Rheumatism or Arthritis is a relatively common health condition that is characterized by persistent inflammation in the joints. Depending on the type, it can cause pain and damage to the body’s joints, bones, and other organs. Rheumatoid arthritis, also known simply as RA, is a form of chronic inflammatory arthritis for which the exact cause is unknown. Because it’s a degenerative condition, managing it entails not only alleviating symptoms but also halting the disease’s progression.
Inflammation and pain are common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), as those who suffer from it can attest. Stick to a healthy diet and stay away from foods that could exacerbate your arthritis symptoms. Even though it hasn’t been proven in clinical trials, many people with rheumatoid arthritis report improvement in their symptoms when they cut out foods known to cause inflammation. Listed below are 5 foods to avoid if you have rheumatism.
Avoid These 5 Foods At All Costs If You Have Rheumatism
1. Refined Carbohydrates and Sugary products
Someone with a sweet tooth may find it challenging to cut back on refined sugars, which can be found in processed foods like soda and bakery goods like donuts, cookies, and pastries. Inflammatory cytokines are released as a result of digestion of these molecules. As an added bonus, these foods can make you fat, which puts extra strain on your bones and joints.
2. Foods that are high in salt
People who suffer from arthritis might benefit from reducing their salt intake. Shrimp, canned soup, pizza, some cheeses, and cured and processed meats are just a few examples of the many processed foods that are high in salt. The risk of developing cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, heart failure, and stroke all go up in tandem with a person’s sodium intake, which can be raised by eating too much salt.
3. Alcohol
It is unclear how alcohol affects rheumatoid arthritis. Consuming alcohol in moderation has been proven to reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. On the other hand, consuming an excessive amount of alcohol can lead to an increase in the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) found in the body. Because CRP is such a potent inflammatory signal, drinking to excess may exacerbate inflammation and worsen RA symptoms.
4. Processed and red meats
Saturated fat, found in abundance in many processed meats and red meats, can increase inflammation and contribute to weight gain. Omega-6 fatty acids are present in meat, particularly red meat, and can contribute to inflammation if consumed in excess. Plant-based diets that don’t include red meat, on the other hand, have been linked to a reduction in arthritis symptoms.
5. Foods that are high in gluten
Gluten is a collection of proteins that can be found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye, and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye). It’s been found that avoiding this category of foods can reduce inflammation, so cutting out gluten could help alleviate arthritis pain. Those who suffer from celiac disease may feel the effects even more strongly. Similarly, the prevalence of celiac disease is much higher among people with autoimmune diseases like RA than among the general population.
Inflammation typically serves a protective function, assisting the immune system in fighting off infection and speeding the healing of wounds. On the other hand, the development of chronic symptoms is possible when inflammation continues to persist for a protracted period of time. Your arthritis symptoms may lessen if you adopt a healthy diet and way of life. Consumption habits can affect how much inflammation a person experiences. Foods can either contribute to inflammation or reduce it. Making dietary adjustments may help alleviate arthritis symptoms for some people. You should also remember that your activity level, weight, and smoking habits all play a role in how well you manage your arthritis.
Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only.
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Source : Healthline
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