Products
Dairy products are a controversial item regarding health risks and benefits. Milk is a great source of protein that boosts your immune system and promotes bone health. However, studies have shown that milk and other dairy products can increase inflammation markers over time. Therefore, they can worsen symptoms caused by Chron’s disease, psoriasis, and arthritis. Experts recommend limiting their dairy intake to reduce pain and discomfort.
9. Cinnamon Rolls
Cinnamon rolls and other wheat-based products are baked with hydrogenated oil. This type of oil contains high levels of trans fat, which, as mentioned previously, increases the chances of cardiovascular diseases and produces inflammation.
10. Frozen Meals
Frozen dinners are a favorite for people who hate cooking or have no time to cook. However, frozen meals are an extremely unhealthy option because manufacturing companies use steroids and preservatives to increase their shelf lifespan. They also contain high levels of sodium, which, as you know, causes inflammation.
If you suffer from arthritis and decide to limit these food products from your diet, your body will feel totally different in a couple of weeks. A healthy diet is critical for anyone who lives with arthritis pain. does alcohol cause inflammation
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