Beyond the Joints
While arthritis is often seen as an ailment associated with aging and wear and tear on the body, emerging research suggests that certain types of arthritis may be linked to an increased risk of developing cancer. We'll explore the worst sugary drinks for arthritis, discuss arthritis, what causes it and its different types. We will also look at the link between arthritis and the development of cancer and go over treatment options, including Inflectra (infliximab-dyyb), which is used to treat various autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Inflectra works by targeting and neutralizing a protein in the body called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which plays a role in causing inflammation.
Worst Sugary Drinks for Arthritis
Certain beverages are notorious for their high sugar content, which can lead to a worsening of arthritis symptoms. Here are some sugary drinks that should be avoided with arthritis.
1. Sodas
Soft drinks are loaded with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup. A single can of soda may contain more than the recommended daily amount of sugar, leading to increased inflammation and potentially exacerbating arthritis symptoms.
Breast cancer risk factors are any behaviors or conditions that can put you at risk of breast cancer. Read on to learn about the risks.
2. Sugary Coffee and Espresso Drinks
Many popular coffee beverages, such as lattes and cappuccinos, can contain significant amounts of sugar, especially when flavored syrups, whipped cream and other sweeteners are added. These extra calories can contribute to obesity, a risk factor for arthritis.
3. Energy Drinks
Besides caffeine, energy drinks are often high in sugar and other stimulants. The sugar content in these drinks can cause a spike in insulin levels, followed by a crash, which may increase inflammation and pain in individuals with arthritis.
4. Alcohol
Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with a variety of health issues, including the development of inflammatory conditions. Some alcoholic beverages, particularly sweet cocktails and flavored liquors, can be high in sugar, worsening arthritis symptoms.
5. Fruit Juices
While fruit itself is a healthy choice, fruit juices can contain as much sugar as sodas. The lack of fiber and the high fructose content can lead to inflammation and exacerbate arthritis pain.
Understanding Arthritis
Arthritis encompasses more than 100 conditions that affect the joints, tissues around the joint and other connective tissues. Symptoms can vary depending on the type but commonly include joint pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced range of motion.
The causes of arthritis can differ by type but often involve a combination of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. Certain forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are autoimmune, meaning the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue.
Different Types of Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis (OA): OA is the most common form of arthritis, often occurring due to the breakdown of cartilage, leading to bones rubbing together.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): RA is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.
- Psoriatic arthritis: A form of arthritis affecting some people with psoriasis, this condition causes joint pain, stiffness and swelling, alongside the skin lesions characteristic of psoriasis.
- Gout: Caused by the crystallization of excess uric acid in the joints, gout is characterized by severe pain, redness and swelling, most commonly in the big toe.
- Ankylosing spondylitis: An inflammatory condition primarily affecting the spine and the sacroiliac joints, causing pain and stiffness in the back and hips.
Link Between Arthritis and Different Cancers
Arthritis and cancer share complex connections. Although arthritis itself is not a type of cancer, they both involve immune system dysfunction and chronic inflammation. Genetic factors, paraneoplastic syndromes and certain medications can contribute to the link between the two conditions. While some arthritis-like symptoms may occur in association with cancer, not all individuals with arthritis are at an increased risk of developing cancer, and the relationship varies based on specific types and individual factors.
Treatment Options for Arthritis
Treating arthritis is dependent on the type and severity of the condition. Here are some common options used for arthritis relief.
- NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in arthritis.
- Corticosteroids: These are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that can be taken orally or injected directly into a joint.
- DMARDs: Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can slow or halt the underlying processes that cause certain types of inflammatory arthritis.
- Physical therapy: Can help maintain joint flexibility and strengthen muscles surrounding the joints.
- Occupational therapy: Helps individuals adapt to their daily activities in a way that puts less strain on their joints.
- Joint fusion surgery: This procedure can be used to stabilize or realign a joint, often after other treatments have failed.
- Arthroplasty surgery: Commonly known as joint replacement surgery, arthroplasty can restore function in severely damaged joints.
- Rinvoq: Rinvoq (upadacitinib) is a relatively new class of medication known as JAK inhibitors, used to treat moderate to severe RA by decreasing the activity of the immune system.
- Xeljanz: Xeljanz (tofacitinib) is a medication used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It belongs to a class of drugs called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, which block certain enzymes in the body that contribute to inflammation. Xeljanz can help reduce the signs and symptoms of RA, including joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, and it may also slow down joint damage progression.
- Inflectra: Inflectra is a medication with the brand name of Infliximab-dyyb. It's similar to Remicade (Infliximab) and treats autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Inflectra works by aiming at and neutralizing a protein in the body called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), which contributes to inflammation.
From Joints to Cells
Arthritis is a common medical condition that manifests as pain, stiffness and inflammation in the joints.
The interplay between arthritis and cancer is complex and requires ongoing research for clearer understanding. However, it is clear that managing inflammation and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which includes avoiding sugary drinks, can play a significant role in both preventing and managing arthritis, as well as potentially lowering the risk of cancer.
