Rheumatoid Arthritis Foods to Avoid

Avoid processed foods, red meat, sugary drinks, dairy, and refined carbs to reduce rheumatoid arthritis inflammation.
Contents

Rheumatoid arthritis is a lingering inflammatory disease, only taking medication won’t cure this chronic inflammatory disease. Along with the medication, one who is suffering from these diseases should know what rheumatoid arthritis foods to avoid. As it is a progressive disease, managing the conditions means treating the symptoms first! There are a few rheumatoid arthritis foods to avoid first then step your move to medications.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Supplements

Certain supplements can help manage RA symptoms and improve joint health. Here are some top rheumatoid arthritis supplements to consider:

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Found in fish oil, these reduce joint inflammation.
  • Turmeric (Curcumin) – A natural anti-inflammatory compound that alleviates pain.
  • Vitamin D and Calcium – Essential for bone health, especially for RA patients.
  • Ginger Extract – Has anti-inflammatory properties that ease joint stiffness.
  • Glucosamine and Chondroitin – Support cartilage health and reduce pain.
  • Magnesium – Helps relax muscles and supports bone density.
  • Zinc – Plays a crucial role in immune function and inflammation reduction.
  • Vitamin B12 – Supports nerve function and reduces joint pain.
  • Folate – Helps in cell regeneration and may improve RA symptoms.
  • Selenium – An antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and protect joints.

Fried Foods and Omega-6 Fatty Acids

Fried foods include all oil-based foods having high trans fats like grilled or broiled foods. Avoid eating Artificial trans fats that can risk increased inflammation in the body. There are a few oils that are worse than others. Also, rheumatoid arthritis foods to avoid like margarine, shortening, butter, lard, and coconut oil. Avoid eating fried meat, because it releases high levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs).  Omega-6 fatty acids are present in oil like vegetables and corn oil.

Refined Carbohydrates and Sugar

When you have Rheumatoid arthritis sweetened and full of carbohydrates should be avoided. Rheumatoid arthritis foods to avoid like soft drinks, and prepared treats like donuts, store-bought cookies, and pastries these food products contain high refined sugar content. Foods having fructose and glucose are also to be avoided. You can easily find this fructose and glucose white bread and other similar baked goods.

Aspartame (Rheumatoid Arthritis Foods to Avoid List)

When aspartame came on the market, it was just like a boon for people who want to cut down on sugar. But few people are very sensitive, especially those people having this Rheumatoid arthritis. After taking this they don’t feel well after they eat or drink which has this aspartame. Aspartame is used to give a little taste to the products, but as it is not naturally processed the human body can’t digest it easily. That causes an inflammatory response.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Foods to Avoid | Bharath Orthopaedics

Dairy Products

We are always provoked to eat dairy products because they ensure a high amount of calcium and vitamin D, but sometimes they can increase inflammation in the body. Especially people having Rheumatoid arthritis can intake dairy with low-fat options which are better than full-fat products.

A person suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis has permission to intake Rheumatoid Arthritis Foods to Eat and Avoid to a certain extent taking low-fat dairy products rather than high-fat ones.

Gluten

People with celiac disease should not add gluten to their diet to keep them healthy. Some celiac disease patients report suffering joint pain and inflammation. It is different from rheumatoid arthritis but even if you have these diseases, you must strictly avoid gluten, too.

Gluten is in wheat, barley, and rye. In most of the products, we consume gluten such as pasta, soups, couscous, and soy sauce. Also, it is found in some types of vitamins, supplements, and medications.

MSG

Monosodium glutamate (MSG) can trigger inflammation in the body. MSG is a taste enhancer found in many prepared foods and it is included in most Asian Foods. MSG is most found in soy sauce, deli meats, and salty snack foods, like chips and crackers.

Rheumatoid arthritis persons must avoid all these foods having high content MSG. You can know the MSG content in food or drink by reading the label. Even if some food contains naturally occurring MSG. That includes tomatoes, cheese, yeast extract, and soy products.

Salt

When you go to a restaurant and you’ll likely see a salt shaker on the table, just avoid it without taking a pinch or more! Adding salt to your foods makes the food yummy but the person having rheumatoid arthritis should avoid it instantly.

Excessive salt and other preservatives can cause inflammation in the body. Most Processed and prepared foods have high salt content just avoid them and take low Salt options. Instead of adding salt to your flavour, you can add herbs and other spices which are good for rheumatoid arthritis people like cinnamon, parsley, etc.

Diet For Rheumatoid Arthritis

A well-structured Diet For Rheumatoid Arthritis can help reduce joint pain and inflammation, improving overall well-being. Consuming anti-inflammatory foods and avoiding triggers can enhance the quality of life for arthritis patients.

Recommended Foods in a Diet For Rheumatoid Arthritis:

  • Fatty Fish (Salmon, Sardines) – High in omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce joint inflammation.
  • Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale) – Rich in antioxidants that protect joints from oxidative damage.
  • Nuts and Seeds (Walnuts, Flaxseeds) – Provide healthy fats to support joint health.
  • Whole Grains (Oats, Brown Rice) – Reduce inflammation markers in the body.
  • Berries (Blueberries, Strawberries) – Contain anti-inflammatory compounds that help ease arthritis symptoms.

Following a proper Diet For Rheumatoid Arthritis can complement medical treatment and improve joint mobility.

Foods to Avoid with Arthritis to Reduce Pain

Certain foods can worsen inflammation and increase joint pain. Avoiding foods to avoid with arthritis to reduce pain can help manage symptoms effectively.

Foods to Avoid with Arthritis to Reduce Pain:

  • Processed and Fried Foods – High in trans fats that promote inflammation.
  • Refined Carbohydrates (White Bread, Pastries) – Cause blood sugar spikes, leading to inflammation.
  • Sugary Beverages (Soda, Sweetened Juices) – Increase body weight, putting extra stress on joints.
  • Red Meat (Beef, Lamb) – Contains inflammatory compounds that can aggravate arthritis.
  • Dairy Products (Cheese, Full-Fat Milk) – May trigger inflammatory responses in some individuals.

Eliminating these foods to avoid with arthritis to reduce pain and focusing on anti-inflammatory foods can significantly improve arthritis symptoms.

Beverages to Avoid with Arthritis

Just as food choices impact rheumatoid arthritis, beverages can also play a role in managing symptoms. Here are beverages to avoid with arthritis:

  • Sugary Sodas and Energy Drinks – High sugar levels contribute to inflammation and obesity.
  • Alcoholic Beverages – Excessive alcohol intake increases inflammation and interferes with RA medications.
  • High-Caffeine Drinks – Overconsumption of coffee or energy drinks can increase stress hormones that worsen inflammation.
  • Artificially Sweetened Drinks – Diet sodas with artificial sweeteners may trigger inflammatory responses in some individuals.

Can Diet Help Arthritis?

Absolutely! Your diet directly impacts inflammation, which is at the core of rheumatoid arthritis. Eating anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce pain and stiffness, while certain foods can trigger inflammation and worsen symptoms.

Experts recommend following an anti-inflammatory Diet For Rheumatoid Arthritis, which focuses on whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. At the same time, avoiding inflammatory foods can make a significant difference in how you feel.

Let’s dive into Rheumatoid Arthritis Foods to Avoid so you can make smarter dietary choices.

Best Foods for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Incorporating the best foods into a Diet For Rheumatoid Arthritis can help reduce inflammation, enhance joint flexibility, and promote overall health.

Top Foods for Rheumatoid Arthritis:

  • Turmeric and Ginger – Natural anti-inflammatory spices that help relieve joint pain.
  • Olive Oil – Contains healthy fats that support joint lubrication.
  • Legumes (Lentils, Chickpeas) – Rich in fiber and protein to support muscle and bone health.
  • Garlic and Onions – Contain sulfur compounds that reduce joint inflammation.
  • Green Tea – Packed with antioxidants that help slow arthritis progression.

Adding these nutrient-rich foods to a Diet For Rheumatoid Arthritis can improve symptoms and enhance overall joint health.

Conclusion

These are a few Rheumatoid arthritis foods to avoid, if you are suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis then go through this blog and see which Rheumatoid Arthritis Foods to Eat and Avoid. This blog will give you a clear idea about your food diet to curb this inflation disease. As we know health is wealth and it should be taken care of very seriously by avoiding such food which is harmful to Rheumatoid Arthritis patients.

Read also Partial Knee Replacement Surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some foods that can exacerbate rheumatoid arthritis symptoms include those high in saturated and trans fats, processed foods, sugar, and refined carbohydrates. Alcohol, red meat, and dairy products are rheumatoid arthritis foods to avoid as it can be inflammatory for some people. It’s important to consult with a doctor or registered dietitian for personalized dietary recommendations.

Rice is generally considered safe for people with rheumatoid arthritis to consume. In fact, it is a good source of carbohydrates, which provide energy to the body. Brown rice, in particular, is a healthier option as it contains more nutrients and fiber than white rice. It’s important to consider rheumatoid arthritis foods to avoid and include a variety of whole foods.

Curd or yogurt contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that can help improve gut health and reduce inflammation in some people. However, some people with rheumatoid arthritis may be sensitive to dairy products, and it’s important to determine if curd or yogurt triggers any adverse reactions. It’s best to consult with a doctor for personalized rheumatoid arthritis foods to avoid.

Yes, full-fat dairy products like milk, cheese, and butter contain saturated fats, which may increase inflammation and joint pain. If you have RA, consider switching to low-fat or plant-based dairy alternatives to reduce symptoms.

Refined carbs, such as white bread and pasta, cause spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to increased inflammation. Replacing them with whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats can help manage RA symptoms and support overall health.

The best beverages for rheumatoid arthritis include anti-inflammatory options like green tea, turmeric lattes, and ginger tea. Water is essential for hydration, while tart cherry juice can reduce inflammation. Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, which may worsen symptoms. Herbal teas like chamomile also offer calming benefits.

Nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers contain solanine, which may trigger inflammation in some RA patients. While not everyone is affected, it’s best to monitor symptoms and consult a doctor before eliminating them from your diet.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, avoid foods that can trigger inflammation, such as processed foods, sugary snacks, refined carbohydrates, red meat, fried foods, and alcohol. Additionally, limit omega-6 fatty acids found in vegetable oils and foods high in salt, as they can exacerbate symptoms and inflammation.