What fruit is not good for arthritis?

Some experts believe that citrus fruits, such as lemons , may not be helpful, but other evidence suggests the flavonoids in citrus fruits may be beneficial due to their anti-inflammatory properties. More research is needed.

Is peanut butter good for arthritis?

Peanut Butter - Vitamin B3, found in peanut butter, is a supplement that may help people with osteoarthritis by improving flexibility and reducing inflammation . 8. Whole-grain bread and cereals - Some studies have linked whole grains to less disability, morning stiffness, and pain.

Is egg bad for arthritis?

On the contrary, eggs have been shown to contain compounds that may have anti-inflammatory properties . For this reason, eating two eggs per week as a part of a well-balanced diet is recommended for most adults, including those with arthritis ( 9 ).

What is the number one food that kills inflammation?

1. Avocados . Avocados are often sought after for their creamy texture and satiating taste. But they are also powerhouses when it comes to fighting inflammation.

What can I drink before bed to reduce inflammation?

Green and White Teas Rich in polyphenols and catechins, these teas come with properties that not only reduce inflammation but can also regulate your immune system, which can be helpful in protecting the body against the cold during the winter.

Are potatoes good or bad for arthritis?

Myth: Avoid "Nightshade" Veggies There's talk out there that tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, and peppers can make your RA symptoms worse . Take this advice with a grain of salt. There's no hard evidence that foods from the nightshade family are a problem.

Is popcorn good or bad for arthritis?

Following an anti-inflammatory diet may help reduce inflammatory symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Foods that may help manage inflammation include certain fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and even popcorn. Following an anti-inflammatory diet is one way to reduce the amount of inflammation in the body.

Is watermelon bad for arthritis?

Studies show that eating watermelon reduces the inflammatory marker CRP . It's also high in the carotenoid beta-cryptoxanthin, which can reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It's also packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect against certain cancers and lower heart attack risk, says Dulan.

What foods should you stop eating for arthritis?

Avoid processed foods, such as baked goods and prepackaged meals and snacks . These items contain trans fats to help preserve them, and trans fats trigger systemic inflammation. To dodge trans fats, avoid any foods labeled as containing partially hydrogenated oils.

Is banana good for arthritis?

Bananas are high in magnesium, which helps strengthen bones and alleviate arthritis symptoms . Dark green vegetables, such as spinach and kale, contain iron that helps fight anemia resulting from anti-inflammatory medications.

Are Bananas Bad for Arthritis? (2024)

Bananas can be part of an anti-inflammatory diet for arthritis. Bananas are high in magnesium and potassium—two minerals that can help bone density—and magnesium may also alleviate arthritis symptoms.

Bananas contain many nutrients and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

This article discusses the nutritional benefits of bananas and how bananas and other anti-inflammatory foods may help reduce arthritis symptoms.

Nutritional Benefits of Bananas

Banana is a fruit with many health benefits. It has vitamins and minerals such as:

Fiber
Calcium
Potassium
Magnesium
Protein
Vitamins B and C
Zinc

Bananas are mostly known for their high content of potassium, and research has shown that potassium may reduce inflammation, ease arthritis pain, and improve bone health. Getting the nutrients from the actual food may be more beneficial than the supplement.

Banana: Nutrition Facts (USDA)

Amount per 1 medium (7 to 7-7/8 inches long)
Calories: 105
Total Fat: 0.4 g
Saturated fat: 0.1 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.1 g
Monounsaturated fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 1 mg
Potassium: 422 mg
Total Carbohydrate: 27 g
Dietary fiber: 3.1 g
Sugar: 14 g
Protein: 1.3 g

How Can Bananas Help Arthritis?

Nutrition plays an important part in your overall health, but bananas alone can’t cure arthritis. They can, however, be part of an overall anti-inflammatory diet. Several types of arthritis are associated with inflammation in the tissues that line the joints and other parts of the body.

Although there isn't a special diet that can cure arthritis, a diet that includes many anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and legumes, can reduce pain, improve other symptoms, and potentially slow the progression of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) happens when the joints break down over time. This type of arthritis is common in the elderly population. The joints that are affected the most are the knees, hips, hands, and lower back. OA can cause severe pain for some patients and disability for others.

Bananas have magnesium, and research has found that magnesium may help OA by reducing inflammation. Although more research is needed, one study found there was an association with magnesium intake had fewer signs of osteoarthritis and joint space narrowing, which leads to OA.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory and autoimmune disease. When patients have RA, healthy cells are attacked by the immune system by mistake. This causes inflammation in the body. RA affects the joints in the wrist, hands, and knees. It can also affect other tissues causing issues in the organs such as the heart, eyes, and lungs. A healthy diet is recommended for individuals who have arthritis.

Research concluded that the progression of RA can be slowed down with a diet that has strong sources of antioxidants that can deliver an anti-inflammatory effect. It is advised that RA patients minimize and avoid processed food, salt, oils, sugar, butter, and animal products. Fruits and vegetables are highly suggested. Recommended fruits include mangoes, blueberries, peaches, apples, and bananas.

Bananas have potassium and studies suggest that potassium may help RA patients due to its anti-inflammatory effect and it is known to help both bone and cardiovascular health.

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis that causes swelling, pain, and inflammation in the joints. It typically starts in the big toe and moves to the knees, fingers, and wrists. Severe gout symptoms are often due to too much uric acid in the blood.

Diet plays a role in gout flare-ups, so avoiding high-sugar foods and drinks, red meat, organ meat, shellfish, and alcohol is often recommended. It is advised that eating foods that are low in purine can help reduce uric acid levels.

Bananas may help gout patients because it is considered a low-purine food that contains vitamin C, which may also help reduce inflammation.

Gout Diet: Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid

Other Types of Arthritis

There are additional types of arthritis that can affect different areas of the body. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in bananas may help reduce swelling, increase bone density, and ease the pain that arthritis causes.

Should Anyone Avoid Bananas?

Bananas are a healthy choice for most people, but a few exceptions exist.

Eating too many potassium-rich foods like bananas may be problematic for people taking ACE inhibitors (Lotensin, Zestril) or angiotensin receptor blockers (Cozaar). These medications can increase blood potassium levels and combining them with too many potassium-rich foods could lead to dangerous heart palpitations.

People who have impaired kidney function or kidney disease may also need to limit potassium-rich foods, including bananas.

Talk with your healthcare provider about consuming bananas if you take these medications or have a kidney condition.

What Other Foods Are Good For Arthritis?

Along with bananas, there are many other foods that are part of an anti-inflammatory diet that may reduce symptoms of arthritis, including:

Fruits: mangoes, berries, cherries, grapes, peaches, tomatoes, and apples
Vegetables: artichokes, broccoli, peppers, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and dark leafy greens
Whole grains: oats, barley, brown rice, farro, and quinoa
Legumes: beans and lentils
Fish: all kinds and especially fatty fish (salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, anchovies)
Poultry
Nuts and seeds: walnuts, almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, pumpkin and sesame seeds
Healthy fat from olive oil, avocado, flax seeds, and nuts
Fermented foods: yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut
Herbs and spices (like cinnamon, ginger,turmeric, and garlic)
Green tea

Summary

Bananas contain magnesium and potassium and also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These components may help bone density and alleviate arthritis symptoms. Eating foods that are part of an anti-inflammatory diet may also help reduce arthritis symptoms.