The types of food we eat can have an incredible impact on our bodies. The impact can be both a good and a bad one. For example, eating peanut butter can give us energy, and eating food with high sugar content can cause people to have acne and breakout.
The same goes for those with arthritis. Inflammation is one of the biggest concerns those with arthritis must deal with and there are foods out there that can help with inflammation and those that don’t.
In order to help you or a loved one keep painful inflammation at bay, we have gathered a list of the top 6 foods to avoid for those who have arthritis.
1. BBQ & Blackened Foods
We are not saying that grilling food will cause problems. What we are saying is that going for the charred look on your meat and vegetables can lead to something known as AGE’s (Advanced Glycation End). When we cook foods at high temperatures over an open flame this can release AGE’s.
It is well known in the medical world that AGE’s can cause inflammation of the joints as well as the entire vascular system.
2. Processed Sugar
Did you know that in one bottle or can of a full sugar drink you are consuming more sweeteners and artificial flavorings than you should in 1 whole week?
When we eat and/or drink processed sugar it triggers an alert on our bodies to release pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are good for us, they are released by our immune system when we need help for injury, infections, or trauma’s but when they are released when they are not needed it can cause unnecessary inflammation in your joints. Be like us here at Uccello, drink tea!
3. Gluten
Many people today actually carry the gene for celiac disease which can make them more susceptible to the inflammation that gluten causes. Even though around 1% of people have celiac disease, gluten sensitivity is rather common.
For those who already have arthritis, it is just best to not chance it and try our best to stay away from gluten.
4. Nightshade Vegetables
Nightshade vegetables are known to cause inflammation (vegetables such as tomatoes, aubergine, and bell peppers).
It is believed that nightshade vegetables contain alkaloids (nitrogen-containing substances) which can affect those with arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
5. Fast Food
Processed fast foods are full of trans-fat oils that have a lot of omega 6 fatty acids. Now, omega 6 in moderation is good for you. However, when we eat processed fast food, we are consuming a higher rate of omega 6 and this can lead to increased inflammation, but our body is now triggering fibrin to build up in our joints.
Fibrin is a healing protein that is called in when the body needs healing and causes inflammation to bring on the white blood cells. Unfortunately, when fibrin continues to build when it is not really needed, we have unnecessary inflammation and pain.
6. Alcohol & Smoking
Consuming both alcohol and tobacco can lead to many health issues. Those health issues can have an adverse effect on your joints too.
Those who smoke have an increased risk of a more severe case of rheumatoid arthritis. This can happen as smoking ignites faulty immune system function in those genetically predisposed to getting rheumatoid arthritis.
Consumption of alcohol can lead to several other issues such as gout. Gout can put unnecessary pressure and pain on your joints.
This is easier said than done when it comes to giving up some of the most addictive food and drink. Focus on moderation, exercise and it might be a good idea to talk to your doctor or a nutritionist. They can create a diet plan that is best suited for you to help with inflammation and arthritis. For more information, feel free to check out the HSE article on Food with arthritis.
Want to make things easier for you or a loved one in the kitchen? Check out our Uccello Kettle here today.
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