Article # 148. Worst Foods for Joint Health

Worst Foods for Joint Health

You should avoid red meat, pork, cold cuts, frankfurters, sausage, canned meat and some types of shellfish if you have arthritis. These foods are high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Consuming these foods, especially in excess, will lead to weight gain, elevated cholesterol levels and increased inflammation throughout the body. Try substituting chicken, lean meat and oily fish, such as trout, mackerel, salmon, tuna and herring for these meat products. Find some of them in details below.

Red Meat : We all love a good steak, but did you know that it can lead to joint pain? According to British researchers, eating a diet high in red meats could actually lead to rheumatoid arthritis. The study linked the amount of protein taking in with higher risk. Other meats and too much protein also lead to similar results.

Dairy : In an entry from PCRM Health, they tell the story of a woman who was completely cured of arthritis after eliminating dairy products from her diet. With the theory that it has similar properties to the above, the protein found in dairy may have been the cause of her joint pain. If you suspect dairy may be causing your arthritis pain, try cutting it out of your diet or substituting for soy milk and other alternatives to dairy.

Saturated Fat : Because this is a main source of weight gain and has inflammatory properties, saturated fat can be a bad choice for those with joint pain. Butter, cheese, fatty meats, and more all contain high levels. It is also linked to high cholesterol and increased risk of heart disease. About.com has more on how reduce fat, cook better, and learn more about fats.

Caffeine : This stimulant may be doing more than help you get going in the morning. Like anything, taking in too much caffeine can have negative side effects, including in the joints. It can also interact badly with medication you are taking. Remember that caffeine is also found in colas, energy drinks, chocolate, and over the counter medicines.

Trans Fats : These fats increase the shelf life of food but unfortunately also lead to other more serious problems than spoiled food. According to The Examiner, trans fats are linked to belly fat, ADHD, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis. These fats are commonly known as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils and can be found by reading the nutrition label. The article has more on what foods truly contain zero grams of trans fats.