Home - Health - Foods And Habits That Can Worsen Arthritis
Foods and habits that can worsen arthritis

Foods and habits that can worsen arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that causes painful and swollen joints. It is also categorized by the presence of signs like soreness and stiffness of the joints. Feet, hands, wrists, and knees are some of the most commonly affected areas of the body. Treatment options often aim to reduce the inflammation and pain caused by the condition. It has been found that natural remedies, and healthy eating habits, show greater results.

Treatment options:
TREMFYA®
Tremfya® belongs to the class of compounds known as monoclonal antibodies. Its mode of action is based on blocking a compound called interleukin-23. The body naturally produces interleukin-23 and is blocked by guselkumab present in TREMFYA®. It is essential in the prevention of frequent inflammation and the reduction of swelling. These are two of the most common symptoms seen in arthritis patients. It is administered as an injection, preferably by a trained professional. Some common side effects of TREMFYA® include gastroenteritis, skin infections, headaches, and more.

ACTEMRA®
Actemra® is a rheumatoid arthritis treatment option that contains tocilizumab as its primary ingredient. It is generally prescribed to patients with moderate to severe arthritic symptoms. Actemra® works by blocking the IL-6 compounds responsible for the body’s inflammatory response to triggers. Doctors may prescribe the treatment in either of the two available forms. Injections must be administered weekly, whereas Intravenous infusions are administered only once a month. However, the dosage may vary according to the patient’s need and the doctor’s treatment plan.

PLAQUENIL®
Another prescription is used in treating and managing arthritis and certain other health conditions that arise due to increased inflammation in the body. PLAQUENIL® contains hydroxychloroquine as its main component. PLAQUENIL® can be prescribed as a stand-alone treatment option or combined with other options that the doctor might add to the treatment plan.

Foods to eat and avoid:
Safflower oil
The body requires numerous components for its unhindered functioning. However, the deficiency or abundance of any of these components can lead to adverse effects if not rectified. Similarly, using safflower oil for cooking can provide the body with an extra amount of Omega 6 fatty acid. Although an essential compound, it is only required by the body in small amounts. It is particularly harmful to people with inflammatory health conditions such as arthritis. A high amount of omega 6 in the body increases the inflammation, resulting in aggravation of symptoms and frequent flare-ups.

Red meat
Red meat is known for its high-fat content, especially saturated fats. It is among the fattiest foods people eat. Increased or frequent intake of red meat can increase inflammatory responses in the body. This can result in swollen joints, aggravated symptoms, and frequent flare-ups for patients with arthritis.

Full-fat cheese
Cheese is often considered a tasty and healthy source of protein. It is often found on lists that contain foods that must be consumed for better health. However, in the case of arthritis, it is the complete opposite. A dairy product, cheese, can trigger the body’s inflammatory response and cause problems for patients with arthritis. The high concentration of fat found in cheese triggers most patients and can lead to flare-ups. It can also cause swelling of the joints, pain, and increased inflammation.

Artificially sweetened beverages
Packaged beverages like juices, teas, and sodas contain huge amounts of sugar or alternative sweeteners. An average can of soda contains approximately 8 teaspoons of sugar, which is much higher than the recommended daily intake. Regular intake of such foods and beverages can increase the body’s sugar stores resulting in increased inflammation and a more frequent aggravation of symptoms.

White flour
Refined carbohydrates are yet another food component that is considered more harmful in the case of patients with arthritis or other inflammatory disorders. These foods also are low in their fiber content, making foods made from white flour a source of simple carbohydrates. Regular intake of these foods can lead to more frequent dips and spikes in blood sugar levels. On the other hand, whole grains are a source of complex carbohydrates, making symptom management easier.

Lifestyle changes
Self-care activities are a common factor that helps better manage health conditions. The same is true for patients with arthritis.

Not exercising regularly
Skipping regular activity can lead to worsening symptoms associated with arthritis. Indulging in regular exercising helps relax bones and muscles and reduces the inflammation levels in the body. Avoiding maintaining activity levels can contribute to higher inflammation and pain levels, making arthritis worse.

Alternating temperature treatment
Using alternating temperatures can go a long way in pain management for patients with arthritis. It is often a remedy that doctors suggest for arthritis patients. It involves alternatingly using cold press and hot press against the area of the body that is in pain. Not following the treatment plan prescribed by the doctors is among the major contributing factors that worsen arthritis and impact the patient’s lifestyle.

Acupressure and acupuncture
Sticking to traditional treatments alone might not deliver the quality of results one was expecting. In such scenarios, it is important to consider the available alternative therapies. Taking help from alternative treatments like massages, acupuncture, and acupressure. This helps relieve the tension and pain in the body. Alternative traditional treatments like acupuncture and acupressure use small needles and pressure, respectively.

Latest Articles

4 hair styling tools that give a salon-like look
Beauty

4 hair styling tools that give a salon-like look

If you like to style your hair frequently without having to spend money at salons, you can invest in some basic hair styling tools. These tools can create beach waves or curls or even straighten them out. There are many hair styling tools that are versatile, easy to use, and do little or no damage to your hair. If you want to invest in hair styling tools, here are a few tools to check out: Hair straightener and curler Combining a hair straightener and curler that is suitable for all hair types allows you the freedom to try out trending hairstyles. Look for a professional straightener or curler with a ceramic or copper flat iron. Choose a flat iron that allows you to control the temperature so that you don’t damage your hair. Experts claim that setting the straightener or curler to temperatures as high as 455 degrees can help straighten the most challenging and rigid curls. The copper ceramic tools also ensure that the hair doesn’t break while you are straightening, leaving your hair straight and smooth once you are done. You can also choose regular and smart Bluetooth straighteners to help you choose the best temperature and care settings every time you use the tool. Hot air brush Hot air brushes combine a hairbrush with a flat iron and blow dryer. Choose the desired heat setting and gently brush your damp hair. It is essential to remember a hot air brush cannot be used on wet hair or right after your shower; your hair needs to be dry by at least 80%. It works well with mildly damp hair. The bristles in the hairbrush guide your hair, and the heated plates smooth and polish it. You no longer need to use a hair dryer to dry your hair after a shower and then use a straightener.
8 effective remedies for nasal polyps
Health

8 effective remedies for nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are tiny tear-shaped growths in the nose and sinuses, usually brought on by asthma, infection, allergies, or other kinds of inflammation. These polyps are usually painless and non-cancerous, however, they can be big enough to cause itchiness, breathing difficulties, sneezing, and running nose. Doctors usually prescribe nasal sprays that can relieve the symptoms and get rid of the polyps. However, one can also try a few natural remedies to deal with the condition: Neti pot (or nasal irrigation) Neti pot is a popular and convenient nasal irrigation device. All one has to do is fill this container with saline solution or add 1–2 tsp salt to distilled water or boiled (and then cooled) tap water. Then, one would have to lean over a washbasin or a sink and tilt their head sideways so that the liquid does not flow back into the mouth. One would have to breathe through the mouth, insert the spout into the upper nostril and allow the fluid to drain from the lower nostril. Then the nostrils will have to be cleaned by blowing the nose to remove mucus and dirt. This process should be repeated through the other nostril. The goal is to loosen and clear the mucus and debris like dust or pollen from the nasal cavity. Using a neti pot twice a day can help improve symptoms of nasal polyps. The container and hands have to be clean and dry to prevent infection. Steam inhalation In the absence of a nasal irrigation device, one can use steam to relieve nasal congestion, headaches, and other symptoms. People can boil some water in a pot or dish, place it on a counter or the dining table right in front of them as they sit in a comfortable position, and inhale the steam for a while.
4 foods that are surprisingly bad foods for diabetics
Health

4 foods that are surprisingly bad foods for diabetics

Many foods are portrayed to be the best for diabetics, but it would be surprising to know that even wholesome foods could cause a spike in sugar levels if the portion size is not moderated. Food choices truly matter when a person has diabetes. Under normal circumstances, one would think that these foods aid in better health and maintain sugar levels, but they don’t. Here are four surprisingly bad foods for those with diabetes: Brown rice While brown rice certainly has more fiber than white rice, a single cup of brown rice contains nearly 50 grams of carbohydrates. This can easily be broken into glucose which could spike the sugar levels. The alternative would be to cut down on rice and add more green leafy vegetables. Fresh fruit juice It does not matter if one opts for seasonal juice or those that claim that they have no extra sugar added. If we take an orange as fruit and look at its nutrient content, it has about 15 grams of carbohydrates, vitamins, and fiber. An orange juice, on the contrary, has 45 grams of carbohydrates and less of other nutrients. Therefore, drinking juice is not the same thing as eating fruit.   Dried fruits If one thinks having a raisin is healthier than a chocolate cookie, think again. Raisins contain 1 gram of carb more than what is available in a chocolate cookie. That said, they are undoubtedly wholesome compared to a cookie. However, both of them would result in a spike in blood sugar. The same holds good for cranberries and apricots. Yogurt Yogurt offers a plethora of health benefits, including probiotics for gut health. However, they are heavily processed and contain a wallop of 30 grams of sugar, even in the best of the brands. Ensure to read the ingredient before buying one.