Arthritis is the inflammation of the joints caused by the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. Arthritis mostly develops in older individuals but can also develop in children and younger adults. There are over 100 types of arthritis but are narrowed down to two major categories; osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage covering the bone breaks down.

Conversely, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the joints. Risk factors for arthritis include obesity, age, sex, previous joint injury, and family history involving arthritis. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include inflammation, joint pains, bone spurs, loss of flexibility, and tenderness. Treatment for the condition depends on the type of arthritis. Experts argue that Enbrel and Actemra for arthritis treatment play a significant role in reducing joint pain. Moreover, using medication such as Voltaren gel reduces joint pains significantly. Additionally, avoiding certain foods is a natural way of preventing joint pain. The following are some foods that arthritis patient should avoid to manage joint pain:
1. Refined Sugar Refined sugar is commonly known to cause joint inflammation and pain. Research studies indicate that refined sugars release proinflammatory substances that increase joint pain and further inflammation. Refined sugar causes stiffness, tensions, muscle aches, and fibromyalgia. It is challenging to avoid refined sugars since they are used in nearly all snacks and foods. However, individuals who have arthritis should avoid a high intake of refined sugar to manage inflammation and joint pain symptoms.

2. Fried and Processed Foods Keeping off fried foods is a natural and effective way of avoiding joint pain and inflammation. Deep-fried foods such as chicken or cookies can be a disaster for arthritis patients. Studies indicate that fried foods contain advanced glycation compounds that accumulate in the joints, causing inflammation. Arthritis Foundation suggests that foods with high saturated fats cause joint pain in osteoarthritis. Moreover, oils used in deep frying contain chemicals that raise the level of LDL or bad cholesterol. Thus, arthritis patients are advised to avoid foods baked or fried with oil additives. Instead, they should opt for little amounts of olive oil or avocado oil, which are natural oil sources.

3. Alcohol Excessive consumption of alcohol has detrimental effects on the body, causing several chronic conditions. Numerous studies indicate that alcohol depletes nutrients and water from the body, causing a weakened immune system and joint inflammation. Additionally, alcohol abuse decreases bone density, which increases the chance of fracture. Alcohol consumption may aggravate existing conditions that cause joint pain, such as arthritis, gout, and fibromyalgia. Individuals who have any arthritis are advised to avoid alcohol, even small quantities.

4. Dairy Dairy products are argued to cause inflammation leading to arthritis pain. There is no precise research study that connects dairy products with arthritis pain. Nevertheless, people who avoided dairy products and other inflammation triggers had reduced joint pains. Dairy products affect different individuals at different levels. Thus, arthritis patients must note the products that affect them and avoid them entirely.

5. Salt Salt contains sodium, an essential mineral in the body. However, too much of it leads to inflammatory reactions leading to joint damage. The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) argues that many Americans consume excessive amounts of salt. To cut sodium consumption, arthritis patients should avoid products such as lemon zest, garlic pepper, among others.