'I’m a rheumatologist - here's six surprising foods that could be triggering your arthritis'
A leading rheumatologist has shared six surprising foods which he says can trigger arthritis among sufferers
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Living with arthritis is never easy but what if it could be easier?
Evidence suggests that you can alleviate joint inflammation by overhauling your diet.
That's because certain foods contain inflammatory markers that can aggravate symptoms.
According to Doctor Taher Mahmud, Co-Founder and Director of London Osteoporosis Clinic, diet is often overlooked in treatment plans.
To correct for this, the rheumatologist has shared six surprising foods that are best avoided if you have arthritis.
“Limiting consumption of these foods or, better still, restricting them altogether, can have a huge impact on reducing symptoms," he added.
Nightshade vegetables
According to Doctor Mahmud, nightshade vegetables, such as tomatoes, potatoes, bell peppers, and aubergines, contain solanine, a compound some people believe may exacerbate arthritis pain and inflammation.
"While scientific evidence is mixed, experimenting with reducing these vegetables can help determine if they affect your symptoms," he warned.
Nightshade vegetables contain solanine, a compound some people believe may exacerbate arthritis pain
PAProcessed and red meats
Doctor Mahmud said: "Processed meats (like sausages and deli meats) and red meats are high in saturated fats and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can promote inflammation."
If you don't relish the prospect of cutting out red or processed meats altogether, see how your body responds to these foods, the rheumatologist advises.
Sugary foods and drinks
High sugar intake is linked to increased inflammation in the body, the doc warns.
"So cutting back on sugary foods and beverages, including soft drinks, candies, and baked goods, might help reduce arthritis flare-ups."
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Processed meats are high in saturated fats and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can promote inflammation
Getty ImagesDairy products
For some individuals, dairy products can contribute to arthritis symptoms due to the type of protein they contain, which may irritate the tissue around the joints, Doctor Mahmud warns.
"Experimenting with dairy-free alternatives can help identify if dairy is a trigger for you.," he said.
Refined Carbohydrates
According to the rheumatologist, foods high in refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, white rice, and pastries, can also contribute to inflammation.
Opting for whole-grain alternatives may offer relief and additional health benefits, he says.
Foods high in refined carbohydrates can contribute to inflammation
GETTY IMAGESGluten-containing foods
"Although not everyone is sensitive to gluten, individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity may experience increased inflammation when consuming gluten," Doctor Mahmud warned.
Trying a gluten-free diet for a period could provide insights into its effects on your arthritis symptoms, he says.