ReadOns.com | Discover New Blogs Daily

10 foods that can worsen arthritis symptoms

Arthritis is a painful condition that is characterized by the inflammation of joints. The pain and discomfort caused by arthritis can severely affect an individual’s daily life and disrupt their daily activities. This is why managing this condition and its symptoms is essential. An effective way to do so is by managing the food regimen and avoiding certain foods and beverages that can worsen the arthritis symptoms. Here are a few such foods and beverages:

1. Sugary foods and drinks like pastries
Consuming foods or beverages with high amounts of added sugar can be severely detrimental to individuals with arthritis. This is because a high sugar intake has been known to cause inflammation. Hence, indulging in snacks with added sugars, such as pastries, candies, jams, etc., must be avoided, as it can increase inflammation and exacerbate arthritis symptoms. For the same reason, one must also avoid sugary beverages such as sodas, soft drinks, and fruit juices, as they contain high amounts of added sugar.

2. Gluten-rich foods like bread
Gluten is a protein mainly found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. Some studies and research have found that gluten intake may also increase inflammation in the body, which can then worsen the symptoms of arthritis. However, this may not hold true for individuals not sensitive to gluten. A safer approach would be to avoid gluten-containing foods like bread, cakes, and noodles for a few days and check if the intensity of arthritis symptoms is reduced. If so, one can avoid gluten and switch to plant-based gluten-free alternatives.

3. Foods with high amounts of salt, like chips
A high salt intake has also been associated with increased inflammation in the body. Additionally, studies have shown that consuming high amounts of salt increases the risk of developing autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Hence, individuals with arthritis must limit their salt intake and avoid foods that contain high amounts of it, such as chips, processed meat, and other types of canned and packaged foods.

4. Refined carbs like white bread
Refined carbs, after consumption, are known to break down into sugar and eventually increase blood sugar levels. This further leads to inflammation in the body, which can exacerbate the pain and discomfort caused by arthritis. Hence, individuals with arthritis must avoid foods that have refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, pasta, pastries, etc.

5. Processed foods like frozen pizzas
Highly processed foods, which include fast food, frozen meals like pizzas, and packaged snacks, must also be avoided by individuals with arthritis. This is because most processed foods contain several things mentioned above, such as refined carbohydrates, high amounts of salt, and added sugar, all of which can severely worsen arthritis symptoms. Apart from these, some processed foods may also contain trans fats, which can increase inflammation, further increasing the pain and discomfort caused by arthritis.

6. Red meat
Individuals with arthritis must also avoid highly processed foods, which include fast food, frozen meals like pizzas, and packaged snacks. This is because most processed foods contain several ingredients, such as refined carbohydrates, high amounts of salt, and added sugar, all of which can severely worsen arthritis symptoms. Some processed foods may also contain trans fats, which can increase inflammation, further increasing the pain and discomfort caused by arthritis.

7. Omega-6 fatty acid-rich ingredients like corn oil
Omega-6 fatty acids are found in many commonly used oils, such as sunflower, corn, and vegetable oils. While consuming these in moderation is fine, one must not consume a lot of them, as omega-6 fatty acids have also been known to increase inflammation in the body. Hence, individuals with arthritis must limit their intake of fried foods. Besides these, fried foods also contain saturated fats, which increase inflammation and worsen the pain and swelling of joints caused by arthritis. Omega-6 fatty acids are also present in cheese, so it is best consumed in moderation. To improve the condition and reduce the inflammation caused by arthritis, individuals can switch to olive oil, which is rich in monosaturated fats, which are known to reduce inflammation.

8. Nightshade vegetables like tomatoes
Vegetables that contain a compound called solanine are called nightshade vegetables. These include tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and eggplants. Some studies have shown that the compound solanine present in these vegetables may increase inflammation in the body, which can then worsen the symptoms of arthritis. However, there is currently not enough evidence to support these claims. A safer approach for individuals is to avoid consuming nightshade vegetables for a while and check if that improves their condition. If it does, one can avoid or reduce the intake of these vegetables.

9. Coffee
While coffee offers antioxidants, some studies have shown that it can increase the risk of arthritis. Since there have been no clear results till now, individuals with arthritis should consume coffee in moderation. It is also advisable for them to monitor their body’s reaction to consuming and avoiding coffee to make an informed decision. They must also avoid adding too much sugar to their coffee to steer clear of the risk of inflammation.

10. Foods with AGE like margarine
Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs) are compounds formed when proteins or fats combine with sugars in the bloodstream. These compounds are known to increase inflammation in the body, exacerbating pain and joint damage. Some foods that contain AGEs include fried foods, especially margarine, fried meats, mayonnaise, American cheese, etc. Hence, individuals with arthritis should avoid these foods.

Choosing the right foods plays a big role in managing arthritis. Along with avoiding these foods, individuals can also increase their intake of foods that reduce inflammation, such as berries and olive oil. Moreover, by avoiding sugary, gluten-heavy, or highly processed foods, one not only supports their joint health but also improves their overall well-being.

Popular Reads

11 useful tips for anxiety management

Nearly 84% of participants in a particular mental health survey were said to have some form of anxiety. The severity of symptoms did vary from person to person, but the fact remains that we live in a world where almost everything is a potential trigger for anxiety. And living in denial about having a psychological trigger only worsens the problem. Luckily, it is possible to manage anxiety by following the suggestions recommended by experts. Identify the triggers Anxiety is mainly triggered due to an event or episode where one finds themselves in a difficult position. It could be something that puts a person out of their comfort zone. Doctors advise people to identify these triggers and avoid them. Any comment, action, or situation that did not work out in favor triggers anxiety. So, make a list of such events and instances and ignore them the next time something happens related to that event. At the same time, try to remain positive as it can help strengthen the mind to manage anxiety better. Keep busy Distraction is one of the simplest ways to prevent a panic or anxiety attack. You can perform simple chores or indulge in a favorite task to stay physically and mentally occupied for a few hours. When the mind is occupied, there is hardly any scope for negative thoughts to trigger unnecessary overthinking. Some creative activities to boost cognitive performance include taking a walk, painting, drawing, listening to music, meditating, praying, and reading. You can opt for any of these to stay busy. Try mindfulness techniques Deep breathing and mindfulness techniques have helped thousands overcome their fear or anxiety time and again. Focused deep breathing is a method where one inhales for four counts and exhales for the same duration; this is practiced for minutes. It helps lower heart rate, which, in turn, calms the mind and body.

Atrial fibrillation – Causes, symptoms, and management tips

The human heart is susceptible to several health complications, including atrial fibrillation (AFib). The condition is the most common type of treated heart arrhythmia, which is a term describing when the heart beats unusually slowly, fast, or irregularly. AFib is estimated to affect between 2.7 million to 6.1 million individuals in the country. An individual with the complication experiences irregular beating in the heart’s upper chambers, affecting blood flow, leading to health complications. Causes Irregularities in the structure of the heart are the most common cause of atrial fibrillation. Sometimes people may develop the condition without any known heart damage or problems. Risk factors like age may also contribute to the development of atrial fibrillation. Other potential causes of the phenomenon include a heart attack, sick sinus syndrome – issues with the heart’s natural pacemaker, coronary artery disease, congenital heart defect – A heart defect that an individual might be born with, high blood pressure, lung diseases, heart valve problems, use of stimulants, including certain prescriptions and caffeine, physical stress caused due to pneumonia, other illnesses, and also surgery, sleep apnea, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), metabolic imbalances, viral infections, and complications due to earlier heart surgery. Symptoms A person who develops atrial fibrillation may not notice symptoms, and the condition is detected only after a physical examination. But some people experience signs and symptoms before a diagnosis. A few common symptoms of AFib include being unable to exercise to one’s full potential, feelings of weakness, throbbing pain in the chest, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations and sensations of a fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat, and feeling extremely fatigued. Therefore, the symptoms of atrial fibrillation differ from one person to the other. Occasional symptoms (paroxysmal atrial fibrillation) Here, a person may experience something that lasts from a few minutes to a couple of hours.

Macular degeneration – Types, causes, and remedies

Macular degeneration is a condition that affects a person’s vision and develops as people age. This progressive eye disorder involves the deterioration of the macula, which is a part of the eye’s retina. It is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults and may develop in one or both eyes. This condition is of two main types – dry and wet. Read further to learn about the disorder, its causes, and its types. Dry macular degeneration People are more likely to have dry macular degeneration than wet form. It is also less severe and develops when tiny yellow protein deposits under the macula. These deposits dry and thin the macula, causing gradual central vision loss while the peripheral vision remains intact. In the advanced stages, the dry form can progress to the wet form. People with dry macular degeneration need to test their eyes daily at home using an Amsler grid. One must consult a health expert immediately if any vision changes are observed. Wet macular degeneration In this condition, the blood vessels grow beneath the retina and macula and cause blood and fluid to leak into the retina. This build-up of fluid results in scarring, leading to permanent loss of central vision. The wet form can cause a sudden change in eyesight resulting in a severe loss of centralized vision when left untreated. People with wet macular degeneration may require repeated treatments. Symptoms Macular degeneration may not cause any symptoms during the early stages. However, as the condition progresses, it can cause distortion and blurry vision. It can result in difficulty reading, driving, and identifying colors. Macular degeneration occurs mainly in people aged over 50. Blurred vision Dark, blurry areas appear in the center of the vision, leading to increased blurriness in reading printed words. Visual distortion The person may experience visual distortions, such as straight lines that look wavy or crooked, and objects may appear distorted.