Cape Times

Arthritis: 4 foods to avoid – they can cause inflammati­on

- VUYOLWETHU FUNDAM Vuyolwethu.Fundam@africannew­sagency.com

ARTHRITIS is believed to be a disease of the elderly, but according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it can affect people of all ages, including children.

Arthritis is a joint inflammati­on that can affect one or several joints. Some of the ways to help arthritis patients relieve joint pain include taking medicine and practising therapeuti­c exercises.

In addition to that, experts advise that arthritis patients maintain a healthy lifestyle.

That requires taking note of which foods to eat and which ones to avoid.

That said, below is a list of foods to avoid – as they might cause inflammati­on:

Alcohol

Excessive use of alcohol weakens the liver and alters other multi-organ interactio­ns – and it also can cause inflammati­on, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

Processed sugar

While chatting to The Global Healthy Living Foundation, Jen Bruning, MS, RD, registered dietitian nutritioni­st, said that consuming a lot of processed sugar causes the body to release pro-inflammato­ry proteins called cytokines. That chronic inflammati­on is what causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints, according to Bruning.

Gluten and Casein

According to the Arthritis Foundation, those who suffer from joint pain are gluten and caseinsens­itive and may find relief by avoiding them. Gluten is found in wheat, barley and rye. And casein is found in dairy products.

Refined carbohydra­tes

Refined carbohydra­tes include products made with white flour, such as white bread or white pasta. Experts also suggest cutting down on chocolates.

Foods that are good for joint health include salmon, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains.

 ?? | ?? FOODS that can cause inflammati­on. Pexels
| FOODS that can cause inflammati­on. Pexels

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