Joint pain is frequently seen in people affected by arthritis, which is a condition that causes chronic inflammation in the joints. Two of the most common types of arthritis are: 

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: an autoimmune, inflammatory disease
• Osteoarthritis: a degenerative, noninflammatory disease 

Alleviating pain and stiffness associated with arthritis can sometimes involve time-consuming lifestyle modifications. Fortunately, one simple way to reduce inflammation in your joints is to avoid certain harmful foods and beverages. 

Which Foods Lead to Inflammation?

Added Sugars

In general, an excess intake of sugar should be avoided due to the vast detrimental effects it can have on your health. Not only can sugar-sweetened products increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, cancer, and type II diabetes, but they can also increase your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Along with elevating your chances of developing arthritis, added sugars are also known to exacerbate inflammation in your body, leading to intensified arthritis symptoms. Certain products like candy, soda, and ice cream are clearly high in sugar. However, there are other items that are less obviously packed with unhealthy sweeteners like: 

• Ketchup
• Granola bars
• Juice
• Low-fat yogurt
• Barbeque sauce
• Sports drinks

Refined Grains

Refined grains differentiate from whole grain products in that they have been stripped of all their fiber and nutrients. Since refined grains no longer contain any beneficial nutrients, they are classified as “empty” calories. When we consume these empty calories, they reach our bloodstream very quickly, spiking our blood sugar. The elevated blood sugar levels create an inflammatory response in the body, aggravating joint pain.

Common types of refined grains include white bread, rice, bagels, and pasta. Instead, opt for whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, whole-wheat bread, and barley.

Red Meat

Research has indicated that those who have a high intake of red meat experience worsened arthritis symptoms, as well as an increase in the development of inflammatory arthritis. These results may be due to the high levels of inflammatory ingredients such as:

• Interleukin (IL-6)
• C-reactive protein (CRP)
• Homocysteine 

Alcohol 

Excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided by people affected with arthritis, as it can further increase inflammation in your joints, leading to stiffness and pain. If you have been diagnosed with arthritis and choose to drink, the CDC recommends drinking in moderation, meaning one drink a day if you are a woman or two drinks a day if you are a man. Also, if you are taking any arthritis medications like NSAIDs, always talk with your doctor before drinking alcohol.

Products High in Omega-6s

While consuming foods high in omega-3 fatty acids are able to reduce inflammation in the body, the opposite can be said for products high in omega-6s. Omega-6 fats are often prevalent in products like: 

• Vegetable oil
• Corn oil
• Sunflower oil

These products that are high in omega-6s and low in omega-3 fats may exacerbate osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms by increasing inflammation. 

Contact Rejuvinix 

When deciding what foods to include in your diet, you should make sure to avoid the above foods to lower inflammation in your body. Not only should you make an effort to refrain from foods with inflammatory properties, but you should also incorporate foods and beverages into your daily intake that work to reduce inflammation, such as fatty fish, nuts, cruciferous vegetables, berries, and garlic. 

If you are still experiencing significant joint pain despite making changes to your diet, it may be time to contact Rejuvnix. At Rejuvnix, we focus on non-surgical joint therapy to alleviate any discomfort that you may be experiencing in your joints. Request an appointment today for a free consultation!