There are several foods that aggravate the condition of arthritis, and this should be avoided to overcome the symptoms of this medical problem. Some of the common items include inflammatory foods, like saturated fat and sugar. Further, foods high in purines should be avoided. Let’s have a look at some of the foods to avoid for arthritis pain.

1. Added sugars
The sugar intake should be limited if you are suffering from arthritis. Sugars found in foods like candy, ice cream, soda, and other items should be avoided. In addition, there are certain foods that are less obvious but have a high content of sugar, like barbecue sauce. The condition of rheumatoid arthritis is worsened by foods like soda sweetened by sugar and desserts, which also increase the pain. Even if you don’t have arthritis, these beverages increase the chances of getting the disease.

2. Processed foods
Foods that are pre-packaged and baked have a greater chance of adding to the pain of arthritis. This is because such foods have a high quantity of trans fats, which are needed to preserve them. However, trans fats trigger inflammation and are quite unhealthy. Thus, one should avoid any foods labeled as containing trans fats or partially hydrogenated oils if they are suffering from arthritis.

3. Foods with gluten
Gluten is the name given to a certain category of proteins found in wheat, rye, barley, and triticale. It is known to increase inflammation, and thus, if you choose to only have foods without gluten, you may be relieved of the pain caused due to arthritis. Although there is a lot of experiential data that confirms this point, research has not concluded this with any substantial backing. Thus, it is one of the top foods to avoid arthritis pain, although doctors cannot confirm this with reason.

4. Nightshades
Vegetables that consist of the compound solanine are referred to as nightshades, and these should be excluded from meals to avoid arthritis pain. Much like foods with gluten, nightshades have also not been confirmed to increase arthritis pain. However, people have experienced that avoiding such vegetables, like tomatoes, bell peppers, chili peppers, potatoes, and eggplant, helps relieve the pain from arthritis.

5. Foods rich in salt
The salt content in meals should be cut down in order to relieve the pain from arthritis. Several foods that have a high content of salt like pizza, processed meats, and canned soup, among others, are damaging for the body and can increase pain from arthritis. Furthermore, high salt content in the diet increases the chances of rheumatoid arthritis in people who do not have the disease already.

Now that you are aware of the foods to avoid arthritis pain, take corrective measures, and eliminate these from your diet, to stay protected from this condition.