Arthritis is a chronic condition that leads to the stiffening of joints and surrounding tissues, causing severe pain and movement issues in the affected areas. Prescription treatment and physical therapy are the recommended course of action for dealing with arthritis pain. However, changes in eating habits can aid treatment and relieve the discomfort to an extent. An arthritis-friendly meal plan consists of nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory foods and is free from highly processed snacks that worsen symptoms.

Arthritis and nutrition
There are many types of arthritis, including gout, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Although they can cause different symptoms, all forms of the condition are caused by inflammation, leading to pain and joint stiffness. There is no cure for the condition, so doctors focus on a combination of prescription treatment, physical therapy, exercise, lifestyle changes, and food choices. Although nutrition alone cannot cure or relieve arthritis, a good food plan can help manage the symptoms. Here, the ideal food regimen should focus on providing adequate nutrition and maintaining regular body mass. High BMI results in additional pressure on the joints, causing pain and stiffness, directly increasing the dependency on prescriptions.

Doctors recommend a plant-based meal plan with fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fats, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats as the best option for dealing with the condition. On the contrary, a food regimen rich in red meat and processed meats can worsen arthritis symptoms. Such foods can trigger inflammation, weaken immunity, increase BMI score, and worsen symptoms. The effect of foods on symptoms can vary from one person to another. So, one should maintain a food journal and keep track of changes in symptoms based on food intake. This can help one identify foods that aggravate pain and discomfort.

Foods to avoid
While one should opt for a balanced meal plan, they should avoid food that can increase body mass and does not offer any nutritional value or health benefits. An increase in body mass can add to the burden on the knee and hip joints as well as the lower back. Though food cannot cause arthritis, it can worsen symptoms. So, here are some of the foods one should avoid when dealing with arthritis:

Sugary foods
The immune system produces cytokines—a type of protein that helps control inflammation. However, excessive amounts of this protein can lead to additional inflammation, as is observed in those with arthritis. Sugar can contribute to additional cytokine production, leading to inflammation and joint pain. One should try to limit sugar intake and find healthier alternatives for sugary foods like candies, cookies, and pies. Though an occasional sweet treat may not cause harm, one should still monitor their sugar intake and avoid going overboard to manage arthritis.

Foods with trans fats
Trans fats refer to vegetable oils that are processed using hydrogen. These hydrogenated oils tend to increase the level of bad cholesterol and reduce good cholesterol, promote health issues, and increase body mass. They can also trigger inflammation. Hydrogenated oils or trans fats are found in most packaged foods, frozen foods, ready-to-eat meals, condiments, cookies, batters, biscuits, and crackers. Limiting or avoiding these foods can help prevent flare-ups.

Saturated fats
Saturated fats are those that are solid even at room temperature. The solid fats may deposit in the cartilage, putting it at risk of damage. Saturated fats can also trigger inflammation in the fat tissue. So, one should avoid red meats and full-fat dairy products that are rich sources of such fats.

Dairy products
Dairy contains a protein called casein, which has been proven to have inflammatory properties. High-fat milk, butter, and yogurt intake can contribute to inflammation and irritate the joints and tissues, leading to pain and stiffness. So, if one can limit such foods.

Refined grains
Grains, when refined or processed, lose nutritious components like bran, germ, and endosperm. After refining, one is left with a product that offers little nutritional value to fight inflammation and help the body deal with pain. For example, white rice is a refined grain. So one should avoid refined flour, white rice, and white bread, along with products like pasta, cakes, and pastries that are made from refined flour. Further, these foods are rich in calories and can lead to an increase in body mass.

Processed meat
Data shows that people with higher amounts of processed meat have higher inflammation markers like C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and homocysteine. These can trigger pain and stiffness around the joints in the arms and legs. Certain foods can also be rich in purines, which convert to uric acid in the body. Excessive amounts of uric acid can contribute to a gout attack. So, one should avoid cured meats such as ham and bacon. Regular intake of processed meat also contributes to an increase in body mass, which can trigger arthritis symptoms.

Egg yolks
Egg yolks contain arachidonic acid, which can trigger inflammation and causes joint swelling. Regular intake of eggs can cause severe pain around the joints. Those with arthritis should avoid egg yolks and have egg whites instead.

A comprehensive treatment plan for arthritis is incomplete without physical activity and physical therapy. Exercises like walking or swimming can help relax the muscles and relieve typical arthritis symptoms like stiffness. Working out can also help improve mood and help one distract themselves from the pain associated with the condition. One must follow the treatment plan for a long period as it is a lifelong condition. While food can reduce the risk of inflammation and help one manage pain, one should combine it with appropriate prescription treatment to relieve discomfort. However, it is important to consult a doctor or a nutritionist before making drastic changes to the daily meal plan.