Avoid These 6 Food Groups To Help Keep Inflammation Away
You are what you eat right?
To a certain extent, this is true. The food we eat can affect our bodies. These effects can be both good and bad, depending on what we eat. Let’s take peanuts as an example. Eating them means we will have a slower release of energy which is a good affect but if we eat sugar laden drinks and sweets, its a quick jolt of energy with the possibility of breakouts on our skin.
The same goes for those living with arthritis. Both, pain and inflammation are two of the biggest concerns they have to deal with and there are food groups out there that you can avoid to reduce the rick of both.
Below are 6 food groups that you should ideally avoid to help reduce the risk of pain and inflammation if you live with arthritis.
Popping Food on the Barby
We all love a BBQ. It means the weather is warm, the vibe is relaxed and food will be delicious. Now, we are not saying that BBQ food is bad. What we are saying is that going for the charred look on your meat and veg can lead to what’s known as Advanced Glycation Ends (AGE’s).
AGE’s are released when you cook foods at high temperatures over an open flame. There have been a number of medical studies linking AGE’s to causing inflammation of the joints as well as the entire vascular system.
Processed Sugar
Here’s a shocking fact for you. Did you know in one can of full-sugar carbonated drink, you consume more sweeteners and artificial flavorings that you should in 1 week?
When we eat and drink processed sugars, it can actually trigger a response in our bodies. This response is the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are actually good for us. It’s our immune system that releases them to help us with infections, trauma or injury.
When these cytokines are released for no reasons (when we drink or eat processed sugar) it can cause unnecessary pain and inflammation in our joints. Looks like it’s water for me – better yet, tea.
Gluten
More and more people actually carry the gene for celiac disease which can make them more susceptible to the inflammation that gluten can cause.
If you or someone you care for live with arthritis, it is always best to steer clear of gluten. Even though 1 in 100 people living in Australia has celiac disease. It is still believed that 75% of cases remain undiagnosed.
Fast Food
Fast food or processed foods are full of trans- fat oils that have a lot of omega 6 fatty acids. Consuming Omega 6 in moderation isn’t bad for you. We all like a treat now and then.
However, when you eat processed fast-food, you are consuming a higher rate of omega 6 and this can lead to increased to inflammation. When we eat omega fatty acids, it triggers the creation of fibrin to build up in our joints.
Fibrin is a healing protein that your body creates because it believes it needs healing and this can cause inflammation which brings on your white blood cells.
Sadly, when fibrin continues to build when it’s not really needed, we have unnecessary inflammation and pain.
Nightshade Veggies
Nightshade veggies can also be called ‘Solanaceae’. In the nightshade family is:
- Eggplants
- Potatoes
- Tomatoes
- Capsicums
These veggies are known to cause inflammation. The reason for this is because they contain alkaloids which are nitrogen-containing substances that can possibly have an effect on those living with arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
Alcohol & Smokes
We all know that drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes can lead to many health issues. But did you know they can also have an adverse effect on your joints too?
Studies have shared that those who smoke have an increased rick of a more severe case of RA (rheumatoid arthritis). This happens because smoking ignites a faulty immune system function in those who are genetically predisposed to getting rheumatoid arthritis.
Then there is alcohol, too much alcohol can lead many other issues such as gout. Gout can then put unnecessary pressure on your joints.
It’s always easier said then done when it comes to giving up some of our favourite sweet treats, foods and habits. The trick is moderation. Try to reduce before you go off any of the above food groups cold turkey.
It might be a good idea to talk to your doctor or nutritionist as they will be able to help create a diet plan that you can stick to.
Don’t forget when it comes to making life easier for those living with arthritis, we are here. With our assistive living range, life will be safer and easier in the kitchen. Click to our shop now for more on our range.
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