Foods That Trigger Arthritis
Common Arthritis Symptoms
Pain, swelling, warmth and tenderness in the joints – these are the characteristics of inflammatory arthritis, a group of diseases characterized by joint and tissue inflammation. Morning stiffness that lasts more than an hour is another sign of this set of diseases.
While treatment can be tailored to the specific disease and individual symptoms, patients are unique and each may take different forms of therapy to find relief. Acupuncture, massage therapy and aromatherapy are integrative medicine approaches to help combat symptoms. Medication options are available as well.
Foods that Cause Inflammation
Research shows some arthritis symptoms can be exasperated with some specific foods. If you suffer from this painful malady, you can avoid those that make flare-ups more common and eat foods that will lessen the symptoms.
Cut back on:
- Fried and processed foods
- Red meat, such as burgers and steaks
- Processed meats like hot dogs, brats and other sausages
- Refined carbohydrates like the ones you find in breads and pastries
- Dairy products, because for many people, casein, a protein common in milk, ice cream and cheese, has been shown to irritate the tissue around joints
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Excessive salt
- Vegetable oils
- Margarines
- Soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages
Whole Foods Reduce Arthritis Inflammation
For many of us, taking these items out of our diet may leave you wondering what you can eat. That’s easy: keep it simple with whole foods.
A Harvard Health Study suggested that these foods can help reduce inflammation:
- Tomatoes
- Fruits
- Nuts
- Olive oil
- Leafy greens
- Fatty fish
Many of these foods fit what’s known as the Mediterranean Lifestyle Diet and it has been shown to be an effective anti-inflammatory way to eat.
Live Well with Less Pain
Finding your path through the maze of modern food can be challenging, but rewarding. You can always turn to experts in Avera Medical Group Integrative Medicine when you need a little guidance.
