When you have arthritis, you are quite aware of how devastating the entire condition can be. Arthritis refers to a cluster of diseases, which causes stiffness, swelling, and pain in the joints. It can affect people of all age groups, regardless of their genders and ethnic backgrounds. However, doctors may prescribe Xeljanz, Tremfya, Actemra, Rinvoq, Skyrizi, Simponi aria, Apremilast, or over the counter pain relievers like Voltaren and Advil to help ease symptoms. Also, some dietary tips for arthritis are foods to eat and avoid, helping manage the symptoms:
Foods to eat
- Walnuts
Walnuts are nutrient-rich. They are full of compounds, which can help you overcome the risk of inflammation. Walnuts are a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, which keep the symptoms of arthritis in check. - Olive oil
Olive oil, particularly the extra virgin kind, has a high oleocanthal level. This has somewhat similar properties to NSAIDs (Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs). You can check out sunflower oils and avocado to help keep cholesterol levels in check. - Berries
Berries, especially strawberries, are a rich source of antioxidants, such as Vitamin C. These help to keep the free radicals away. They also have phytochemicals, which can ease inflammation and joint pain. - Beans
Lentils, kidney beans, and black jeans are all great sources of nutrition. You can include them in your diet to relieve yourself of the rheumatoid symptoms. Beans help lower the inflammation and reduce the arthritis symptom flare-ups. - Broccoli
Broccoli has a compound known as sulforaphane in it, which slows the osteoarthritis progression rate. It is an excellent source of Vitamin K and C and enables calcium levels in the body. - Green tea
Green tea has polyphenols, an antioxidant, that lower inflammation and slows the cartilage damage rate.
Foods to avoid
- Added sugar
At all times, you should curtail your sugar intake, especially if you have arthritis. Sugar is high in items like ice cream, soda, candy, and several other foods. Studies have proven that sugary beverages, such as soda, aggravate your arthritis risk. - AGEs
AGEs or Advanced glycation end products are inflammatory compounds collected in the tissues as and when someone grows older. Usually, people with rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes have high AGE levels. Thus, it is vital to reduce the AGE levels as it aggravates the inflammation in the body — both sugar and fat increase the body’s AGE levels. Cooking at high temperatures or certain food processing methods can exacerbate the AGE levels in food. - Alcohol
Alcohol aggravates arthritis symptoms. Thus, if you have any condition related to arthritis, especially inflammation arthritis, you must stop alcohol consumption. Moreover, regular consumption of alcohol increases your severity and frequency of a gout attack. - Foods with high salt content
For people with arthritis, it is essential to cut back on salt consumption. Thus, you need to cut out high salt foods from the diet, such as certain cheeses, canned soup, shrimp, processed meats, pizza, and several different processed items. Consuming high sodium levels in the body aggravates your risk for autoimmune diseases, such as arthritis.
These are some dietary tips for arthritis that you need to bear in mind to keep arthritis in check.
