Sep 20, 2021
When it comes to arthritis, many people believe that bread is their friend. After all, it doesn't act like some foods which are deemed "inflammatory", and isn't loaded with sugar or fat. However, there are actually a few types of bread that can be bad for arthritis.
If you're one of the many people with arthritis, finding out what is and isn't good for your body can be a challenge. There are so many different ideas out there on what you should eat or avoid it's hard to know who to trust. When it comes to foods which aren't helpful for arthritis, most agree that fat and sugar are big no-nos. But one thing people don't think about as often is bread.
Bread might not seem like an obvious problem food at first glance, but it actually falls into two categories that need to be avoided by those with arthritis: wheat breads and yeast-containing breads (also known as "bread with holes").
Let's take a look at the worst type of bread for arthritis sufferers:
Many people enjoy their bagel in the morning after brewing up some coffee. It provides food for energy to start the day right, especially on days where waking up early was difficult or when you have an important meeting or appointment. Bagels are one of the worst types of bread for arthritis sufferers! Why? Because bagels are extremely high in carbohydrates, and have a glycemic index of 72, which makes it non-ideal for people with arthritis. Bagels are notorious for being a food that spikes blood sugar levels and forces the body to release insulin in an effort to balance the effects of carbohydrates present in bagels.
In addition, bagels can be highly processed, which means there is a greater risk of having additives such as added sugars or preservatives. Although many people survive on bagels throughout their lives without any problems, perhaps limiting them would be beneficial for those suffering from arthritis.
White bread is another one of the worst types of bread for arthritis sufferers! One reason why is because white bread has been stripped off of dietary fiber, meaning the nutritive benefits of the bread are non-existent. Fiber helps to regulate bowel movements and reduces constipation, so without fiber, more stress will be placed on the body through irregular bowel movements.
White bread also has a high glycemic index (GI) rating, which makes it unsuitable for arthritis sufferers who need to reduce their blood sugar levels and avoid foods that promote spikes in their insulin and glucose levels. There is another reason why white bread is not good for arthritis sufferers: it contains additives such as added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Both of these ingredients can increase inflammation throughout the body!
People usually consider whole wheat bread to be healthier than other types of grocery-store bought sliced breads such as white or rye, but there is actually one reason why it's even worse than other types of bread. Whole wheat bread has a glycemic index that is just as high, if not higher than white bread! This makes whole wheat bread very unhealthy for arthritis sufferers. If you are looking to cut carbohydrates in your diet, whole wheat bread may not be the best choice.
Toast is another type of breakfast food that tends to be high in carbohydrates, which means it's not one of the best types of bread for arthritis sufferers. You may wish to consider switching things up with an egg on whole wheat toast - this provides healthy fats, protein, and omega 3 acids.
Many arthritis sufferers find that they can no longer enjoy sandwiches because they are simply too painful to eat. Luckily, there are alternatives available! If you miss having a sandwich for lunch, consider using lettuce wraps instead of bread or buns. These can be made by taking iceberg lettuce leaves and placing various fillings inside. Some people also love using cucumber slices as the 'bread' in their sandwiches!
Now that we've discussed the three worst types of bread for arthritis sufferers, what should people with joint pain or arthritis do when they get cravings for some tasty sandwiches? There are many choices available on supermarket shelves today! Let's take a look at some healthier options:
Ezekiel bread is made from sprouted grains, which makes it a great type of bread for arthritis sufferers or people with joint pain. The sprouting process reduces the amount of starch in the bread, which helps to lower the GI index. This will discourage spiking blood sugar levels and help avoid insulin spikes.
Oatcakes are another alternative that can be used instead of sandwich bread. They are made from 100% oats, which naturally contain anti-inflammatory benefits (such as omega 3 fatty acids) for arthritis sufferers! Bonus: they're gluten free too!
Wraps are an excellent choice because they allow for variety. For example, you could use your favorite tortilla wrap with some turkey, lettuce, and tomato to create your favorite sandwich or salad wrap. Bonus: they are very easy to make!
Traditionally, people who have celiac disease have difficulty in tolerating gluten, which is a protein found in wheat that causes inflammation throughout the body if one has an allergy or intolerance. However, there are newer versions of breads that allow for people with celiac disease or similar allergies to eat bread again! For example, gluten-free bread typically uses rice flour as its base for making French toast, pancakes, etc. It can also be used to make various yeast bread loaves. Just like regular yeast breads made from wheat flour, you can use this type of bread to make sandwiches, toast, or anything you can imagine!
It is now becoming more and more common for grocery stores to carry their own brand of gluten-free bread. Before you purchase a loaf, be sure to read the ingredients and nutritional information so that you know it's right for your needs!
Remember that everyone will have different needs based on their own symptoms and diagnosis. You should talk to your doctor to ensure you understand which types of bread are right for you! There are countless ways to prepare all types of foods, so there should always be something out there that both tastes great and won't harm your joints!
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