What to Eat and What to Avoid
In today’s world, where taste receptors are accustomed to flavor, sugar, and carbonated beverages, it is difficult to switch to an organic diet. However, this is the first stage in preventing and combating the majority of diseases.
In order to control osteoarthritis, it is essential to regulate caloric intake according to the body’s needs. It can be a difficult and slow process, but it has the potential to enhance the quality of life for OA patients. Below is a brief classification of foods that can exacerbate OA prognosis.
Extra Sugar
The properties of sugar are inflammatory. It tends to increase the concentration of cytokines, which are the inflammatory mediators responsible for joint pain, tenderness, and edema. According to a study, about 12% of OA patients attribute flare-ups to fructose. This sugar is the primary component of candies and desserts, but it is also present in sodas, cereals, and sauces. Rather, the majority of sugar intake comes from unanticipated food sources, making it more difficult to avoid it.
Swapping packaged snacks for fruits is a very healthful option. It satisfies the sweet appetite and provides sufficient fibers without aggravating the symptoms. The following is a list of foods containing added sugars that OA patients should avoid.
Ice cream, pastries, puddings, and various other sweets.
Cans of cola, energy drinks, and carbonated beverages.
Cereals, loaves of bread, and granola bars.
Saturated and trans fats in yogurt
Multiple studies (5) discovered an association between osteoarthritis and rich diets. By influencing multiple pathways, fat can expedite the progression of osteoarthritis. The significance of a high-fat diet as a significant risk factor for obesity has been previously discussed. A higher-than-required fat intake deposits in the body as adipocyte clusters. This adds to the already existing morbidity of OA.
It has been demonstrated that a high total fat intake, particularly saturated fat, causes metabolic changes in cartilage that result in its weakening. This results in a poor prognosis for osteoarthritis, as demonstrated by radiographic monitoring of the joints. However, mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation. Some of the saturated lipids that OA patients should avoid include:
Animal fats such as butter and ghee
Palm fat
However, coconut oil has been shown to slow the progression of cartilage injury. Oils containing omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial for OA patients.
refined starch and sugars
Even in the absence of obesity, our diet plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of OA, according to research (6). Diets abundant in fiber and fat have been linked to pathology. Significant disparities were observed in the disease presentation of two individuals with OA who weighed the same but differed only in the amount of carbohydrates in their diet. The following refined carbohydrate-containing foods should be avoided.
White bread Pasta Chips and other packaged treats rice