Arthritis expert lists 6 common foods to avoid that could trigger condition

Millions of people in the UK living with arthritis could help to ease pain and inflammation in their joints by making changes to their diet, an expert has claimed.

The condition is often associated with older people but can affect any age, with the most common type being osteoarthritis which affects the smooth cartilage lining of the joint, making movement more difficult. The NHS advises that it's "very important" to eat a healthy and balanced diet if you have arthritis, which should consist of variety of foods from all 5 food groups - but a leading rheumatologist said that diet is often overlooked in treatment plans for the condition, InYourArea reports.

Dr Taher Mahmud, co-founder and director of London Osteoporosis Clinic, said: "For those with arthritis, the treatment goal is to manage the pain and inflammation and maintain as much function of the joint as possible. Treatments include medicines, weight loss, exercise and surgery, but what you eat can also have a significant impact."

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Dr Mahmud recommends that his patients try making six small changes to their diet, explaining: "I advise my patients to see how these changes affect their symptoms and to keep a diary to help them understand which ones have the biggest impact so they can incorporate the changes into their diet in the longer term."

These changes mean avoiding six different types of food to see whether cutting them out of your diet helps to reduce your arthritis symptoms. Dr Mahmud added: "Limiting consumption of these foods or, better still, restricting them altogether, can have a huge impact on reducing symptoms."

Here are the six food types Dr Mahmud suggests limiting if you are living with arthritis:

Nightshade vegetables: 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.

Processed and red meats: Sausages, deli meats and red meats are high in saturated fats and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) which can promote inflammation. Observing how your body responds to these foods can be enlightening.

Sugary foods and drinks: High sugar intake is linked to increased inflammation in the body. So cutting back on sugary foods and beverages, including soft drinks, candies, and baked goods, might help reduce arthritis flare-ups.

Dairy 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. Experimenting with dairy-free alternatives can help identify if dairy is a trigger for you.

Refined carbohydrates: 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.

Gluten-containing foods: Although not everyone is sensitive to gluten, individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity may experience increased inflammation when consuming gluten. Trying a gluten-free diet for a period could provide insights into its effects on your arthritis symptoms.

In addition to diet changes, the NHS advises that it's important to look after your joints to avoid further damage. This can mean trying to reduce the stress on your joints while carrying out everyday tasks such as moving and lifting.

It's also important to avoid sitting in the same position for long periods of time and to take regular breaks so you can move around. Regular exercise can help to reduce and prevent pain, as well as improving your movement and joint mobility, increase muscle strength, and reduce stiffness.