Patient/caregiver was educated on foods to be avoided by individuals with arthritis as follows:
Added sugars
- Consumption of food products with added/extra sugars can lead to release of chemicals in the body that promote inflammation and joint pains.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Added sugars could be mentioned on the food labels under various names, such as, sucrose, cane sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, etc.,
- Individuals with arthritis should scan through the food labels closely, to avoid picking items listed rich in added sugars.
- 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.
Highly processed meats
- Cooking food at high temperatures can lead to generation of some chemicals known to contribute to or aggravate inflammation and joint pains.
- So, individuals with history of arthritis should avoid or minimize consumption of highly processed, grilled, and baked meat & meat products, such as, hotdogs, bologna, and sausages.
Highly processed dairy products
- Consumption of highly processed dairy & cheese products, such as, butter, margarine, American cheese, parmesan cheese, and cheddar cheese can lead to generation of some chemicals known to contribute to or aggravate inflammation and joint pains.
- So, individuals with history of arthritis should avoid or minimize consumption of highly processed dairy and cheese products.
