Foods That Cause Tendinitis

Tendinitis involves the inflammation and swelling of tendons, the thick fibrous bands that connect muscles to bones. This inflammation is commonly caused by the physical overuse of tendons involving repetitive physical activity, usually related to sports or job requirements. However, some specific foods can cause tendinitis. This usually involves a diet high in acid-producing foods (versus alkaline-producing foods), which can contribute to or aggravate inflammation of the tendons in your body.

Pineapple is rich in a natural enzyme that helps in healing tendinitis.

Our Ancestors

There has been a great shift in our diet today from the diet of our ancestors. They had a neutral and healthy diet of alkaline/basic foods (vegetables, fruit and lean protein) that were low in acid. Today, our highly acidic diets are part of our modern and technically advanced lifestyle, as we are dependent on fast food and microwave dinners. Today, we are eating harmful foods that involve food additives, hydrogenated oils, refined oils, corn syrup, fried foods and caffeine. This high-acid diet can lead to many harmful conditions, one being tendinitis.

Meat/Fish/Dairy/Grains

Meat, fish, dairy and grain groups all contain high-producing acidic foods. The following are some meat products to avoid to prevent tendinitis: corned beef, liver, sausage, lunch meat, rump steak, salami, pastrami and veal. Fish to avoid are trout, cod, herring and haddock. Among dairy foods, stay away from cheddar cheese, Gouda cheese, cottage cheese, egg yolks, Parmesan cheese and processed cheese. Grain products to avoid are oats, brown rice, rye flour, wheat flour, egg noodles, and white and whole-grain spaghetti.

Fruits and Vegetables

Almost all fruits and vegetables are highly recommended for use in a diet to treat tendinitis. These foods are low-acidic and are full of nutrients, vitamins and fiber. Recommended fruits to eat are pineapple, papayas, black currants, kiwi fruits, raisins, strawberries, bananas, apricots and apples. Pineapple especially is rich in a natural anti-inflammatory enzyme called bromelain, which helps in healing your tendinitis. Recommended vegetables to eat are spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, celery, tomatoes and zucchini.

Vitamins/Supplements/Herbs

Other natural alternatives to treating your tendinitis are certain vitamins, supplements and herbs. Important vitamins to have are vitamin D (decreases pain and physical dysfunction), vitamin C (encourages collagen production and helps to repair tears in tendons), vitamin E (aids in collagen production and reduces scarring), vitamin A (helps tendons to avoid damage from free radicals), and calcium and magnesium, which help to soothe tendinitis pain. Herbs to consider purchasing in health food stores include barley green and turmeric (both are anti-inflammatory agents), and purslane and echinacea (both contain magnesium, which is good for connective tissues).

Vegan and Organic Diets

If you suffer from chronic tendinitis that does not seem to go away using the aforementioned treatments, you may want to try a vegan diet and/or a diet high in organic foods. Vegan diets help people lower their blood pressure and cholesterol, which aids in reducing swelling and helps to heal injuries. In addition, organic foods are important because they are fresh foods that do not lose their important vitamins and minerals during processing. Also, these organic foods do not contain added fats, sugar, preservatives, pesticides or antibiotics.