Patient/caregiver was educated on foods to be avoided by individuals with osteoarthritis as follows:
Vegetables:
- Vegetables belonging to nightshade family, such as, tomatoes, tomatillos, eggplant, green peppers, bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, chili peppers, and potatoes are believed to promote inflammation.
- These vegetables contain a product called solanine, which is known to aggravate inflammation in various body parts.
- Individuals with history of arthritis must limit or observe moderation with intake of these vegetables and products made of them. Avoiding them during an episode of arthritis exacerbation can be helpful.
Omega-6 fatty acids and trans fats:
- Consumption of food products rich in omega-6 fatty acids and trans fats is known to aggravate inflammation, leading to exacerbation of joint pains in individuals with history of arthritis.
- Products rich in omega-6 fatty acids and trans fats include seed and vegetable oils such as, sunflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil, and cottonseed oil.
- Individuals with history of arthritis should avoid or minimize use of the above mentioned oils for cooking and consumption.
Alcoholic beverages:
- Alcohol causes inflammation in various body parts and also, impairs the ability of human body to regulate/control the inflammation.
- Also, inflammation worsens the harmful effects alcohol can have on various body parts. Thus, alcohol and inflammation mutually complement each other’s harmful effects on human body.
- Individuals with history of arthritis must limit or observe moderation with consumption of alcoholic drinks, to help control/regulate joint inflammation.
