Diet gun

Arthritis is a group of diseases that affect the joints, causing inflammation, pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Arthritis affects people of all ages, but it is more common in older people and especially in women.

The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis (degenerative arthritis), rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

Other forms of arthritis are spondyloarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

In osteoarthritis, the joints of the body are burdened by the weight of the body and by performing various movements, making them prone to injury. The articular cartilage that protects the bones over time or due to other factors can wear down, resulting in pain and limited mobility.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease, where the body attacks its joints and gradually destroys them, resulting in long-term deformity.

Gout is related to the excessive production of uric acid from food, from a genetic predisposition of the body or from certain medications.

Uric acid is a normal substance of the body, but obesity and the consumption of certain foods can lead to its excessive production, resulting in its accumulation in the joints, creating crystals, initially asymptomatic, but later causing pain and swelling.

Diet plays an important role in the management of arthritis.
The following foods should be avoided as they create conditions for worsening the disease.

1. Processed Foods, Fried Foods, and Sugar

Soft drinks and processed foods often contain refined sugars and saturated fats, which can cause inflammation through the release of cytokines and proteins.

Inflammation can worsen the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. They also contribute to weight gain, and excess body weight is associated with the development of osteoarthritis.

2. Processed and Red Meats

Consuming processed and red meat can cause increased levels of inflammation, worsening joint swelling, and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

3. Foods High in Purines

Uric acid is a natural compound found in the human body that plays a role in regulating antioxidant and oxygen free radical levels. Uric acid is a byproduct of purine metabolism, which is excreted through the kidneys.

Elevated levels of uric acid can lead to a condition known as hyperuricemia, which is a risk factor for gout and, in the long term, the formation of kidney stones.

Foods high in purines and should not be consumed are: Liver, kidneys, brains, heart, pancreas, meat sauce and broths, meat products (sausage, ham, etc.), game meat, consommé, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, herring.

4. Foods containing gluten

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley.

Any food made from wheat, barley or rye products contains gluten, some foods less and some more.

The presence of gluten in the diet has been linked to increased inflammation and worsening of arthritis symptoms.

People with celiac disease also have a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis than those without celiac disease.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol can interact with gout medications and cause a severe attack or simply worsen the pain.

If we are NOT taking medication, moderate alcohol consumption (up to 1 unit of alcohol for women and up to 2 for men per day (one unit of alcohol corresponds to 330 ml of beer, 150 ml of wine or 45 ml of spirits and contains 15 grams of alcohol) can reduce inflammation and the risk of worsening arthritis.