It's no secret that proper nutrition plays an important role in health. Some foods, including drinks, prevent illness, while others increase the risk of becoming ill.Arthritis, including rheumatismand gout is no exception. Researchers from the Department of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy at Brigham and Women's Hospital in America are now pointing out which two drinks in our diet could influence arthritis.
How Diet Affects Arthritis – Drinks with Added Sugar
The results come from a survey involving 217 subjects to show how diet affects arthritis. They received the survey by mail. It turns out that people with rheumatoid arthritis in particular noticed a worsening of their symptoms when they drank sodas. “Past work has shown that increased consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis,” the researchers said.
Prevent arthritis by avoiding alcohol
Several scientific studies have also shown that alcohol consumption can increase the risk, frequency and severity of gout attacks if you already have the disease. The NHS therefore recommends having “a few alcohol-free days” each week to help control the condition. So, frequently drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week can lead to more painful symptoms of arthritis. To be precise, according to the UK Gout Society, beer may increase the likelihood of developing gout more than wine or spirits. In addition, “alcohol can increase uric acid levels in the blood,” warns the British Gout Society.
Influencing arthritis with drinks in your diet – differences between rheumatoid arthritis and gout:
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue around the joints. This causes the thin layer of cells covering the joints to become sore and inflamed. Swollen joints may become “hot and tender to the touch” and nodules may form under the skin.
- “Gout is a type of arthritis that causes sudden, severe joint pain,” says the NHS, and usually occurs in the big toe, but occasionally in other parts of the body. The severe joint pain may be accompanied by hot, swollen, red skin over the affected joint. Such an attack usually lasts up to 7 days and can recur every few months or years.
