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8 foods that worsen arthritis symptoms

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints of the body, especially the hands and feet. It leads to inflammation which can be painful and irritating. While it cannot be completely reversed, some management techniques involve eating the right foods that can help reduce arthritis symptoms. So let’s look at some food groups and items that should be avoided to help reduce any triggers like inflammation. Some of them are:

Red meat
According to research, those who consume a lot of red meat are linked with more inflammation in their bodies than those who don’t. There are inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and interleukin-6, which are high in those consuming red meat. In a comparative study, those with a plant-based food plan have shown signs of improvement in arthritis symptoms.

Gluten food
Research suggests that consuming gluten is linked with increased inflammation in the body. Gluten is a type of protein that is found in foods like wheat, barley, triticale, and also rye. Substituting these gluten products with those without them(other plant-based products) is known to reduce arthritis symptoms like inflammation and help manage the disease overall.

Processed food
The highly processed food category includes items like breakfast cereals, fast food, and baked goods which are all high in preservatives, added sugars, and other inflammatory ingredients that irritate arthritis symptoms. Apart from arthritis inflammation, consuming highly processed foods increases glycated hemoglobin, which is responsible for blood sugar control. This can lead to several complications like diabetes and also heart disease.

Vegetable oil
This is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which worsens arthritis symptoms. Some of the culprits of omega-6 polyunsaturated fats include sunflower, nuts, soybeans, and meat products. It is advised to instead up the omega-3 fatty acid levels in the body by eating more fish like salmon, herring, canned tuna, sardine, cod, and even Atlantic mackerel.

Advanced Glycation End (AGE) products
This is a term used for a molecule in certain foods like uncooked animal products or high-protein, high-fat animal food cooked through methods like frying, broiling, searing, or grilling. This molecule is created with the reaction between sugars and protein or sugar and fats. Such items as roasted or fried chicken, broiled hot dogs, bacon, grilled or pan-fried steak, French fries, American cheese, margarine, and mayonnaise are all examples of AGEs products. With high consumption of these food items, oxidative stress occurs in the body, which also leads to inflammation.

Highly salted food
Food items with a higher amount of sodium are known to lead to bloating and other inflammation in the body. It can also lead to blood pressure complications with more and more consumption. Apart from processed foods like cheese, canned products, or processed meats, reducing the amount of salt in regular everyday food is also recommended.

Added sugar
Sugar is addictive and leads to several complications, like spiking up the glucose levels in the body, which can lead to diabetes. Studies suggest that increased sugar intake increases the risk of developing arthritis in individuals.

High-fat dairy products
Dairy contains a compound called casein which is studied to trigger inflammation in the body. However, some dairy products like yogurt are known to be good probiotics that help with gut health and reduce inflammation. So choose wisely.

Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected jointsâ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause poppingÂ sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase oneâs risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

6 best times to drink water for maximum benefits

Research suggests that a significant percentage of the human body is water. Therefore, drinking water is vital to keep the mind and body healthy and to function optimally. But randomly drinking water is not enough. There are specific times when drinking water is more beneficial than the rest of the day. We suggest you sip on a glass while we tell you more about the best times to drink water for maximum benefits! Right after waking up A glass or two of water first thing in the morning is an excellent way of priming the body and mind for the rest of the day. It energizes the cells and eliminates free radicals that accumulate in the body overnight. You might be tempted to sip on other detox beverages after waking up, but don't fall for the fads and stick with the classic glass of water. Before meals Drinking water with your meals is bad because it slows down your metabolism. So, to support the body's metabolism, drink water about 30 minutes before mealtime. It lines the stomach and prepares the intestine for the incoming food. It also brings a feeling of fullness, preventing overeating and the subsequent feeling of bloating and cramps. Before workouts If you haven't had water in a while, hydrate before hitting the gym. Don't overdo it, though, or it might knock off the electrolyte balance in your body, causing you to underperform at the gym. Be preemptive about the water you'll lose while exercising, and you might even be able to prevent a bad case of DOMS. After workouts You might need to rehydrate with a glass or more, depending on how hard you worked out or the length of your routine. The sweat released during your workout indicates your body lost some hydration. Continuing in a dehydrated state can lead to fatigue and throw you off during the day. The best thing to do is rehydrate with an electrolyte to balance your sodium levels. Pro tip: Keep sipping on water during the rest phases of your workout. Before sleeping Research has found that dehydration is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Drinking a cup or two of water before bedtime helps bring down the risk of heart attacks and stroke in the middle of the night. Furthermore, dehydration is also known to impact the quality of your sleep and mood significantly. If you don't fancy a middle-of-the-night trip to the washroom, have your last glass of water an hour before turning off the lights; you'll be ready for a peaceful night. When unwell We know how important it is to stay hydrated when hit by a bout of flu or the common cold. Drinking water ensures the body isn't dehydrated due to a runny nose, fever, and sweating. Water also relieves you of the headache that might accompany the flu. Additionally, it gets rid of the fatigue that hits you out of nowhere on days you're already dealing with a headache. Drinking water helps immensely since fatigue is also considered an early sign of dehydration.