Over 50 percent of people over the age of 60 suffer from arthritis, an inflammatory disease that causes pain and stiffness in the joints. The most common types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout. While there is no cure, food and nutrition can significantly impact the way your body responds to these diseases. For example, there are several foods that people living with arthritis should avoid, in whole or in part:
1. Green leafy vegetables
Spinach, kale, and collard greens are rich in calcium, which can help prevent osteoporosis. Unfortunately, it can also aggravate arthritis by causing calcium deposits in the joints that result in inflammation and pain. While the calcium in these foods is not the cause of arthritis, it can cause further damage when it accumulates in the joints, which is why it’s generally best for people with arthritis to limit their consumption of green leafy vegetables to twice a week.
2. Fatty fish
Fatty fish, such as salmon and sardines, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential in your diet for overall health. Unfortunately, the high amount of acid found in fish can also aggravate arthritis symptoms. High levels of acid consumption can cause a buildup of uric acid, which decreases the amount of oxygen absorbed by the body and increases acid levels in the blood, reducing bone density. Therefore, people with arthritis should only eat one serving of fatty fish per week to reduce inflammation and strengthen joints.
3. Green tea
Many who have arthritis also have sensitive digestive systems. While green tea is high in antioxidants, it can also cause inflammation and irritate the stomach in some people. If you have an inflamed gut, you could be having an allergic reaction to green tea that increases inflammation and pain. However, even if it doesn’t irritate your stomach, the caffeine content of green tea can aggravate rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.
4. Dairy products
Dairy is a common food allergy that can trigger further stomach issues in arthritis patients. Note that, if you decide to avoid dairy products, it is important to choose non-dairy sources of calcium, like collard greens and soybeans, to supplement the lack of dairy in your diet.
5. Garlic
Garlic is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can help reduce pain and swelling in your joints. However, it can also cause digestive problems in some people. This is because the sulfur compounds in garlic help break down dietary fiber, which can cause gas and bloating. If you have arthritis, chronic heartburn, or constipation, then garlic might not be the best choice for you.
6. Nuts
Nuts are high in healthy fats and can help lower cholesterol, but they also contain high acid levels, meaning that nuts may not be the best choice for people with arthritis. If you suffer from joint pain, it’s best to avoid nuts altogether, because they can also inflame your skin and increase the risk of developing skin disorders like psoriasis.
