Arthritis – What is it?
If there’s one thing in our body that we experience visible pains, it’s arthritis.
The word “arthritis” is generally used to define the term joint pains and inflammation. There are several types of arthritis which include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis as well as psoriatic arthritis.
That said, arthritis is usually felt around our joint areas especially our knees, knuckles, hips, hands, or even spine.
In the United States, about 30 million individuals, particularly adults, suffer from osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is considered the common kind of arthritis. That said, pain from this kind of arthritis is usually felt around our joint areas especially our knees, knuckles, hips, hands, or even spine.
What causes arthritis to occur?
Our cartilage is the tissue that firmly but flexibly connects and protects our joints by absorbing shock and pressure when our body is in motion. However, as this protective barrier lessens, it causes inflammation in our joints, therefore, causing these painful sensations known as arthritis.
The most common sets of people affected by arthritis are those aged over 65. However, nowadays, even young adults can become affected by this condition as well.
As genetics can be a contributing factor to developing arthritis, how we take care of our health can also be responsible for causing it.
A lot of individuals say that a change in lifestyle and eating habits can help ease the pain of arthritis. While there are foods that an individual with arthritis must eat to lessen the risk, there are also foods that should be avoided just as well.
What are these foods? Here are the top ten foods to stay away from if you have arthritis:
- Dairy products
A lot of our dairy products contains casein. Casein is a kind of protein that can aggravate the tissues connecting our joints. Once we consume dairy, these irritated tissues can also cause inflammation.
- Foods that are processed or fried
Many studies have demonstrated the association between processed foods and diseases, so arthritis is not an exception. These type of unhealthy food can break down our body’s defenses and make us vulnerable to inflammation. When this happens, arthritis is likely to occur.
- Wheat and gluten-rich foods
These foods can also trigger a response to inflammation. People who have zero tolerance with this kind of foods have it worse. A leaky gut is likely to occur, and can potentially cause inflammation in the body, particularly our joints. So, it is best to limit or refrain from eating them at all.
- Foods with too much salt and preservatives
These include stuff like potato chips, microwaveable meals, or pre-cooked foods, which are loaded with both. It is advised to steer clear of foods that contain excessive salt and preservatives that can only cause nothing but inflammations in the body.
- Certain types of vegetables
Of course, not all vegetables are arthritis-friendly. Before you decide to avoid vegetables altogether, think again. The types that are not favorable for people with arthritis are those that contain a kind of compound that can only result in adverse reactions which are known as solanine. Some of these vegetables include peppers, eggplants, tomatoes, and potatoes.
- Foods with excess sugar
Yes, bad news to people who have a knack for the sweet stuff – it’s best to limit or avoid them at all costs. Processed sugars, in particular, release molecules called cytokines which can trigger inflammation. The types of sugars to avoid especially are those that have ‘ose’ at the end, like glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Make sure always to check the label.
- Foods that are considered AGES
An acronym for Advanced Glycation End Product, these include foods that produce harmful byproducts, especially that from grilled, pasteurized, fried, or heated foods. These types of foods also produce cytokines, which also trigger inflammatory responses in the body causing the painful feelings of arthritis.
- Corn Oil
Foods that are made using corn oil contains high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids. These are not the good kind of fatty acids. In fact, they should be avoided completely because it can only cause inflammation in the body. These are foods that are usually baked.
- Tobacco and Alcohol
These items should not come off as a surprise as most of us are aware of the adverse effects it can cause to our health. Causing excruciating pains in our joints is not an exception as well. For people who smoke, they are at risk of rheumatoid arthritis. On the other hand, people who drink excess alcohol can also develop gout. Arthritis or not, it is best to avoid them no matter what.
- Foods with refined carbohydrates
These foods usually include white bread, white potatoes, and white rice, and certain cereals. They are high-glycemic and also produces cytokines which can cause inflammation. Indirectly, these foods can also cause obesity which leads to arthritis.
Like any other health condition, arthritis can be avoided by means of taking care of our health and choosing the proper lifestyle as well as maintaining a balanced diet. There are also certain home remedies you can try to ease the pain of impending arthritis.
What are some home remedies to treat arthritis?
- – Acupuncture – this is an effective age-old Chinese remedy proven for centuries of its effectivity to treat ailments and arthritis is one of them. The fine needles used in the remedy targets certain points and balances the body’s energy and lowering the chemicals causing inflammation.
- – Exercise – While moving can prove difficult for arthritis patients, it is actually a good remedy. Moving around can lessen the swelling and reduce the pain. Try walking, or swimming, or even cycling to get your heart rate up.
- – Yoga or meditation – People have also attested to the positive effects that yoga stretches and meditations do to the body. It keeps the mind at center while focusing on breathing to bring back the balance of our body’s energy.
Of course, before trying any other methods, it is first important to refer to your health specialist or therapist to get the best recommendation and advice.
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