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10 Foods To Avoid if You Have Joint Pain

While there are multiple anti-inflammatory natural remedies like ginger, turmeric and garlic that can help fight joint pain, there are also various foods that can cause the pain.
So, if you suffer from joint pain, you need to avoid certain foods that may trigger inflammation and pain

1. Processed and Red Meat

Processed meat and red meat contain chemicals like nitrites and purines, that can elevate inflammation and pain in the body.
Processed foods are also notoriously rich in toxins called advanced glycation end products (AGEs) that can lead to inflammation.
A 2014 research conducted by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences concluded that a red meat-derived glycan enhances the development of systemic inflammation and potential cancer progression.
Try and add more and more fresh vegetables and fruits to your diet and slowly eliminate processed meats.

2. Artificial Sugars

Another factor behind the potential rise of inflammation in the body is the increase in the amounts of sugar. High levels of sugar in the body increases the level of AGEs. Moreover, sugar also promotes the release of inflammatory agents like cytokines in the body.
A high calorie, high sugar diet can also lead to weight gain. More weight means more pressure on your joints, which will naturally increase the pain.
Soft drinks are bad for your body. Researchers believe that regular consumption of sugar-sweetened soda increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women, regardless of other dietary and lifestyle factors. Try to stay away from sugar-sweetened beverages like soft drinks, pre-sweetened cereals, fruit drinks and punches. Also try to avoid sugar-loaded foods like pastries, candy and snacks.
Healthy alternatives to sugar include natural sweetners like Stevia, honey or blackstrap.

3. Dairy Products

Dairy Products can play a hand behind joint pain. They are rich in protein casein which triggers inflammation and pain. It is believed that this protein may even irritate the tissues around the joints.
Dairy Products like Milk, butter and cheese contain saturated fats which can trigger fat-tissue inflammation, which in turn gives rise to the pain.

4. Corn Oil

Corn Coil contains high levels of Omega-6 fatty acids that promote the production of pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body.
Oils to avoid:
  • Safflower
  • Sunflower
  • Grapeseed
  • Soy
  • Peanut oils
All the oils listed above along with mayonnaise and several salad dressings have abundance of omega-6 fatty acids. Therefore, they are to limited in your diet.
While Omega-6 fatty acids could lead to inflammation in the body, they are also needed for normal growth and development. Hence, you do not need to entirely eliminate these products from your diet and instead just limit their intake.

5. Refined Grains and Flour

Refined grains and flour are also promote inflammation and can increase your joint pain. These high-glycemic index foods trigger the production of AGEs that stimulate inflammation.These grains are also deprived of fiber and vitamin B and contain empty calories which are unhealthy. Regular consumption of these products can also increase the risk of degenerative diseases like cancer, coronary heart disease and diabetes.
Instead of refined grain products go for white bread, white pasta, and white rice. Also try whole-grain, almond or coconut flour. Moreso, take brown rice instead of white rice.

6. Eggs

Surprised? Well, thats the sad part of life. Each of nature’s delicious and bitter food items has its own pros and cons. Regular consumption of eggs in your diet can increase the likelihood of swelling and joint pain.
The egg yolk contains arachidonic acid that stimulates the production of prostaglandins, which increase inflammation in the body.
If you love eggs way too much to have them removed from the diet, skip the yolks and use the egg whites instead.

7. Whey Protein

Whey protein items are known to promote inflammation and joint pain due to the gluten and casein contents in them.
Casein is a kind of protein that promotes production of uric acid in the body. High levels of uric acid in the body can lead to pain and inflammation, particularly in the joints. Joint pain due to uric acid, known as gout, can be severe and can do serious damage to the joints.

8. Refined Salt

Refined salt, commonly known as table salt, is bad for your health, especially if you are a joint pain patient. Refined Salt comprises of additives and chemicals which can disturb your body’s fluid balance.
Lower the intake of refined salt in your diet and if possible, swap it with sea salt or pink Himalayan salt. Apart from limiting salt in your cooking, you need to watch out for processed foods that contain excessive salt and other preservatives to increase their shelf life.

9. Monosodium Glutamate Foods

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor-enhancing food additive with preservative properties most notably in packaged food items like potato chips, frozen snacks, frozen dinners, canned and frozen Chinese foods, store-bought salad dressings, and soups etc.
MSG can promote inflammation and pain in the body, particularly the joints. This artificial additive is directly harmful for people who already suffer from inflammatory conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis.
Because most packaged and frozen foods feature artificial additives like MSG in them, you should try to consume fresh foods prepared at home. Utilize organic products and stay away from artificial flavor enhancers.

10. Beer

Don't take too many pints! Once or twice every now and then is fine, but excessive consumption of beer as well as other alcoholic beverages is not good for your joints. In fact, chain beer drinkers are at a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis as well as gout.
Beer is rich in purine that increases the levels of uric acid in the body. That in turn leads to inflammation. Additionally, beer is made with gluten, so it is best to avoid it when suffering from joint pain. Moreover, beer also contain other toxins which can cause significant harm to your body.
So, try to limit your intake of beer and alcoholic beverages

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