If you have arthritis or a joint disease, you may want to consider not eating red meat.
From 1MD:
The most common cause of joint pain in the United States is arthritis. There are many forms of this painful disease but the common factor is inflammation. Inflammation plays a valuable part of our immune defense because it rushes blood to an injury site. The white blood cells are therefore able to get to the destination quickly and protect us from infection.
However, our immune system sometimes triggers a response when there are no foreign invaders. With autoimmune diseases, our body starts to break down our own tissues as if they were infected. Joints are a very common area to become affected by these inflammatory attacks. The cartilage in the joints is eroded away and as the bones come into contact with each other, there is severe pain and discomfort.
Research and experience has pointed to foods playing an important role when it comes to the development of arthritis. When certain foods are avoided, people have reported improvements in their symptoms. It was discovered that vegetables are important in the reduction of inflammation. Not only do many possess anti-inflammatory properties but they also have the ability to destroy free radicals….
Foods that typically aggravate arthritis symptoms include dairy, fats, sugar, caffeine and meat. Studies found that by reducing consumption of these foods and increasing levels of omega-3 fatty acid intake, symptoms of joint pain were reduced.
Why is consumption of red meat bad for arthritis”
Iron is found to be a catalyst for the production of free radicals. Red meats supply an overload of iron and no vitamin C or E. These two vitamins are essential due to their ability to neutralize free radicals. A diet high in red meats that is not balanced by antioxidant-full vegetables is a guarantee to increase inflammation, worsening arthritis and joint pain.
It is important to understand that meat itself does not cause arthritis. Rather, it triggers or worsens the symptoms. Meat contains more purines than other foods, which are directly linked to increased uric acid levels.
The more purine that we take in, the higher the uric acid level production. As a byproduct, uric acid deposits in joints, which is known to trigger inflammation flare-ups. It is therefore recommended that those suffering from arthritis avoid a high-meat diet.
Additionally, fatty meats such as red or processed meats are high in saturated fats, which also increases inflammation. Because it is filling, it does not leave room for other foods in your diet. You may miss out on foods with anti-inflammatory properties, such as cold-water fresh fish. A high-fat and high-calorie diet is also likely to cause weight gain, which adds additional pressure and strain to your joints….
Omega-6 fatty acids are found in meats and are notorious for enhancing inflammation in joints.
Why the food we eat affect our immune system:
Since 70% of our immune system cells reside in the gut, they come into direct contact with the food we eat. Meats with these attributes easily trigger an inflammatory response, which is why the amount you eat should be monitored.
What you should eat:
If you suffer from joint pain and arthritis there are a few foods that are pain-safe and should definitely be concluded on your diet. Even if you eat red meat fairly regularly, including these foods will help to keep your system balanced and can protect from excessive inflammation.
♦ Brown rice
♦ Cooked or dried fruits such as cherries, berries or pears. Stay clear of bananas, peaches and citrus fruits.
♦ Cooked green, yellow and orange vegetables
♦ Water. Drink plenty of water, regular or carbonated. Other beverages, especially caffeinated ones, can be triggers.
♦ Condiments are okay as long as they are eaten in moderation (this includes salt)
The bottom line:
Meat can provide much needed iron, protein, zinc, and B vitamins. As we age, we require more protein to protect against bone fragility, poor healing, and poor immune function. Because of this, you may not want to avoid meat altogether….
The best solution is to include non-fatty meats in your diet and to combine them with good portions of arthritis-friendly foods, such as whole grains, fresh fruit, and vegetables.
Take care of your joints and stick to lean cuts of pork and poultry or fish to deliver your protein and nutrients.
~E
So in other words-if I like it, I should avoid it. Well, my Arthritis isn’t fun. but it’s not bad enough to avoid everything I like. Yet.
I’m copying the lists of good-n-bad stuff to my Medical stuff file though, for when it really starts to hurt.
Thanks for the heads-up Dr.E, I’ll keep it in mind.
“So in other words-if I like it, I should avoid it.”
So ironic, isn’t it?!
I’ve discovered that my likes can change, and that my mind — knowing that some foods are bad or better for me — can be more powerful than my habituated “likes”. We really can change our habits. 😁
Interesting, thank you.
The iron thing interests me as two of the closest people to me have arthritis and both were instructed to take iron supplements for years. It was only in the last year that they were both told to cease that.
Thank you for such an informative article. I found it interesting that they suggest avoiding bananas . . . I don’t know why but every time I eat a banana–I get a terrible stomach ache. So I naturally just avoid them.