Osteoarthritis is among the most common types of arthritis. There are over 300 million cases of the disease in the U.S. This inflammatory condition arises from a breakdown of cartilage with age. Osteoarthritis (OA) manifests in the joints, particularly the knees, neck, hips, and spine. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain, swelling, and stiffness in these joints.

Doctors believe that diet may exacerbate or reduce the amount of inflammation in the body, which means they often recommend foods to avoid for osteoarthritis patients:

1. Refined sugar
Processed sugars are harmful to all of us, but they are even worse for OA patients. Refined sugars trigger the release of cytokines, which further stimulate inflammation. Added sugars in cookies, cakes, and sweetened beverages reduce your immunity, leaving you with weak joints. Always read your food label and look out for the sugar levels. The American Heart Association recommends 36 grams for men and 25 grams for women. Alternatively, swap refined sugar with natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup.

2. Foods high in salt
Salt contains sodium, which is vital for the optimal functioning of the body. However, excess sodium adversely affects your body. Large quantities of sodium cause the body cells to retain water, hence leading to swelling. Moreover, excess salt leads to thyroid malfunctioning and increased blood pressure. Medical experts recommend 2300 milligrams of sodium a day. To control your salt intake, consider opting for other spices, including garlic and lemon zest.

3. Fried foods
According to the Arthritis Foundation, fried foods contain massive amounts of high saturated fats. These foods consist of oils high in Omega-6 fatty acids, including corn oil. If taken in excess, fried foods create an imbalance between Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids, consequently causing inflammation. Albeit tasting heavenly, French fries contain trans fats, which makes arthritis more severe. These oils increase your cholesterol levels, leaving you prone to heart diseases and obesity. Healthier options include taking oven-baked French fries since they have lesser fats. You could also bake vegetables like parsnips for snacks. When using oils, go for minimal portions of avocado or olive oil.

4. White flour
Foods made with white flour, including bread, have high levels of refined carbohydrates. An excess of these carbs fuels the production of advanced glycation end products. Thus, enhancing inflammation and weakening of the joints. Refined wheat gradually leads to Omega-3 deficiency. Omega-3 is responsible for boosting your immunity. Therefore, fighting inflammation and protecting you from heart diseases and bacterial infections. Gluten-free whole grain products come in handy as healthier substitutes for refined wheat. These foods are higher in fiber, which means a more convenient digestion process.

5. Omega-6 fatty acids
Foods with omega-6 fatty acids, including pizza and red meat, are high in saturated fats. These fats accentuate the risks of obesity and heart diseases. Additionally, saturated fats worsen arthritis inflammation, flaring up OA pain. Instead, it’s wise to consume foods rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and soy. A balance in omega-3 fatty acids in the body will go a long way in enhancing your overall immunity and decreasing inflammation.

6. Dairy products
Dairy products contain saturated fats and proteins. Despite being healthy, most old-aged people have a hard time digesting milk and other dairy products. It’s important to note that OA is particularly joint with those advanced in age. Difficulty in digestion consequently worsens the OA inflammations. There’s no concrete evidence on the link between milk-products and body inflammations. However, research shows that OA patients who avoid dairy products experience less severe symptoms and swellings. Consider replacing milk with non-dairy options like flax or almond milk and observe how you react to it. Most importantly, avoiding these foods is essential for weight loss.