Foods To Avoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease. Besides the joints, it can also affect other parts of the body, including lungs. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) refers to a group of disorders that cause inflammation and scarring of the lung tissue, or pulmonary fibrosis.

When someone has both RA and ILD, that is known as rheumatoid arthritis- associated interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD).

8 foods to avoid for arthritis.

1. Inflammatory fats

According to the Arthritis Foundation, a person with arthritis should limit the following types of inflammatory fats:

• Saturated fats: Meat, butter, and cheese contain this type of fat. Saturated
  fat should account for less than 10% of total daily calorie intake for people ages 2 years and older.
• Trans fats: Trans fats can worsen cholesterol levels and increase inflammation. As of 2023, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source no longer allows partially hydrogenated oils (PHOs), a major source of artificial trans fats, in prepared foods.
• Omega-6 fatty acids: Omega-6 fats

2. Added sugar

Foods and drinks that may contain added sugar include:

• Cakes/pastries/cookies/jams and other sweet spreads/white bread/soft drinks/fruit juice/some types of alcohol, such as beer and cider/condiments, such as ketchup, relish, and barbecue sauce.

3. High salt foods

Aim to consume less than 2,300 milligrams (mg) of sodium (about 1 teaspoon of salt) per day.

Avoid:

• Pizza/burgers/fast food tacos and burritos/deli meat sandwiches/chips and other savoury snacks.

4. Nightshades

Nightshades are vegetables that contain the compound solanine.

• tomatoes/bell peppers/chili peppers/eggplant/potatoes

5. Foods high in purines

• organ meats, such as liver/red meat/some seafood, including: anchovies/ mussels/sardines/scallops/trout/tuna
• beer and other alcohol/sugary foods and drinks

6. Advanced glycation end (AGE) products
Foods high in dietary AGEs may include:

• fried bacon/roasted poultry skin/pizza/some cheeses, such as Parmesan and cream cheese
• salty snacks such as potato chips and crackers
• butter and margarine

7. Processed and red meats

• Beef, goat, lamb, mutton, veal, venison, pork

8. Refined carbohydrates

• White bread, many baked goods, desserts

Can diet help arthritis?

Eating certain foods can help to alleviate arthritis:

• to inflammation levels in their bodies
• to maintain or achieve a moderate weight
• to promote tissue health and healing

Foods to eat for arthritis 

Consuming the following foods may benefit people with arthritis.

Anti-inflammatory fats 

• Unsaturated fats: These include olive oil, avocado oil, and nuts and seeds. Extra-virgin olive oil contains the compound oleocanthal, which has anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Oily fish, such as salmon, sardines, and herring, contain omega-3 fatty acids. Alternatively, a person can take a fish oil supplement. Walnuts and flaxseed, as well as their oils, are vegan omega- 3 sources.

Fruits and vegetables 

The following fruits and vegetables may be especially beneficial for people with arthritis:

• Onions, garlic, and leeks: All of these contain the anti-inflammatory compound quercetin. They also contain sulphur compounds that may reduce cartilage damage.
• Sweet potatoes, squash, and carrots: Orange and red vegetables contain carotenoids, which are antioxidants.
• Green, leafy vegetables: Vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, Swiss chard, and spinach contain calcium, which is essential for bone health. They also contain antioxidants.
• Citrus fruits, strawberries, and kiwi fruit: Vitamin C in fruits can help protect against inflammation and maintain the joints.

Anti-inflammatory foods – basically the Mediterranean diet. 

• olive oil
• whole grains/fruits/and vegetables
• lean meats/eggs/and fish
• nuts and seeds

Summary 

Foods that increase inflammation, such as those containing added sugar and saturated fat, may worsen arthritis symptoms. Some people find that nightshades and foods high in purines also trigger arthritis flare-ups.

Consuming anti-inflammatory foods may help someone with arthritis manage their symptoms. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and anti-inflammatory fats.

Original article written by Peter Morale-Brown and reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R.D

Photo by Matt Benson on Unsplash