Patient/caregiver was educated on foods to be avoided by individuals with osteoarthritis as follows:

Gluten containing foods:

  1. Consumption of gluten containing foods, such as, wheat, barley, rye, triticale, and malt could contribute to exacerbation of arthritis in individuals with history.
  2. Avoiding/minimizing consumption of these gluten-containing grains and products made of them can be of significant help in preventing exacerbation of joint pains in individuals with arthritis.

Added sugars:

  1. Consumption of food products with added/extra sugars can lead to release of chemicals in the body that promote inflammation and joint pains.
  2. Processed foods could be high in added sugars. Individuals with arthritis should minimize intake of processed foods and added sugars, to help reduce inflammation and improved relief from joint pains.
  3. Avoid/minimize intake of regular soda, smoothies, and coffee concoctions such as, pumpkin latte, Mocha Swirl, and whipped coffee, as they are high in added sugars and contribute to worsening of joint inflammation.
  4. Also, avoid/minimize consuming products, such as, jams, jellies, cereals with added sugars, fruit juices with added sugars, as they are high in added sugars.
  5. Added sugars could be mentioned on the food labels under various names, such as, sucrose, cane sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, etc.,
  6. Individuals with arthritis should scan through the food labels closely, to avoid picking items listed rich in added sugars.
  7. Picking low-carb versions and diet versions of favorite foods and minimizing consumption of desserts, such as, cookies, candies, and ice cream, can be of significant help in preventing exacerbation of joint pains in individuals with arthritis.

Red meat:

  1. In general, red meat is known to aggravate inflammation in various body parts.
  2. Excessive consumption of red meat by individuals with arthritis can lead to worsening and frequent exacerbation of joint pains.
  3. Avoiding/minimizing consumption of red meat products can be of significant help in preventing exacerbation of joint pains in individuals with arthritis.