Joint pain and inflammation are two of the most common symptoms of osteoarthritis. Reducing inflammation and pain control are the course of treatment for controlling arthritis. Medications that decrease the inflammation along with an osteoarthritis diet are the recommended treatment options. Avoiding certain foods and incorporating the osteoarthritis diet suggestions into your daily meals can assist in reducing the inflammatory response in the body.
What is Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a breakdown of the cartilage or “cushion” in the joints of the bones affected. As the breakdown of cartilage occurs, the inflammation and pain in the joints increase thus causing the body to have an inflammatory response overall. This state of inflammation in the body can also lead to other chronic diseases. Osteoarthritis of the spine and osteoarthritis knee conditions are common areas of the body that experience the pain and inflammation associated with (OA).
Osteoarthritis
“Arthritis” is a condition where the joints are inflamed. Osteoarthritis is one of a dozen types of arthritis.
Request an Appointment for consultation on Osteoarthritis right now!
Foods to Avoid With Osteoarthritis
Research in preventing the chronic inflammation that occurs with arthritis conditions such as osteoarthritis knee pain and osteoarthritis of the spine note positive outcomes when reducing specific food in the diet. Reducing or alleviating the following foods in your diet may help in controlling inflammation and pain.
- Fried foods such as french fries, donuts, and pastry items can increase inflammation due to the body’s response to the oils used in the frying process.
- Wheat Flour and highly refined wheat products will trigger the body’s inflammatory response. Choose whole wheat products when choosing pasta and bread items.
- Dairy products have been known to trigger inflammation responses in some with arthritis. Avoiding animal milk and choosing alternatives such as almond milk may help in reducing inflammation.
- Salt can cause fluid retention and increase swelling causing more pain in the affected joints. Salt in moderate amounts is essential for normal body function.
- Sugar items such as candies, cookies, and cakes can change the way the body responds to disease-causing further inflammation and pain. Try using sweeteners such as honey and maple syrup to help substitute for sugar.
- Omega-6 fatty acids such as red meats and egg yolks can increase the inflammation in the body and worsen arthritis symptoms. Choosing more of the Omega 3 foods such as salmon and almonds can supplement protein in the diet without causing inflammation.
Maintaining a healthy diet while reducing the foods that cause inflammation in the body will undoubtedly benefit the effects of arthritis symptoms. When diagnosed with (OA) ask your physician to explain what is osteoarthritis and what can be done to improve your current diet.
Find out more about pain conditions