What Is the Connection between Sugar and Arthritis?
The connection between sugar and arthritis is complex. Sugar has not been shown to cause arthritis, but consuming too much sugar might worsen the condition for an individual who already has it. In addition, sugar might worsen the symptoms of arthritis.
Arthritis is a condition that affects an individual's joints. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which occurs when the joints' cartilage deteriorates, causing the bones to rub against each other. Another type of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which occurs when the lining of the joints becomes inflamed, causing damage to the joint. A third type of arthritis is gout, which is caused by the building up of uric acid crystals around the joints. All three types of arthritis result in joint pain and stiffness.

Sugar and arthritis are not directly connected. Consuming too much sugar doesn't cause the symptoms of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, but individuals who are suffering from arthritis might experience an increase in pain because of weight gain. Obesity puts more stress on the weight-bearing joints, such as the knees, ankles, feet and hips. This extra stress causes more discomfort and stiffness in the joints, which in turn leads to a more sedentary lifestyle and additional weight gain. Consuming large amounts of sugary foods can contribute to weight gain, so sugar intake might indirectly affect the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

There is a special consideration concerning sugar consumption for individuals who are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Aside from causing weight gain, consuming excess sugar also increases a person's blood glucose level. Rheumatoid arthritis is frequently treated with corticosteroids, which tend to raise blood glucose levels as well. As a result, individuals who have rheumatoid arthritis should avoid consuming large amounts of sugar to prevent complications from elevated blood glucose levels.

The relationship between sugar and arthritis also extends to gout. High sugar intake raises the level of uric acid in the blood, especially if an individual consumes large amounts of fructose. A high level of uric acid can lead to an increased likelihood of gout attacks, so sugar might indirectly worsen gout symptoms.
Sugar isn't the only food additive that can worsen arthritis symptoms. People who consume too much sodium might also experience an increase in joint pain. Similar to the circuitous link between sugar and arthritis, sodium indirectly exacerbates arthritis symptoms by raising an individual's blood pressure and increasing water retention, which leads to more swelling and stiffness.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:









Discussion Comments
There is research that ties joint inflammation to alcohol consumption. Alcohol, especially wine (especially red) is loaded with sugar and is known to contribute to gout
Find your flare: If sugar is it, the pain can be eliminated by moderating the trigger. If one nightshade plant causes a flare, not all may. Sugar reduction helps my pain go away.
You are wrong. Sugar causes arthritis. I'm not a doctor, but I have read a lot about how the immune system works, and 75 percent is coming from the gut and GI tract. Had you ever heard about yeast? Candida? Leaky gut syndrome?
I put myself in a trial eliminating food and reintroducing food. I found that sugar was my offender. After only two weeks free of sugar and yeast, my arthritis is gone. Maybe I have overgrown yeast in my gut. Again I'm not a doctor, and I don't know the real cause, but no doctor in this world knows my body better than I do. When I told my doctor my stool had changed in consistency, he ignored me, so it's time to take care of myself and it's working for me.
Post your comments