![\"Arthritis](\"https:\/\/blueheronhealthnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Processed-foods-90191177.jpg\")
Osteoarthritis is often called wear and tear arthritis because it\u2019s believed to be caused by worn-out joints\u2026 by putting too much strain on them for too long.<\/p>\nOsteoarthritis is often called wear and tear arthritis because it\u2019s believed to be caused by worn-out joints\u2026 by putting too much strain on them for too long.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s especially common in the knees and hips but can appear in any joint.<\/p>\n
But a new study presented in the Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America burst this myth.<\/p>\n
They found that Osteoarthritis is actually caused by ONE common food type that most of us eat daily.<\/p>\n
To uncover this connection, researchers analyzed data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative, a nationwide U.S. study.<\/p>\n
They studied 666 participants (average age: 60 years, BMI: 27) who hadn\u2019t yet developed osteoarthritis.<\/p>\n
Participants underwent MRI scans to assess fat deposits in their thigh muscles, which support knee function.<\/p>\n
They also completed dietary surveys to estimate how much of their diet came from ultra-processed foods.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s what they found:<\/p>\n
•\tMore processed foods = more muscle fat:<\/strong> Fat deposits increased as processed food intake rose.<\/p>\n •\tFat buildup wasn\u2019t tied to calories or weight:<\/strong> Even active participants and those with normal weight were affected.\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n The conclusion:<\/strong> Ultra-processed foods weaken thigh muscles, increasing the risk of knee osteoarthritis. They also trigger inflammation<\/strong>, worsening joint pain and damage.<\/p>\n What are ultra-processed foods?<\/strong> The good news is that you can reverse all this damage and reverse knee arthritis in the process. In fact, you can reverse all types of arthritis.<\/p>\n How?<\/p>\n
\nThese are industrially manufactured products packed with preservatives, flavor enhancers, artificial colors, and sweeteners. They\u2019re designed to be convenient and addictive but often lack nutrients. Examples include:<\/p>\n\n
\n•\tFrozen foods and ready-to-eat meals.
\n•\tInstant noodles, chips, candies, and desserts.
\n•\tSweetened cereals, soft drinks, and energy drinks.\n<\/dd>\n<\/dl>\n