Arthritis brings to mind an image of a senior, possibly an older woman, complaining of pain in her knee joints. This stereotype has many truths to it. Arthritis is a disease of the joints, mainly characterized by inflammation and stiffness. Women are at a higher risk of this disease than men, especially those with an advancing age.

There are different types of arthritis, and some of the most common ones are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout. Each kind, however, is accompanied by pain in the joints. Making dietary changes can help reduce the symptoms and frequency of their occurrence. The following is a list of foods to avoid for arthritis according to type:

1. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is certainly the most common form of arthritis. It is chronic and often degenerative. The most critical risk factors are old age and injuries. Degradation of cartilage causes this arthritis. The lack of cushioning between bones and inflammation causes pain. Foods like egg yolk and red meat that are rich in fatty acids can cause inflammation. Processed foods with wheat gluten and sugar can also be problematic. Excessive salt intake causes water retention and can worsen arthritis pain. Managing weight is key to reducing pressure on the joints. So, it is wise to stay away from starchy foods like potatoes, sodas, and all kinds of processed products.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is largely an autoimmune condition. Certain genetic and environmental triggers cause the body to attack itself. While the pain in osteoarthritis is due to wear and tear, in rheumatoid arthritis, the lining of the joints is affected, and the swelling is more painful. Grilled, boiled, or fried meat and other foods, such as some cheeses and margarine, produce advanced glycation end-products (AGE) that increase swelling and inflammation. Monosodium glutamate, a flavor enhancer, has a similar effect on the body’s joints. Hence, it is best to avoid such foods, and to consume salt and sugar in moderation.

3. Psoriatic arthritis 

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) involves inflammation of the skin as well as joints. This means that apart from pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the joints, red, flaky patches appear on the skin. Limit your consumption of fatty acids by avoiding corn, sunflower, and peanut oils. Alcohol, too, must be avoided at all costs. While direct inflammation is only a part of the problem, alcohol interferes with the medications prescribed for the condition.

4. Gout

The build-up of uric acid in the joints causes gout. This type of arthritis is most common in the joints found in the lower extremity, including the hip, knee, and foot. The pain caused by gout is due to the excessive accumulation of uric acid crystals that are not naturally expelled by the body. In severe cases, tophi, which are swollen growths, may also form under the skin. The foods that aggravate gout symptoms are those that contain high levels of purine. Purine gets converted into uric acid in the body. Therefore, it is best to avoid high-purine foods, which include fish like sardines and anchovies, meats like bacon and turkey, and alcoholic beverages, among others.

Arthritis is a complex disease that quite often turns chronic. As a rule, avoiding inflammatory foods like nightshade vegetables, red meats, sugar, and alcohol can help reduce arthritis pain. This, by no means, can be referred to as an exhaustive list, and it is wise to consult a physician for thorough guidance. Also, maintaining a food diary can help you identify your triggers. A little effort can go a long way in relieving pain caused due to arthritis.