There are approximately 350 million people worldwide who have arthritis. Nearly 40 million persons in the United States are affected by arthritis. Over a quarter million children have some form of arthritis. More than 21 million Americans have osteoarthritis and about 2.1 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.

The summer I was 17, I worked at a hospital for people with arthritis. I worked the children’s ward. The youngest patient was three years old. Some of these children were born with rheumatoid arthritis. These children lived at the hospital for months at a time. A teacher employed by the hospital so these children could stay current in their school work. Some even graduated school while they were patients at the hospital.

Facts about Arthritis

So, now you know arthritis is not an old age illness. It knows no age limits. Women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Men are more likely to have gout and other types of arthritis.

According to the CDC, the prevalence of doctor-diagnosed arthritis is expected to increase in the coming decades. By the year 2040, an estimated 78.4 million (25.9% of the projected total adult population) adults aged 18 years and older will have doctor-diagnosed arthritis,² compared with the 54.4 million adults in 2013–2015. Two-thirds of those with arthritis will be women. Also by 2040, an estimated 34.6 million adults (43.2% of adults with arthritis or 11.4% of all US adults) will report arthritis-attributable activity limitations.² These estimates may be conservative, as they do not account for the current trends in obesity, which may contribute to future cases of osteoarthritis.

(https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/national-statistics.html)

Foods that make Arthritis worse

#6 Refined carbohydrates – these foods are high in fibrin which causes inflammation in the body. What are refined carbohydrates? Therefore, any food containing white flour will contribute to inflamed joints. That is to say, white breads, rice, crackers, and most baked goods will increase joint pain. Refined carbohydrates produce a state of inflammation in the body, causing increases in cytokines and other pro-inflammatory compounds, which makes arthritis worse. Whole grains are a better choice.

#5 Fried foods – high-fat foods like fried chicken, French fries, donuts, and deep-fried appetizers should be avoided by anyone who has joint pain. These foods increase body fat. The extra weight increases stress on the joints and amplifies the risk of wear and tear. To make matters worse, frying foods in hydrogenated oils, means you’re getting a dose of dangerous trans fats. Grilling, steaming, roasting, and baking are all tasty, and healthier methods of cooking.

#4 Trans Fats – to give baked goods a longer shelf life, scientists took common vegetable oil and added hydrogen molecules. The result was that the liquid oil turned solid making saturated fats. Trans fats contribute to inflammation, heart disease, and other health problems. Only choose products that have 0 grams trans fats and do not contain any partially hydrogenated oils.

#3 Blackened and barbecue foods – eating meats and veggies that are cooked at very high temperatures, results in an inflammatory condition called Advanced Glycation End byproducts or AGEs. These harmful byproducts are unrecognized by your body. As a results, your body throws up an inflammatory response to try to combat this “intruder”. However, when this happens it can manifest in your joints as arthritis.

#2 Nightshade vegetables – contain alkaloids which, if present in high concentrations, can affect calcium metabolism and absorption. This calcium can actually end up accumulating on soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments and in your joints, leading to an inflammatory response. Nightshade vegetables include tomatoes, potatoes (but not sweet potatoes or yams), eggplant, peppers, goji berries, and tomatillos.

#1 Sugar – diets high in refined sugar is bad, both for arthritis and in general for overall health. Raw, or natural, sugars are not so much a problem, but you won’t find either in a processed food. Sugar intake is responsible for increased oxidative stress in the body.

Other sources of joint pain

Omega 6 is an essential fatty acid and is not made by the body. EFA are supplied through foods or joint pain supplements called Omega XL. While Omega 6 is necessary for health, an excess can cause the production of inflammatory prostaglandins.

Having high levels of omega-6 are triggers for asthma and arthritis. While it is necessary to consume omega-6, the ratio to omega 3 must be maintained. Foods considered to be healthy and containing omega-6 must be consumed in moderation if you have an inflammatory condition.

Natural Approach to Joint Health

Do you know that turmeric is full of anti-inflammatory properties? Several recent studies show that turmeric/curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties and modifies immune system responses. A study in 2006 showed turmeric was more effective at preventing joint inflammation than reducing joint inflammation.

The enzyme bromine is excellent in anti-inflammatory properties. Bromine is found in pineapple which also happens to be good for boosting kidney health, as well as increasing bone density and ridding the body of parasites.

Ginger is known to reduce inflammation. Studies suggest that ginger works by inhibiting CO-X2, which is a pro-inflammatory enzyme.

Cherries are listed among foods which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This fruit is filled with anthocyanosides and plant pigments which have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar is beneficial in restoring the body to its proper pH level. It’s full of antioxidants like beta-carotene and acetic acid which are effective in easing arthritis pain.

The list of natural remedies is long and I encourage you to research natural approaches to your joint health.

I do not make recommendations on supplements available because there are several outstanding products.

As always, consult your physician before you make changes in your approach to arthritis care.