7 Foods That Cause Knee Pain

Arthritis” is a general term encompassing conditions that lead to joint knee pain and inflammation. There are many different types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.

Typical treatment involves inflammation and pain-reducing medications. There’s no single diet to follow. However, research suggests including anti-inflammatory foods in your diet and limiting foods that may trigger joint pain.

Read on to know about the foods that cause knee pain

1. Sugar

Sugar, Credits: pexels

Studies show that the more added sugar you consume, the more uric acid your body creates. Uric acid causes inflammation and even insulin resistance. The main culprits, refined sugar and high fructose corn syrup, can be found in candy, white bread, soda, breakfast cereals, barbeque sauce, ketchup, some yogurts, ice cream, cookies, and many more high sugar, low-nutrient foods.

2. Saturated Fats

Pizza, Credits: pexels

Several studies have shown that saturated fats trigger adipose (fat tissue) inflammation, which is not only an indicator for heart disease but it also worsens arthritis inflammation. Pizza and cheese are the biggest sources of saturated fats, other sources include meat products (especially red meat), full-fat dairy products, pasta dishes and grain-based desserts.

3. Trans Fats

Doughnuts, Credits: pexels

Trans fat can be found in fast foods and other fried products, processed snack foods, frozen breakfast products, cookies, donuts, crackers and most stick margarinesand is known to trigger systemic inflammation. Avoid foods with partially hydrogenated oils in the ingredient labels.These Fats have been shown to cause systemic inflammation.

Also known as chronic inflammation, it is a factor in musculoskeletal knee pain. Avoid foods with “hydrogenated oils” or “partially hydrogenated oils” in their list of ingredients. These include fried food, margarine, processed cookies, doughnuts, crackers and cake mixes; basically, all canned or boxed groceries.

4. Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates, Credits: pexels

White flour products (breads, rolls, crackers) white rice, white potatoes (instant mashed potatoes, or french fries) and many cereals are refined carbohydrates. These high-glycemic index foods fuel the production of advanced glycation end (AGE) products that stimulate inflammation.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol, Credits: pexels

Alcohol is a burden to the liver. Excessive consumption weakens liver function and disrupts other multi-organ interactions and can cause inflammation. It is best eliminated or used in moderation.

6. Salt

Salt, Credits: pexels

Consumption of excess salt causes blood volume to increase, because sodium absorbs water. This causes the blood vessels to expand, which then increase pressure to surrounding areas, including the joints.

7. Dairy Products

Dairy products,, Credits: pexels

Dairy products may contribute to arthritis knee pain due to the type of protein they contain. For some people, this protein may irritate the tissue around their joints. Others living with arthritis have success switching to a vegan diet, which contains no animal products.