5 Foods That Cause Joint Pain

                        5 Foods That Cause Joint Pain

When it comes to your joints, the food you eat can make all the difference in the world. Certain foods can help you avoid joint pain, while others will actually cause inflammation, increasing your chances of developing arthritis or other joint conditions as you age. These five foods are likely culprits behind any joint pain you may be experiencing, so try eliminating them from your diet as much as possible to avoid pain in the future.

1) Dairy

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are often advertised as healthy alternatives to ice cream. While these foods are packed with nutrients like calcium and protein, they can also cause joint pain in some people. If you experience arthritis or joint discomfort after consuming dairy products, it may be a good idea to eliminate these foods from your diet. Alternatively, try switching to lactose-free or low-lactose products—which may help reduce some of your symptoms.

2) Wheat

Wheat, or more specifically gluten, is a common irritant that’s been shown to cause joint pain. It’s estimated that about 20% of Americans are suffering from some form of wheat sensitivity. Try cutting wheat out for a month and see if your joints feel better; if so, you may have some latent sensitivities to wheat.

3) Corn

Corn can exacerbate joint pain because it contains high levels of oxalic acid, which can lead to issues like kidney stones. If you’re experiencing joint pain, limiting your intake of corn is a smart move—and might just provide some relief.

4) Soy

Soy is a highly processed, genetically modified food that contains high levels of inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. Inflammation causes joint pain, so if you’re looking to avoid it, it’s best to skip soy and eat naturally occurring forms of omega-3 fats instead. Fatty fish and grass-fed meat are two sources of these healthy oils. Other good choices include raw nuts and seeds, avocados, olives and dark chocolate (in moderation).

5) Sugar

Sugar makes our hunger cravings fluctuate quickly, meaning we end up consuming even more calories over the course of the day. If you’re trying to lose weight, it’s a good idea to monitor your intake of sugar and refined carbs. To drop these extra pounds safely but quickly, switch to a sugar-free diet.