Twenty-three percent of American people have arthritis, according to data from the CDC. If you are one of the many individuals who deal with this disease, you may have wondered if there is anything you can do to enhance your quality of life and lessen the impact it has on your daily routine.
Luckily, there is evidence that dietary adjustments can help control the symptoms of arthritis, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. In this article, we look at the hypothesis that consuming eggs might alleviate some of the discomfort associated with arthritis.
What's Arthritis?
Arthritis is a prevalent disorder that affects many people and is characterized by symptoms including joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. There are more than a hundred distinct forms of arthritis, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) being the most prevalent.
Degenerative joint disease such as osteoarthritis causes discomfort and limited motion when cartilage in the affected joints deteriorates. As an autoimmune disease, RA causes the body's immune system to wrongly target healthy joint cells, leading to inflammation and pain. Arthritis has several different root causes.
In contrast to RA, which is caused by genetics and the environment, osteoarthritis may be brought on by age, joint trauma, and obesity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises talking to your doctor about treatment choices, being physically active, and keeping a healthy weight to help control symptoms.
Do Eggs Aggravate Arthritis?
Those who have allergies or intolerances to eggs may experience a worsening of their arthritis symptoms if they eat them.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects Of Eggs
Egg yolks contain arachidonic acid, which has been linked to increased inflammation. There is no proof, however, that avoiding eggs can protect against the onset of arthritis or lessen its symptoms. In contrast, studies have found that eggs contain chemicals that may have anti-inflammatory effects.
Hence, it is suggested that individuals, especially those with arthritis, consume two eggs each week as part of a healthy, balanced diet. In a study of 150 patients, 50 of whom had RA, researchers discovered that those who ate a Western diet rich in refined grains, red meat, and processed food were more likely to develop the disease than those who ate a more varied and healthy diet.
The Vegan and Elimination Diet
According to one study, the symptoms of arthritis reduced when people switched to a vegan diet. A different study found that vegan, elemental, elimination, and Mediterranean diets had beneficial effects on RA patients.
You should know that the vegan diet doesn't include eggs, but the other diets we've discussed may. So, the effects of eggs on arthritic symptoms still need to be clarified based on the current body of research.
Removing eggs from one's diet has been shown to help alleviate arthritic symptoms in those with an egg sensitivity or allergy. While those with egg allergies or intolerances may need to avoid this healthy meal, there is no evidence to suggest that others without such sensitivities should.
Benefits to Your Health From Eating Eggs
When included in a healthy diet plan, eggs benefit health because of their high nutritional density.
Nutrient-Dense
Vitamin D may be found in egg yolks, with 37 IU per yolk. Early study suggests that supplementation with vitamin D, which has been related to RA insufficiency, may help alleviate symptoms of the illness.
For the most vitamin D content, it's best to get your eggs from hens grown outside on pasture. Choline, found in eggs, is an essential ingredient for brain function and may protect against memory loss that occurs with aging.
Possibility Of Enhancing Eye Health
Antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin are found in eggs. The retina, the sensory layer at the back of the eye, also contains significant numbers. Due to their ability to delay the onset of age-related macular degeneration, a disorder that damages the retina and can lead to blurred vision or even blindness, these antioxidants are commonly called macular pigments.
Helps Lose Weight
Eating eggs may aid with weight control. One of the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for dealing with arthritic symptoms is losing weight. Eggs are satiating despite having just about 70 calories in each.
In particular, when combined with a healthy amount of fiber, such as whole grains or vegetables, the protein in these foods has been demonstrated to help you feel full for longer.
The strong thermic effect of protein—how much energy the body requires to break down and absorb it—also contributes to the metabolism-boosting effects of this macronutrient.
