Joint pain has a negative impact on your movement because it results in joint inflammation, discomfort, and soreness. Unluckily, today, it is a commonly experienced health issue, which affects people of both genders and all age.
Medical experts emphasized that arthritis and gout are the major causes of this health problem. However, it can be also triggered by muscle strains, dislocated or broken bones, bursitis, fibromyalgia, leukemia, or lupus.
But, you can significantly help in the alleviation of your joint pain with proper medication, nutrition, exercise and natural remedies.
It is good to know that ginger, garlic, and turmeric can help you fight joint pain, but there are also many other foods, which can cause the pain.
So, Exclude These Foods from Your Diet In case You Are a Joint Pain Sufferer:
- Refined Sugars
Undoubtedly, an excess sugar intake can boost cytokine release and raise AGEs level in the body. In addition, it can contribute to inflammation. That’s not all, excess daily sugar consumption can result in gain weight and apply greater pressure on the joints.
Moreover, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study showing that the regular intake of sugar-sweetened soft drinks elevates the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis in women.
Therefore, medical professionals suggest to exclude sugar-sweetened soft drinks, candies, presweetened cereals, snacks, punches, and pastries from your diet. You should substitute these foods with natural and healthier options like honey, blackstrap molasses, or stevia.
- Red and Processed Meats
These type of meats contain nitrites and purines that can lead to greater inflammation and pain in the body.
Namely, processed foods include toxins that are known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs). In 2014, the Proceedings of the national Academy of Sciences published a study suggesting that the red-meat glycan elevates the risk of inflammation and cancer growth.
Also, another study has also found the regular read meat consumption is associated with increased inflammation. Hence, instead of consuming processed and red meat, start eating more raw organic veggies and fruits.
- Dairy Products
They possess excessive amounts of the protein casein, which causes pain and inflammation, thus making the joint pain even more intense. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine reveals that the protein could also contribute to joint tissue irritation.
Furthermore, dairy products, like milk, butter, or cheese include high levels of saturated fats, which can also intensify the pain.
So, in case you experience joint pain or any other type of chronic pain, consider eliminating pasteurized milk from your diet. However, you should substitute it with a much healthier variety, i.e., soy or almond milk, tofu, and so on.
- Corn Oil
This type of oil is a good source of omega-6 fatty acids. Additionally, they could increase the production of inflammatory chemicals within the body. What’s more, the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism published a study confirming that the increased intake of omega-6 fatty acids results in the development of inflammation and many other health conditions.
Specifically, foods rich in omega-6 fatty acids include safflower oil, peanuts, soy, grape seed, sunflower, etc
But, it does not mean that you should exclude these fatty acids from your everyday diet. You should only eat them in moderation since they are of great importance for proper growth and development. Plus, it is advisable to add more omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. In addition, nuts, olive oil, flaxseeds, and pumpkin seeds are abundant in omega-3 fatty acids.
- Refined Grains and Flour
These foods have inflammatory properties that can boost the production of AGEs, thus increasing inflammation and joint pain.
To be more specific, they are low in fiber and vitamin, but high in empty calories. By consuming these foods on a daily basis, you are actually at a higher risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer.
Nutrients published a study confirming that the regular intake of wheat products and other cereal grains can elevate the possibility of developing chronic and autoimmune diseases.
You should almond or whole-grain flour, coconut, and brown rice rather than eating white bread, pasta, or white rice.
- Whey Protein
It is high in casein and gluten, which can cause inflammation and joint pain.
To explain you more deeply, casein is actually a protein, which boosts the production of uric acid levels in the body. However, if there is higher amount of uric acid in the body, it may result in inflammation and pain throughout the entire body, in particular joint pain. In addition, this pain type can be very intense, and could trigger severe joint damage. It is also known as gout.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of people, who are gluten sensitive and experience chronic inflammation and pain throughout the body. But, it has been scientifically proven that the consumption of gluten-free foods can lower inflammation, adiposity, and insulin resistance.
You should include healthy lean protein sources like nuts, beans, and seeds in your diet, instead of taking whey protein supplements.
- Table Salt
Joint pain sufferers should not consume table salt as it is loaded with various chemicals and additives, which can imbalance the body fluids.
This type of salt doesn’t possess natural minerals such as silicon and phosphorus that are necessary for proper body function.
Additionally, it is recommended to reduce your table salt intake in order to decrease the loss of calcium from the bones. In such a way, you can also lower your risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
On the contrary, instead of taking table salt, you should start consuming sea salt or pink Himalayan salt since they are much healthier alternatives than the first one.
It has been found that daily egg consumption could lead to increased joint swelling and pain. In other words, the egg yolks possess arachidonic acid, which creates prostaglandins and saturated fats, thus causing inflammation.
But, in case you want to eat eggs for breakfast, the best option is to remove the yolks.
Did you know that high amounts of alcohol can negatively affect your joint health? For instance, those drinking excessive amounts of beer have been found to have an increased possibility of rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
It is actually the purines, which are transformed into uric acid. In addition, it is the main culprit of inflammation.
What’s more, beer also contains gluten, and therefore it should be excluded from the diet of each joint pain sufferer.
- Monosodium Glutamate-Rich Foods
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is a type of food additive used to improve the flavor of potato chips, soups, frozen snacks or dinners, store-bought salad dressings, frozen Chinese food, etc.
The high levels of MSG in the body could result in inflammation and pain, particularly in the joints. Furthermore, those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis should avoid consuming foods that contain this harmful additive.
It is advisable to prepare your dishes at home using raw foods, rather than eating packaged and frozen foods as they possess many artificial additives.
- Malterre, Tom; Segersten, Alissa; ”The Elimination Diet”;
- Price, Stephen. ”The Joint Pain Solutio