Hepatologist named 10 foods that can aggravate joint problems

doctor-gastroenterologist, hepatologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences.

“Problems with joints come in many forms. Mostly they are caused by trauma, long-term microtrauma, age-related “wear and tear” and autoimmune processes. No products can cause disease of the mobile joints of the bones of the skeleton from scratch. They can, however, exacerbate inflammation that is already present.”

Allergenic foods

Foods containing histamine can increase the inflammatory response in the joints.

Histamine is the mediator (intermediary) of immediate-type allergic reactions. It is what causes anaphylactic shock, hives and other manifestations of adverse reactions.

The main source of histamine is fish that has been stored for a very long time. The substance in this case is considered a toxin formed in canned food. To its appearance in large quantities leads to a violation of the technology of processing and storage of the product.

According to SanPiN, in Russia the norm of histamine is considered to be up to 100 mg / kg. If there is a lot of it in fish, it acquires a sharp taste.

Where does histamine come from in fish?

It has amino acids, including histidine. When it undergoes the decarboxylation reaction necessary to improve the flavor and aroma of foods, histamine is formed. The process takes place with the participation of bacteria at temperatures above 15°C. The longer fish is stored, the more harmful substances accumulate.

Most of all histamine is contained in salted, smoked fish, preserves and canned food. At the same time it is thermostable, so even if you fry or boil fish, it will remain intact.

In addition to fish, some foods contain high levels of histamine, so it’s good to know which ones to avoid, especially if you have an intolerance.

1. Fermented foods: cheeses, sauerkraut,fermented dairy products, soy, beer. In the process of fermentation, histamine is formed.
2. Fish and seafood: especially those that have been improperly preserved or are simply stale, contain a high allergen content.
3. Smoked foods: sausages, sausages, bacon, smoked fish products. Smoking produces histamine.
4. Citrus: oranges, tangerines, lemons – contain flavonoids that can cause an increased reaction to the substance.
5. Tomatoes: contain high amounts of amino acids that promote the formation of histamine.
6. Nuts: especially pistachios and peanuts, contain high amounts of the allergen.
7. Chocolate: is a source of flavonoids and stimulates histamine production.
8. Red wine: includes the compound tyramine, which increases the response to histamine.
9. Strawberries and raspberries: they are high in flavonoids, causing increased symptoms of allergen intolerance.
10. Kvass: contains high amounts of histamine, especially if produced inappropriately.

Nutrition for healthy joints

The gut is home to microbes. Most of them are good, but there are some bad ones. If the latter become too many, the permeability of the intestinal wall increases. Bacterial antigens enter the bloodstream. The immune system sees them and attacks them. Constant immune stimulation causes chronic inflammation in the body.

This is bad not only for the joints, but also for the heart and all other organs, because this weak but very prolonged inflammation accelerates the process of deposition of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels.

What to do.

To maintain the microflora in good condition, you need to eat well and properly. It is desirable that the diet was:

• varied;
• more vegetable than animal;
• include a lot of fiber – carbohydrates that are not broken down in the digestive tract (vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, raw grains, algae).

At the same time, you should eat less sweets and refined carbohydrate foods. Such food triggers the growth of microbes that harm the intestinal wall. To restore it, doctors use drugs that trigger the processes of mucosal regeneration.

What diseases can aggravate joint problems

Sclerosing cholangitis. This is inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts, as a result of which other organs, including the joints, can be affected. It is accompanied by pain, swelling and restriction of movement.

The mechanism is due to cross-reactions between immune cells and tissues. Inflammatory mediators released as a result of cholangitis can activate immune cells in the joints, causing damage.

Bile production is only increased by eating fatty foods. No certain foods like olive oil, artichokes and garlic can affect this.

Biliary cholangitis. Disease of the intrahepatic ducts can lead to cirrhosis of the liver (a disease characterized by disruption of the structure of the liver due to overgrowth of connective tissue). When this organ does not function properly, there is a metabolic disorder and accumulation of toxins that destroy connective tissues and joints among others.

The products do not cause cirrhosis. The cause is considered to be a hereditary violation of immune regulation. The main thing here is to see a doctor in time and cure liver problems completely.

Thus, people with joint diseases should monitor the state of their intestines, gallbladder, maintain normal microflora and avoid fish of long storage. The diet should be low in simple carbohydrates, refined foods, but a lot of water and fiber.

The above mentioned ailments require a doctor’s consultation and adequate treatment aimed at reducing inflammation and symptoms.