The connection between arthritis and sugar is complicated. Sugar hasn’t been proven to lead to arthritis, yet eating too much sugar may worsen the condition for a person who already has arthritis. Additionally, sugar may worsen the symptoms of this condition.
Arthritis is a circumstance which affects a person’s joints. The most typical kind of arthritis is osteoarthritis that happens as the joints’ cartilage deteriorates, and causes the bones to rub against one another. One other kind of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis that happens as the lining of the joints gets inflamed, and causes damage to a joint. Yet another kind of arthritis is gout that’s caused by the build-up of uric acid crystals that surround the joints. All three kinds of arthritis result in joint stiffness and pain.
Arthritis and sugar aren’t directly connected. Eating too much sugar does not cause the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, yet people who are experiencing arthritis might suffer an increase in discomfort due to weight gain. Obesity places more stress on your weight-bearing joints, like your ankles, knees, hips and feet. This additional stress will cause more stiffness and discomfort in the joints, resulting in a more sedentary lifestyle and extra weight gain. Eating large quantities of sugar may contribute to weight gain; therefore, sugar consumption may indirectly affect the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
There’s a special consideration regarding sugar intake for people who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Apart from leading to weight gain, eating excessive sugar additionally boosts an individual’s level of blood glucose. Rheumatoid arthritis is constantly treated using corticosteroids at our Arthritis Treatment in Oklahoma City center, which tends to also increase blood glucose levels. As a consequence, people with rheumatoid arthritis ought to avoid eating large quantities of sugar in order to prevent complications from a rise in the level of blood glucose.
Also, the relationship between arthritis and sugar extends to gout. Elevated sugar intake increases the level of uric acid inside the blood, particularly if a person eats large quantities of fructose. A level of uric acid level may cause a higher likelihood of gout attacks; therefore, sugar may indirectly worsen the symptoms of gout.
For more information on Arthritis Treatment in Oklahoma City, contact Calvin Johnson, MD at (405)-896-7047.
