Home | health | 8 Foods That Trigger Arthritis Flareups

8 foods that trigger arthritis flareups

8 foods that trigger arthritis flareups

Arthritis is a leading cause of joint problems among adults across the country. Such a collection of conditions usually results in pain, stiffness, swelling, and inflammation in the vital joints. Many trigger factors of arthritis, including certain foods and beverages, could worsen the symptoms to a level of intolerance. Here are eight common food triggers that should be taken in moderation or eliminated to manage arthritis in the long run.

Fatty foods
Processed foods bought off the shelves in the supermarket contain omega-6 fatty acids, saturated fats, and trans fats. For example, corn, hydrogenated vegetable, safflower, and sunflower oils contain excess amounts of omega 6. These are some of the most commonly used products in daily cooking, meaning unhealthy fats are indirectly taken. Also, meat and dairy products contain saturated fats that could trigger cholesterol problems. And most of the prepared foods and snacks contain traces of trans fats that add flavor to the food but make it very unhealthy to have regularly. Any form of processed fat can trigger inflammation among those suffering from arthritis. It is best to limit or moderate having these foods.

Sugar and sugary products
Sugar triggers inflammatory pain in people with arthritis, which does not always mean the sugar added to tea, coffee, or when used as a condiment for popular foods. Processed foods, including breakfast cereals, snacks, baked goods, confectioneries, and flavored beverages, are all laced with sugar. Regularly having these foods can imbalance blood glucose levels, which triggers health complications linked to arthritis. Even natural sugar substitutes like honey, agave nectar, and jaggery contain fructose, a form of sugar to limit or have only in moderation.

Foods with additives and preservatives
Canned goods and long shelf-life products are often laced with preservatives and additives that can trigger flareups among those already suffering from arthritis.  MSG is the most common  additive in hundreds of products and food preparations. Some products’ preservatives include sugar syrups and salt to cure meats, fruits, and vegetables. Also, canned goods are the worst form of processed foods as the excess sugar and sodium intake increase the risk of weight gain and insulin resistance. Both trigger health complications that can pressure the joints and increase inflammation causing long-term discomforts.

Refined carbohydrates and gluten
Carbohydrates and calories are the main energy source for the body. Carbs are broken down into glucose used for various body functions. However, refined carbohydrates found in processed foods are stripped of the fiber and nutrients necessary for the body. These empty calories add no nutrition but trigger weight gain, cholesterol, and blood glucose problems. These complications increase the risk of arthritis flareups, mainly triggering inflammation. Similarly, gluten, a protein found in grains, can trigger resistance and intolerance among those unable to process it. Eliminating gluten and switching to complex carbohydrates over refined options can help counter the inflammation.

Dairy products
Dairy foods and beverages, including milk, cheese, heavy cream, and yogurt, maybe a rich source of calcium and protein necessary for the bones and muscle health. However, at the same time, dairy is rich in a compound called casein. Studies show that excess casein can trigger inflammation problems in the gut and trigger intolerances that could lead to potential inflammatory flareups for arthritis.

Red meats
Meats contain a substance called purine that is released during cooking. When the body presses purine, it converts into uric acid and could be deposited in and around vital joints. Excess accumulation of uric acid can result in gout problems among inflammatory flareups linked to arthritis. Avoid or moderate having red meats, including beef, ham, bacon, liver, and even some seafood options like scallops or mussels. Nutritionists suggest vegetarian substitutes to include among daily foods to create a purine-free food habit.

Certain nightshade vegetables
Eggplant, tomatoes, bell pepper, chili pepper, and even potatoes all belong to a class of vegetables called nightshades. While they may not directly trigger arthritis symptoms, conclusive studies and research trials show that eliminating these vegetables improved the outlook for flareups among arthritis patients.

Sugary drinks
Flavored sodas, carbonated fizzy drinks, fruit juices, and other sweetened beverages should be avoided to prevent inflammatory flareups caused by a blood sugar imbalance. These sugary drinks include fermented beverages that contain substances and compounds designed to mimic dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins (all feel-good hormones). These beverages induce pleasure and should be eliminated as regularly having them only increases the risk of gout.

Prescriptions for arthritis
Daily nutrition and lifestyle changes can be supplanted with active prescriptions suggested for treating distinct types of arthritis:

  • Tremfya® is an FDA-approved prescription used to treat active psoriatic arthritis among adults. It helps manage joint pain, stiffness, and swelling symptoms.
  • Actemra® belongs to a class of interleukin-6 receptor antagonists suggested for treating mild to moderate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It is often suggested in combination with other prescriptions for RA.
  • Interestingly, Plaquenil is an FDA-approved oral prescription that is primarily suggested for the treatment of malaria. However, the prescription’s efficacy has also been useful in relieving inflammation, swelling, joint pain, and stiffness.

If the symptoms persist, immediate medical attention is advisable. Also, it is better to consult with a certified nutritionist to understand the pros and cons of changing daily foods.

Read Also

Know more about exciting & latest articles right here

Foods to Avoid to Manage Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Foods to Avoid to Manage Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic Esophagitis, or EoE, is a chronic digestive disease of the esophagus caused by an allergic condition. It is characterized by chest pain, heartburn, and solid food dysphagia. If this disorder is left untreated, it can cause esophageal remodeling and stricture formation. This disorder is also marked by eosinophilic inflammation and impacts the quality of life of the affected person. You can check out various reliable health websites to get information on eosinophilic esophagitis. A patient with EoE must be very careful with his health and meal plans, as research suggests that EoE is linked to food allergies. Therefore, the six most common food items that are responsible for such allergies include: Dairy Cow milk is said to be one of the most common reasons for EoE. Milk protein can trigger too many eosinophils. You should avoid food items made up of milk, buttermilk, lactose, and other related dairy products. You can replace dairy products with coconut hemp, dairy-free yogurts, cashew ice cream, etc. Soy Soy-based food items include tofu, soy butter, soymilk, and miso. Soy cheese, soy nuts, soy milk, etc., should be avoided and can be substituted with refined soybean oil or coconut aminos. Wheat You might think wheat is only found in bread, cereal, or baked goods.
Read More
5 Common Digestive Issues and Their Symptoms

5 Common Digestive Issues and Their Symptoms

One of the most vital systems in our body is the digestive system. It is responsible for the digestion of food and the distribution of nutrients throughout the body to meet the bodily requirements for energy, development, and cell repair. Issues in the digestive can interfere with the body’s ability to get energy from food. While some gastrointestinal issues can go away with healthy eating habits, other concerns may require treatment.  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) IBS is a functional bowel disorder. This means the cluster of varied symptoms categorized as IBS is brought on by changes in the normal functioning of the digestive system. The primary sign is abdominal pain, which can develop before or after a bowel movement, and is a reliable indicator of IBS. Additionally, one may experience both constipation and diarrhea. The form of IBS can be determined depending on whether a person has diarrhea or constipation more frequently or both equally. Other IBS signs and symptoms are incomplete bowel motions, white mucus in the stool, and bloating. Nutrition is important for managing the symptoms of IBS, which includes eating low-fat, high-fiber meals and avoiding common trigger foods when the cause of the condition is unknown. Food poisoning or gastrointestinal infection are common causes.
Read More
8 Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

8 Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Most of us make it a goal to keep our house clean and tidy. Cleaning the house may look like a straightforward task, but there are certain aspects that are generally overlooked. Cleaning is a time consuming and tedious activity. And most of us make common cleaning mistakes that do not provide us with the results we expect. So here is a list of cleaning mistakes to avoid for better results and a sparkling clean home. Mixing cleaning chemicals You may think mixing two or more cleaning products will increase the cleaning power. However, this can be very dangerous as it might release toxic fumes. For example, household cleaners like Clorox Pinesol should never be mixed with bleach as they can react together to produce hazardous chlorine gas or even chloroform. Similarly, Pinesol disinfectant should not be mixed with room spray sanitizer as the chemicals could react together to unleash a toxic cloud of gases that can trigger respiratory problems and even cause skin burns. Instead of mixing chemicals, use a single cleaning agent or solution and stick to a reliable brand. Alternatively, you can also enlist the help of a cleaning company, like Servpro Services, which offers a range of affordable home cleaning services. Using feather dusters A feather duster may seem very useful, but all it does is spread the dust from one surface to another.
Read More
11 Potential Warning Signs of Excess Sugar Intake

11 Potential Warning Signs of Excess Sugar Intake

Processed foods like cakes, cookies, candies, and breakfast cereals contain added sugar, and most people find them delicious and irresistible. However, they have little nutritional value. Eating too many sweets can increase the risk of several health issues. For instance, it can lead to blood sugar spikes and heart disease. When a person eats too much sugar regularly, the body begins to give signs that it is time to cut back on sweet foods. High blood pressure Besides monitoring salt intake, people suffering from high blood pressure should watch their sugar intake because eating too much sugar is also linked to high blood pressure. According to a study, foods high in sugar can reduce nitric oxide in the blood vessels, which can, in turn, impact blood flow and lead to high blood pressure. Mood swings or irritability Feeling moody, irritable, or depressed on and off is a common sign of high sugar intake. Mood swings occur as foods high in sugar affect the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood. Sugary foods also negatively impact gut function, another factor linked to a person’s mood. Low energy or tiredness Binging on sugary snacks wreaks havoc on one’s blood sugar levels. It first causes blood glucose to rise, providing a boost of energy.
Read More