The connection between diet and arthritis is puzzling to both experts and patients due to inconsistent findings in scientific research.
But personal experiences of symptom relief through dietary changes have sparked interest in how certain foods affect inflammation.
In a clip shared on TikTok (@motioninnerg), a patient diagnosed with arthritis at 17 reported relief after eliminating five ingredients from her diet.
“At 17 I was diagnosed with arthritis and eliminating coffee after drinking it for 10 years helped so much, because that caffeine affects cartilage, causing people with osteoarthritis to suffer joint inflammation," she told viewers.
The patient was diagnosed with arthritis at 17
TIKTOK / @motioninnerg
Meat consumption, particularly pork, led to swelling in her shoulders, hips, knees and feet, while dairy products caused hand swelling, she explained.
She also highlighted the link between soft drinks and arthritis, noting that women who consume daily sodas face increased risk.
What's more, the content creator found that refined foods worsened her rheumatoid arthritis by creating pro-inflammatory cytokines.
What does the science say?
The scientific evidence around coffee consumption presents a complex picture, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
Coffee contains beneficial polyphenols that have been shown to support overall health, but research suggests it may also provide protection against gout, while its relationship with other forms of arthritis remains unclear.
The Arthritis Foundation notes that studies examining coffee's link to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis have produced conflicting results.
It also highlights the complexity surrounding dairy products and their effects on arthritis symptoms.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Scientific findings remain divided on the effects of milk
TIKTOK / @motioninnerg
While milk provides essential calcium for bone health, scientific findings remain divided on its inflammatory properties.
"Like coffee, some studies show dairy can be inflammatory while other studies show it helps reduce inflammation," the Arthritis Foundation reported.
It equally acknowledged the calcium benefits of dairy products while noting the conflicting evidence regarding their impact on inflammation.
This mixed scientific picture makes it challenging for arthritis sufferers to make definitive dietary decisions regarding dairy consumption.
You may like
