Avoiding eating certain foods may help people with arthritis manage their symptoms. This can include avoiding inflammatory fats, foods with added sugar, high salt foods, nightshades, and foods high in purines.
Consuming certain foods may also be beneficial for managing symptoms. This can include consuming a diet rich in whole fruits and vegetables and focusing on anti-inflammatory fats.
A registered dietitian can provide more information about anti-inflammatory diets and help a person create a suitable eating plan to manage arthritis while ensuring that they get enough essential nutrients.
Read on to learn more about foods a person with arthritis may choose to limit in their diet. This article also discusses foods to eat, anti-inflammatory diets, and more.
Limiting intake of certain types of food may help a person manage symptoms of arthritis.
1. Inflammatory fats
Several types of fat can increase inflammation in the body. According to the Arthritis Foundation, a person with arthritis should limit the following types:
Omega-6 fatty acids
Several oils, such as corn, safflower, sunflower, and vegetable oils, contain high levels of these acids. Omega-6 fatty acids are not harmful in moderation, but many people consume a lot of them.
Saturated fat
Meat, butter, and cheese contain this type of fat. Saturated fat should account for less than
Trans fats
This type of fat can be harmful because it reduces “good” cholesterol levels, increases “bad” cholesterol levels, and increases inflammation.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned partially hydrogenated oils, a major source of artificial trans fats, from prepared foods in
2. Added sugar
A
Many foods contain added sugars. Always check labels for information about how much added sugar a product contains.
Foods and drinks that may add a lot of sugar to a person’s diet include:
- cakes
- pastries
- cookies
- jams and other sweet spreads
- white bread
- soft drinks
- fruit juice
- some types of alcohol, such as beer and cider
- condiments such as ketchup, relish, and barbecue sauce
3. High salt foods
Excessive intake of salt, or sodium, may increase a person’s risk of developing autoimmune diseases such as RA. It
People should aim to consume less than
High sodium foods that a person may wish to avoid include:
- pizza
- burgers
- fast food tacos and burritos
- deli meat sandwiches
- chips and other savory snacks
Avoiding packaged foods and cooking with fresh ingredients may also help reduce a person’s sodium intake.
4. Nightshades
Nightshades are vegetables that contain the compound solanine.
The Arthritis Foundation advises that people who suspect that nightshades may worsen their symptoms should exclude these foods from their diet for a couple of weeks and then reintroduce them one at a time.
Nightshade vegetables include:
- tomatoes
- bell peppers
- chili peppers
- eggplant
- potatoes
Keeping a food diary may help a person keep track of any reactions they have to a specific food. If any nightshades trigger symptoms upon reintroduction, it is best for a person to exclude these vegetables from their diet.
5. Foods high in purines
For people with gout, a doctor may advise a low purine diet in addition to medications.
Purines are substances in foods that the body converts to uric acid. Uric acid can build up in the bloodstream, causing a gout attack. According to the
- organ meats, such as liver
- red meat
- some seafood, including:
- anchovies
- mussels
- sardines
- scallops
- trout
- tuna
- beer and other alcohol
However, a 2018 review notes that some purine-rich vegetables, such as cauliflower, mushrooms, and beans, have no links to gout risk.
6. Advanced glycation end (AGE) products
AGE products are inflammatory compounds that can build up in tissues, particularly as people age. People with conditions such as RA often have increased AGE levels. Lowering AGE levels may help reduce inflammation.
Fat and sugar both increase AGE levels in the body, and some food processing methods and high temperature cooking increase the AGE levels in foods.
Foods high in dietary AGEs
- fried bacon
- roasted poultry skin
- pizza
- some cheeses, such as Parmesan and cream cheese
- salty snacks such as potato chips and crackers
- butter and margarine
7. Processed and red meats
Diets high in processed meats, red meat, and dairy
Types of red meat include:
- beef
- goat
- lamb
- mutton
- veal
- venison
- pork
8. Refined carbohydrates
Diets high in refined carbohydrates may increase inflammation in people with arthritis. Refined carbohydrate consumption can also increase insulin resistance and has an association with a higher risk of obesity. Both of these are risk factors for arthritis.
Refined carbohydrates include added sugars and grains that undergo additional processing, which removes fiber and nutrients. Examples of foods high in refined grains include:
- white bread
- many baked goods
- desserts
While more research is necessary in this area, a small
Eating certain foods can help people:
- reduce inflammation levels in their bodies
- maintain a moderate weight
- promote tissue health and healing
Usually, inflammation protects the body from harm by defending against infection and aiding wound healing. However, when inflammation persists for a long time, chronic symptoms can develop.
The foods a person eats have an impact on inflammation levels. Some foods can promote inflammation, while others are anti-inflammatory.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, numerous studies show that anti-inflammatory foods can reduce arthritis pain and progression.
A person’s body weight also influences inflammation levels. Fat cells produce cytokines, which are immune cells that increase inflammation.
Certain dietary habits may help a person reach or maintain a moderate weight, which can reduce inflammation and joint pressure.
Finally, some types of arthritis have specific trigger foods. For example, foods high in purines
Consuming the following foods may benefit people with arthritis.
Anti-inflammatory fats
The Arthritis Foundation lists the following as types of fat that can reduce inflammation:
- Unsaturated fats: These include olive oil, avocado oil, and nuts and seeds. Extra-virgin olive oil contains the compound oleocanthal, which has anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Oily fish, such as salmon, sardines, and herring, contain omega-3 fatty acids. Researchers recommend eating at least two servings of oily fish per week. Alternatively, a person can take a fish oil supplement. Walnuts and flaxseed, as well as their oils, are excellent vegan omega-3 sources.
Fruits and vegetables
The following fruits and vegetables may be especially beneficial for people with arthritis:
- Onions, garlic, and leeks: All of these contain the anti-inflammatory compound quercetin. They also contain sulfur compounds that may reduce cartilage damage.
- Sweet potatoes, squash, and carrots: Orange and red vegetables contain carotenoids, which are antioxidants.
- Green, leafy vegetables: Vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, Swiss chard, and spinach contain calcium, which is essential for bone health. They also contain antioxidants.
- Citrus fruits, strawberries, and kiwi fruit: According to the
National Institutes of Health , foods high in vitamin C help protect bone and cartilage. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant.
Eating an anti-inflammatory diet can help people stay healthy and avoid the symptoms of chronic inflammation. One of the most researched anti-inflammatory diets is the Mediterranean diet.
The Mediterranean diet focuses on the following foods:
- olive oil
- whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
- lean meats, eggs, and fish
- nuts and seeds
The diet also includes moderate amounts of dairy products but limits added sugar, alcohol, and red meat.
The Arthritis Foundation notes that a Mediterranean diet may reduce inflammation and pain in people with osteoarthritis and reduce the risk of fractures.
Additionally, for some people, following the Mediterranean diet may be a way to lose weight without counting calories or limiting portion sizes.
A large
Plant-based diets
Other tips that may help someone manage their arthritis include:
- Engaging in low impact exercise: This type of activity helps a person stay active without damaging the joints. The
CDC recommends walking, swimming, or cycling. - Choosing healthy cooking methods: Certain cooking methods can make nutrients more available and easier to absorb. This can include steaming rather than boiling and lightly frying in a healthful oil rather than deep-frying.
- Getting regular sun exposure: Vitamin D is essential for bone health because it helps the body absorb calcium. While some foods contain vitamin D, the easiest way to get enough vitamin D is to spend some time in the sunshine.
Foods that increase inflammation, such as those containing added sugar and saturated fat, may worsen arthritis symptoms. Some people find that nightshades and foods high in purines also trigger arthritis flare-ups.
To identify triggers, a person can try excluding suspected trigger foods for a couple of weeks and then reintroducing them one at a time.
Consuming anti-inflammatory foods may help someone with arthritis manage their symptoms. These include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and anti-inflammatory fats.
A registered dietitian can help a person create an eating plan and identify foods they may want to avoid or consume to manage symptoms of arthritis.