Shoulder and knee pain: Experts name the worst foods for arthritis that trigger inflammation

From timesnownews.com

Arthritis is a state wherein one or more joints suffer inflammation resulting in swelling and tenderness. The inflammatory condition is of various forms such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis

New Delhi: Arthritis is a state wherein one or more joints suffer inflammation resulting in swelling and tenderness. The inflammatory condition is of various forms such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Although experts are unsure of the causes of arthritis, they believe that diet can make a huge difference – from giving arthritis patients relief to worsening pain and inflammation.

With that being said, it is important to know that not one specific food can worsen arthritis symptoms. Instead, experts recommend an ‘elimination diet’ – one where an individual needs to identify the foods that trigger arthritis flare-ups and then stop them. Some of the worst foods for arthritis patients include the following.

Deep-fried foods: According to research by Mayo Clinic, an important link between rheumatoid arthritis and poor gut microbiome was established. Experts discovered that an imbalance between good and bad bacteria in the gut can worsen rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Gut microbiome balance, according to experts, gets disturbed when foods high in saturated and trans fats – such as deep-fried foods – are consumed in high quantities.

Dodge the mug of beer: Alcoholic beverages in any form are not considered good for health – other than two glasses of wine for their antioxidant value. Gout, a form of arthritis that occurs due to uric acid build-up in the, can cause inflammation of joints, pain, and swelling Uric acid is a consequence of the breakdown of chemical compounds found in foods like sardines, organ meats, and beverages like sweetened sodas and juices. Therefore, it is advisable to cut down on beer intake or avoid it altogether.

Cut down on processed foods: When it comes to following an elimination diet for arthritis, experts recommend dodging processed foods like bacon, salami, sausages, baked goods, cookies, and sugary drinks. These foods contain refined sugars and simple carbs that raise blood sugar levels and can cause significant damage to overall health. Additionally, these foods are stripped of their nutrients and loaded with preservatives that are strongly linked with inflammation.

Say no to nightshade plants: Sometimes, arthritis patients experience symptom flare-ups after consuming tomatoes, peppers, potatoes, and eggplant. These foods can result in stiffness and swelling – and this effect is attributed to solanine, says Cleveland Clinic. Doing so, however, can rob the body of essential nutrients it needs for proper functioning. Therefore, experts recommend checking with a doctor before giving up nightshade plants.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

https://www.timesnownews.com/health/article/shoulder-and-knee-pain-experts-name-the-worst-foods-for-arthritis-that-trigger-inflammation/853546

11 Early Signs of Psoriatic Arthritis

From healthline.com

What is psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It affects some people with psoriasis, a condition that causes red, scaly patches to form on the skin.

PsA affects roughly 30 percentTrusted Source of people with psoriasis, and it’s most commonTrusted Source in people between the ages of 35 to 45. There’s no connection between the severity of psoriasis and the severity of PsA.

PsA typically develops after the onset of psoriasis, but some people develop joint pain before they notice any skin-related symptoms.

Here are 11 symptoms to watch for if you think you might have PsA.

1. JOINT PAIN OR STIFFNESS

PsA causes inflammation in the joints, which can cause pain, tenderness, and stiffness. You might feel this in just one joint or in several.

PsA usually affects:

• knees
• fingers
• toes
• ankles
• lower back

Symptoms of pain and stiffness may disappear at times and then return and worsen at other times. When symptoms subside for a time, it’s known as remission. When they worsen, it’s called a flare-up. 

2. JOINT SWELLING OR WARMTH

The joints connect bones within the body, including in the feet, ankles, knees, hips, wrists, and more. They’re surrounded by soft tissues that cushion the bones on either side. When fluid accumulates in the tissues, swelling can occur.

Joint swelling may be accompanied by:

• stiffness
• pain
• irregular shape of digits in chronic cases

Swelling in the joints due to inflammation is a common sign of PsA. Inflamed tissue produces heat, so your joints may also feel warm to the touch.

Treatment for inflamed joints due to PsA may include medications, physical therapy, or other methods to help relieve discomfort.

3. PITTED NAILS

Changes to your nails, such as pitting, may be an early sign of PsA. Pitted nails appear bumpy or dented.

Nail pitting is more commonTrusted Source in those who have PsA and those who are over age 40.

Symptoms of pitted nails include:

• depressions in the fingernails or toenails
• changes in nail colour (discolouration)
• changes to nail shape (deformation)
• thickening of the nails

Evidence shows that psoriatic changes in the nails are a predictor of joint disease and arthritis. Psoriasis itself can also affect the nails, making them look like they have a fungal infection. 

About 50 percent of people with psoriasis and around 80 percent of people with PsA develop nail changes, sometimes known as nail psoriasis. 

4. NAIL SEPARATION

Nails that fall off or separateTrusted Source from your nail bed may also be a sign of PsA. This is called onycholysis. 

Onycholysis can happen with or without pitting, though the presence of transverse grooves, or grooves that run horizontally across the nail, appears to be strongly correlated with PsA.

If you experience onycholysis, your nail will begin to peel off the nail bed. Depending on the cause, it may also become yellow, greenish, purple, white, or grey. Onycholysis is not usually painful.

It’s important to keep your nails short if you’re experiencing separation, but don’t over-clip them. Simply clip off the affected portion as the new nail comes in.

Onycholysis can go away if the underlying cause is treated. 

Photo by DermNet New Zealand

5. LOWER BACK PAIN

PsA can lead to a condition called spondylitis. This causes swelling in the joints, especially in the spine.

According to the Spondylitis Association of America, 20 percent of people with PsA will develop psoriatic spondylitis.

Common symptoms of spondylitis include:

• lower back pain (lumbar and lumbosacral)
• muscle pain
• eye inflammation
• hip pain
• fatigue

In some cases, the sacroiliac (SI) joints of the pelvis actually fuse together.

Spondylitis treatment usually targets pain and inflammation to help reduce symptoms. Some possible treatments include:

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen
• disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• tumour necrosis alpha (TNF-alpha) blockers
• steroid injections or eye drops 
• physical therapy
• when extreme, surgery for the back or hip

Your doctor may also recommend lifestyle measures, such as:

• regular exercise to reduce pain, swelling, and immobility
• hot and cold therapies for pain
• an anti-inflammatory diet 
• if you smoke, quitting

6. SWOLLEN FINGERS OR TOES

PsA may begin in smaller joints, such as those of the fingers or toes, and progress from there.

Spondylitis may be accompanied by dactylitis, or swelling of the toe or finger joints. This is sometimes called “sausage fingers.”

Dactylitis is estimated to affect up to 50 percent of patients with PsA, and is uncommon in other types of arthritis, except gout or pseudogout. 

When caused by PsA, dactylitis may affect individual digits differently. For example, your left hand may be swollen while your right is not.

Unlike other types of arthritis, PsA tends to make your entire finger or toe appear swollen, rather than just the joint.

Photography by DermNet New Zealand

7. EYE INFLAMMATION

People with PsA may experience eye problems, such as inflammation and redness. Symptoms of eye inflammation include:

• red eyes
• itchy eyes
• dry eyes or feeling of grit or sand in the eyes
• difficulty focusing or blurred vision
• pain or sensitivity, especially to bright light
• floaters, or small specks, lines, or other shapes in your field of vision

You may also experience uveitis, or inflammation of the middle layer of the eye called the uvea. Between 7 and 25 percent of people with PsA develop uveitis.

Symptoms of uveitis include:

• eye pain
• eye redness
• lid swelling
• blurry vision
• floaters in your field of vision
• sensitivity to light or photophobia 
• enlargement of the conjunctival vessels or hyperemia 
• unexplained visual changes

If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical care right away. Early diagnosis is important in preventing complications like:

• glaucoma
• cataracts
• optic nerve damage
• permanent vision loss

Treatments include oral medications or eye drops to reduce pain and inflammation.

8. FOOT PAIN

Pain in the feet or ankles may be an indication of PsA.

People with PsA often develop enthesitis, or pain in the places where tendons attach to bones. This tends to appear as pain, swelling, and tenderness. The most common locations for enthesitis include the:

• Achilles tendon
• foot
• knee
• pelvis
• elbow
• shoulder

Symptoms include:

• impaired joint movement
• joint stiffness, especially after not using the joint for an extended period
• joint swelling
• a grating sensation in the joint with movement

Treatment options include:

• NSAIDs
• exercise
• reduced use of the joint
• medications like DMARDs and sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
• steroid injections
• surgery

9. ELBOW PAIN

Enthesitis can also involve the elbow, causing something similar to tennis elbow. Symptoms of enthesitis affecting the elbow include pain, tenderness, and trouble moving your elbow.

Symptoms include:

• elbow pain that gradually worsens
• pain from the outside of the elbow to the forearm and wrist
• a weak grip
• increased pain when shaking hands or squeezing an object
• pain when lifting something, using tools, or opening jars

Treatments can include:

• rest
• ice packs
• ultrasound therapy
• steroid injections
• shockwave therapy
• platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
• physical therapy and exercises

Always check with your doctor before beginning a new treatment or exercise program.

10. REDUCED RANGE OF MOTION

One possible sign of PsA is a reduced range of motion in your joints. You might find it harder to extend your arms, bend your knees, or bend forward.

You may also have problems using your fingers effectively. This can lead to problems for people who work with their hands in any way, including typing and drawing.

When the joint becomes permanently fixed or unable to move beyond a certain point, it’s known as a contracture deformity. This can lead to complications such as:

• Dupuytren's contracture, a thickening of the tissue layer beneath the skin in the hands and wrist
• Volkmann’s contracture, or lack of blood flow to the forearm that causes muscle shortening

Prevention involves range of motion exercises prescribed by a doctor or done with a physical therapist.

11. FATIGUE

Fatigue is a common symptom in people with PsA. You may begin to have difficulty making it through the day without taking a nap.

According to a 2007 studyTrusted Source, up to 50 percent of people with skin conditions report having moderate to severe fatigue, while 25 percent experience severe levels of fatigue.

In the case of PsA, fatigue may be due to symptoms or complications like:

• inflammation
• chronic pain
• anaemia
• reduced physical fitness
• increased weight or obesity
• fibromyalgia
• underlying sleeping issues
• diabetes
• anxiety and depression

THE BOTTOM LINE

Not everyone with psoriasis develops PsA, but it’s important to be aware of its symptoms if you have psoriasis.

Treating PsA early can help you avoid further joint damage, so make sure to mention any new or unusual joint symptoms during your medical visits.

https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriatic-arthritis-early-signs?slot_pos=article_1&utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=psoriasis&utm_content=2022-01-25&apid=39239719&rvid=058431b717dcfa59c0cdd27cd0a9313769e8b3dd4ad59d88efd0ded7ddb4774e#What-is-psoriatic-arthritis? 

Joint Pain? It Might Be Time to See a Rheumatologist

From centraljersey.com

Did you know that an estimated 50 million people in the United States have arthritis or other rheumatic conditions, according to the American College of Rheumatology?

And while osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms, there are more than 100 different types of rheumatic disease that can cause debilitating joint pain if left untreated.

If you are experiencing joint pain, talk to your physician or to a rheumatologist, which is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.

With the appropriate care, most rheumatic conditions can be effectively managed so you can continue to lead an active life.

Understanding Rheumatic Disease

Rheumatic diseases are a family of autoimmune, inflammatory, and degenerative diseases that affect a person’s joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, bones, and organs. These diseases are typically chronic and often develop during midlife, though they can affect all ages and genders.

Osteoarthritis is an example of degenerative rheumatic disease, typically caused by wear and tear on the joints. Other common rheumatic conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and gout.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 1.3 million U.S. residents with the vast majority —75 percent — being women, according to the American College of Rheumatology.

While the disease can start at any age, it most often begins between ages 30 and 50.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased movement of the joints, primarily in the hands and feet. Typically, the stiffness is worse in the morning and gets better with movement.

Other signs and symptoms may include:

• Loss of energy
• Loss of appetite
• Malaise
• Nodules on the elbows and hands

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory and autoimmune-related condition, meaning the immune system malfunctions and attacks healthy cells in your body. This causes an inflammatory response that can lead to damage over time.

There is no known cause of rheumatoid arthritis, but like many autoimmune-related diseases, it is believed to be related to genetics and it runs in families. Additional risk factors include smoking and obesity.

Lupus

Lupus is a rheumatic disease that can affect almost any organ in your body, and most people with the disease will experience joint pain.

The disease can also affect the kidneys, the tissue lining the lungs and heart (pericardium), and the brain. Other common symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, and fever and rash, especially a butterfly-shaped rash across the nose and cheeks.

Lupus symptoms typically come and go and flare ups, which are often triggered by sun exposure, can range from mild to severe.

Anyone can get lupus though women of child-bearing age are more susceptible to the disease than men.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1.5 million people in the United States have lupus and about 9 out of every 10 diagnoses are in women between the ages of 15 and 44.

Gout

A form of inflammatory arthritis, gout is another common — and painful —rheumatic disease.

Gout is caused by having too much uric acid in your blood (hyperuricemia), which can lead to the build-up of uric crystals in your joints, fluids, and other tissues.

Usually, symptoms affect one joint at a time, often the big toe, the ankle or the knee, and include:

• Pain, usually intense
• Swelling
• Redness
• Joint is warm to the touch

Risk factors for hyperuricemia, which causes gout, include:

• Being male
• Obesity
• Certain health conditions such as congestive heart failure, diabetes, and high blood pressure
• Certain medications
• Drinking alcohol
• Eating or drinking food and drinks high in fructose
• A diet high in purines, which the body breaks down into uric acid. Red meat, organ meat, and some types of seafood (anchovies, sardines, mussels, scallops, trout and tuna) have high purine levels.

Diagnosing and Treating Rheumatic Disease

Whether arthritis, lupus, gout or any other rheumatic condition, diagnosis can be difficult because early-stage symptoms can often mimic those associated with other diseases. In most cases, diagnosis typically begins with a physical exam, followed by blood tests. Imaging tests may also be recommended.

Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. For rheumatoid arthritis, surgery may be recommended to repair damaged joints and relieve pain.

In general, when it comes to rheumatoid disease, the CDC recommends the following self-management strategies in addition to treatment:

• Be physically active. Experts recommend that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. Moderate, low impact activities recommended include walking, swimming, or biking.

• Lose weight. For people who are overweight or obese, losing weight reduces pressure on joints, particularly weight bearing joints like the hips and knees. Reaching or maintaining a healthy weight can relieve pain, improve function, and slow the progression of arthritis.

• Eat a healthy diet. It is important to eat a variety of nutritious foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and moderate servings of lean protein such as meat, fish, and beans. Some conditions may have special dietary considerations. Consult your physician about your specific needs.

• Talk to your doctor. You can play an active role in controlling your condition by attending regular appointments with your health care provider and following your recommended treatment plan.

https://centraljersey.com/2022/01/19/health-matters-1-21-joint-pain-it-might-be-time-to-see-a-rheumatologist/ 

Arthritis: How to avoid the onset of the joint condition while working from home

From express.co.uk

ARTHRITIS is a painful chronic condition that affects millions of people in the UK. Working from home has resulted in more people experiencing chronic pain. Express.co.uk talked to Physiotherapist Sammy Margo, to find out how you can reduce your chances of developing the condition.

"Are you sitting comfortably? Then I’ll begin” A phrase out of time, specifically out of the BBC Radio programme ‘Listen with Mother’, a radio show for pre-school children first broadcast in January 1950. What does this have to do with arthritis? Quite a lot is the answer, because this is a question you should genuinely be asking yourself every day as you sit down to work from home.

Since the pandemic began, nearly two years ago, working from home has become the norm. From lawyers to advertisers, from bankers to writers, we have all, at various stages, been told to work from home.

Like the lockdowns, social distancing and furlough, working from home has had an impact on all of us, on our bodies as well as our minds. Express.co.uk spoke to physiotherapist Sammy Margo who said: “Unequivocally, there is a connection between an increase in pain and an increase in discomfort as a result of the past two years.”

Margo explained: “There's research showing an increase in the incidence of neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, and a bunch of arthritic conditions”.

The symptoms of these arthritic conditions have been intensified by psychological factors too.

Margo says these conditions have been “amplified by a layer of stress and uncertainty which I think is a huge contributing factor to the whole picture." This is because stress, says Margo “releases cortisol. And when you release cortisol, the stress hormone that can produce chronic inflammation and pain”.

These come at a time when over 10 million people in the UK have arthritis, says the NHS.

However, as with a lot of conditions, there are steps we can take to reduce our risk.

Sammy Margo has some suggestions on this front including:
• Posture
• Making sure that you move around within often throughout the day,
• Having a standing desk
• Making sure that your workstation is set up appropriately.

Whilst these are recommendations, not everyone is in the position to be able to make these changes as thousands around the country may not have the space or financial wherewithal.

          Sammy Margo is a physiotherapist with tips on how to reduce your risk of arthritis. (Image: Getty Images)

A lot of people, including students, have been working out of their bedrooms, on the kitchen table and balancing this with childcare requirements.

This potential arthritis crisis is most affecting people in their 20s, 30s and 40s with Margo commenting: “In the 20s, 30s and 40s there's been a huge upsurge in people working from home, we know that a large percentage of them have increasingly been experiencing problems”.

Another factor that is contributing to the rise in joint pain amongst these younger age groups alongside stress and poor working positioning is their sleeping position, according to Margo.

If people aren’t able to install a standing desk or other ergonomic equipment, what can they do?

One of the easiest ways to reduce your risk of developing arthritis, says Margo, is through exercise “If you consistently exercise, the incidence of arthritis is less in the exercises than those that don't exercise.”

“For every pound (0.45kg) that you put on, you're loading your joints fourfold. A moderate, mild to moderate level [of exercise] is something that can certainly help to prevent the onset of arthritis.”

As it turns out then, it isn’t just a case of knowing how to sit or when to sit, but when to start moving to prevent your joints from stopping.

https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/1549525/arthritis-avoid-working-from-home

 

Do Omega-3s Help Arthritis?

From health.clevelandclinic.org

Why these fatty acids should become a part of your diet 

Your body needs omega-3 fatty acids for health. Why? Quite simply, these fats may help reduce inflammation.

Your body needs fat for good health, but the type of fat is what really matters here. Registered dietitian, Mira Illic, RD, LD, shares that the ones to strive for are typically polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, fluid at room temperature and mostly plant-based, rather than solid saturated fats like butter.

Within the polyunsaturated fats are the unique and all-important omega-3 fatty acids. They are essential for health, but your body cannot manufacture them — they need to be part of your diet.

Find out how incorporating omega-3s into your diet can also help with arthritis.

Why are omega-3s good for you?

There are two types of polyunsaturated fatty acids — omega-3s and omega-6s. “Omega-3s are important for brain development in foetuses and infants. Omega-3s may also help with cognition as we age,” says Ilic.

“Omega-6s tend to be pro-inflammatory,” says Ilic. As we know, inflammation is at the heart of many diseases, like arthritis. We need some omega-6s, but they must be balanced with omega-3s, which are anti-inflammatory. “The American diet has 10 or more times omega-6s than omega-3s, so it’s important to understand the right balance,” she says.

How omega-3s help arthritis

Because omega-3s fight inflammation, their role in managing rheumatoid arthritis has been highly studied. Studies of people taking fish oil supplements or eating more fatty fish have found that they have less morning stiffness, joint stiffness and pain, and less need for medication.

Other recent studies detail how incorporating a balance of omega-3s and omega-6s can help with different types of pain. It’s been found that a diet high in omega-6s was a risk factor for inflammatory pain (from arthritis, for example) and neuropathic pain (from conditions like diabetes). “So, lowering omega-6s and increasing omega-3s may reduce both types of pain,” adds Ilic.

Should I take omega-3 supplements?

Before you head to your local grocery store or pharmacy to pick up a bottle of supplements, think about changing your diet first.

There are three types of omega-3s. The two most important ones to consider are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), available only from marine sources, such as cold-water fatty fish and algae (a good choice for vegetarians). The third is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which comes from plants like flaxseed, walnuts and vegetable oils.

“A great way to get the suggested two to three servings of fatty fish each week is to follow the Mediterranean diet," recommends Ilic. It’s been linked to life longevity, better health and fewer chronic illnesses. It focuses on vegetables, fruits, whole grains and seafood.

If you’re not versed in cooking seafood, Ilic has a tried and true, fast recipe for you: On a piece of parchment paper, place a fish filet over some julienned vegetables, topped with a dab of Dijon mustard, a sprig of dill and a bit of black pepper. Fold it up to make an envelope and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Cut open the envelope with scissors to safely let the steam escape. “It’s a no-fail recipe that looks like a fancy restaurant-style dish,” she says.

Here are some smart omega-3-rich fish to think about adding to your weekly dinner menu:

• Sardines.
• Salmon.
• Atlantic mackerel.
• Herring.
• Trout
• Light tuna.
• Halibut.

Avoid large predatory fish whose mercury levels tend to be high — like albacore tuna, king mackerel, shark and swordfish.

Supplements should only be taken with the guidance of a healthcare professional, such as a doctor or registered dietitian, who can help you find the right dosage and avoid negative interactions with certain drugs you might be taking, including blood thinners.

“Studies done on supplements sometimes show they are not helpful, so it could be other components in fatty fish that contribute to health,” says Ilic.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-omega-3s-help-for-arthritis/

Eating Habits to Avoid if You Have Arthritis, Says Science

From eatthis.com

If your joints feel stiff and painful, see if cutting out inflammatory foods makes a difference 

Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, the hallmarks of arthritis, can really slow you down. Unfortunately, more than 58 million American adults experience some type of doctor-diagnosed arthritis that limits their activities.

When you experience a reduced range of motion that comes with arthritis—you know, sore knees that make running impossible or stiff shoulders that cause you to sink not swim—it's easy to become inactive and gain weight, which can even make symptoms worse.

Anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly prescribed to arthritis patients to offer instant relief, but there's something else you can try that will likely benefit your joints and your overall health: changing your diet to eliminate eating habits associated with causing the inflammation throughout your body that exacerbates arthritis symptoms.

While there aren't many large-scale studies specifically on diet and arthritis, research has shown that certain types of foods can trigger chronic inflammation in the body over time. This low-grade inflammation, an immune response that's constantly engaged, can damage healthy cells and organs leading to diseases like arthritis as well as diabetes and heart disease. 

Don't go looking for a specific food that will decrease your arthritis pain, however. Look at your pattern of eating, suggests Elaine Husni, MD, MPH, director of the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Centre at Cleveland Clinic.

"We want to encourage well-balanced, nutrient-dense food groups," says Dr. Husni, who is also a medical board member of the Arthritis Foundation. In other words, eat a variety of plant-based foods and work on eliminating these inflammation-producing, arthritis-promoting eating habits below. Read on, and for more on how to eat healthy, check out 20 Foods That Can Make Arthritis Worse.

1

Avoid ultra-processed foods.

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Ultra-processed foods that last for weeks are typically loaded with inflammation-producing preservatives. Think chips, cookies, baked goods, and other highly processed packaged foods. Avoid them. Instead, eat food that rots. "I tell people if you have food that's on your counter that rots in a couple of days, that's probably what you want to eat," says Dr. Husni. Of course, eat it before it rots.

2

Avoid the drive-thru habit.

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To significantly reduce your consumption of inflammatory foods, think fresh, not fried. "Limit the amount of fast-foods. Limit the amount of concentrated sweets, but most importantly eat natural, plant-based foods," says Dr. Husni.

3

Avoid this fatty habit.

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By now you know that fat isn't the dietary demon that we once believed it to be back during the low-fat diet craze of the late '80s. But that doesn't mean all fats are open for unbridled consumption. Trans fats; saturated fats, which come from red meat and whole fat dairy products; and omega-6 polyunsaturated fats from corn oils found in lots of packaged foods all contribute to chronic intestinal inflammation, according to a recent review of studies in Frontiers of Immunology.

Another study looked specifically at the potential effect of saturated fat in the diet on osteoarthritis. In that experiment reported in Scientific Reports, researchers studied two groups of rats for 16 weeks. One group was fed a corn starch diet, the other a diet of simple carbohydrates and saturated fats from butter, palm oil, or animal fat. The researcher found that the diet containing 20% saturated fat produced saturated fat deposits in the knee joints of the rats that weakened the cartilage and increased inflammation, both markers of osteoarthritis.

4

Avoid having a soda with lunch.

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While you're well aware that sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) can cause weight gain and can put you at risk for type 2 diabetes, you may not be aware of another potential danger of drinking too many sweet drinks: increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis.

Two large, long-term observational studies that followed 186,900 women linked the drink to arthritis. Researchers reporting in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that women who drank one or more servings of sugar-sweetened soda (but not diet soda) every day had a 63% increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis compared to those who drank no soda or less than one serving daily.

5

Avoid bar hopping and booze cruising.

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In other words, avoid a drinking habit. Research suggests that alcohol disrupts the balance of "good" and "bad" bacteria in the gut and causes inflammation in the intestines. Heavy alcohol consumption may also damage the gut tissue, making it permeable or "leaky" allowing inflammation-producing toxins to escape. Excessive drinking also reduces the gut's ability to extract nutrients from food, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.

And there's another form of inflammatory arthritis that's linked to high alcohol consumption: gout. The painful flareup that typically targets the big toe joint is the result of too much uric acid in the body when the body breaks down alcohol. Hard liquor is a trigger, but so is beer which is high in purines that can significantly raise uric acid levels. For more incentive to reduce your drinking read Secret Side Effects of Drinking Alcohol.

https://www.eatthis.com/worst-eating-habits-arthritis/