Fried & Processed Foods
Researchers at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine examined disease prevention through diet. Findings showed that “cutting back on the consumption of fried and processed foods, such as fried meats and prepared frozen meals, can reduce inflammation and actually help restore the body’s natural defenses.”
What you can do: Cut down on the amount of fried and processed foods you consume, and include more vegetables and fruits in your diet.
Lower Your AGEs
AGE doesn’t refer to how many birthdays you’ve celebrated. An advanced glycation end product (AGE), is a toxin that appears when foods are heated, grilled, fried, or pasteurized. AGEs damage certain proteins in the body, and the body tries to break these AGEs apart by using cytokines, which are inflammatory messengers. Depending on where the AGEs occur, they may result in arthritis or other forms of inflammation.
What you can do: A 2009 study found that reducing the amount of foods cooked at high temperatures in your diet could potentially help reduce blood AGE levels.
Sugars & Refined Carbs
High amounts of sugar in the diet result in an increase in AGEs, which, as discussed in an earlier slide, can result in inflammation.
What you can do: Cut out candies, processed foods, white flour baked goods, and sodas to reduce your arthritis pain.