Arthritis is a very common illness and can affect all kinds of people at different stages of their life. Arthritis is another way of saying joint pain. Even though both sexes at any age can develop arthritis, it is more common as we get older and in women.
Common arthritis symptoms include swelling, pain, stiffness and a reduce range of motion. The pain range can vary between people, it can be mild, moderate or severe. There are different types of arthritis and each type can affect you differently. There are many things that you can do to preserve joint function, mobility and quality of life and prevent the onset of arthritis. It is important to be aware of the disease along with the treatment options. You should make time for physical activity and maintain a healthy weight.
If you have any concerns or are unsure if you are suffering from arthritis, you should consult your doctor and get professional advice.
There isn’t a specific diet plan for arthritis, but there are foods that you should avoid when suffering from arthritis. The general treatment for arthritis is medicinal, and you should consult your doctor to receive medication for arthritis. However a healthy diet and following the recommended daily amount of foods can help relieve some of the pain.
Fried and processed food
Studies have shown that a diet high in fried products such as meant and processed foods such as ready meals can increase inflammation in arthritis increasing pain. Red meats are known to be quite fatty and the excess of fat can increase the inflammation in your joints. You should cut down on these types of meals by finding out which meat contains the least fat and adding them to your diet. Your body can then restore its natural defences and to allow your body to help prevent inflammation of the joints.
Sugar
High amounts of sugar in your diet can result in inflammation of the joints and therefore can increase joint pain. Find out which foods contain the most sugar to ensure you are fully aware of the food groups to avoid and to ensure you plan a diet to reduce the risk of pain.
Dairy products
Dairy products may enhance arthritis pain due to the type of protein they contain. According to some research, this protein may irritate the tissue around the joints for some people which in turn can increase the amount of pain. In order to keep the inflammatory low, you should know which foods contain the most fat, this way you can plan a balanced diet and lead a healthier lifestyle. Some sufferers of arthritis also have success switching to a vegan diet. A vegan diet contains no animal products whatsoever, and therefore some arthritis sufferers could benefit from this type of diet.
Alcohol and tobacco
It is well known that tobacco and alcohol use can lead to a number of health problems. These problems include joint problems. Smokers are more at risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis, while those who consume alcohol have a higher risk for developing gout. You should try and reduce your alcohol and tobacco intake if you usually consume large quantities. If you are a heavy smoker, you may want to seek professional help to aid you in stopping smoking.
Salt and preservatives
It’s important to know what exactly is in the food that you eat. Many foods contain excess salt and preservatives to allow for a longer self life. Excess salt consumption can cause increased joint inflammation for some people. You should always read food labels before you buy anything. Ready made meals are usually high in sodium, so make note of the salt content before you buy them. You can also take a look at which foods contain the most salt in order to make a note of the food groups to avoid.
