Arthritis causes pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the tissues of the joints and includes conditions such as gout, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The food one has on a daily basis plays an important role in the frequency and severity of inflammation. Being strict about one’s daily meal plan by including and avoiding some foods may help in managing arthritis. Here are a few foods and beverages that are quite bad for this condition:

High-fat dairy
Dairy on this list may surprise many as it contains useful nutrients such as calcium and proteins. However, it also consists of casein, which promotes inflammation. Limiting dairy products or avoiding full-fat dairy products with added sugar is good when one has arthritis. One must also note that some dairy products, such as yogurt, consist of probiotics that would help reduce inflammation and help relieve other arthritis symptoms.

Processed and red meat
These foods have a direct link with the inflammation that causes arthritis. Red meat has more saturated fats than white meat and plant-based proteins. Substituting red meat with legumes, chicken, and fish can reduce inflammation in the body, which subsequently alleviates other symptoms of this condition.

Gluten-rich food
Gluten is a protein found in barley, wheat, and rye. There is an association between rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease, an autoimmune disease wherein gluten triggers inflammation in the gut and elsewhere in the body. Having a gluten-free meal plan may help reduce inflammation and hence be beneficial to rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Sugary snacks and beverages
One should limit their sugar intake, especially when they have arthritis. Added sugars are found in sodas, candies, sweet tea, fruit juices, and ice cream. A survey conducted on 217 people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has cited that among 20 foods, desserts and sugar-sweetened sodas have worsened the symptoms of RA.

Foods high in AGEs
AGEs, or advanced glycation end-products, are formed through reactions between proteins or fats and sugars. These compounds exist naturally in uncooked animal foods and are also created through some cooking procedures. French fries, margarine, mayonnaise, bacon, and roasted or fried chicken, are some foods containing the AGEs. When the level of AGEs is high in the body, inflammation and oxidative stress may occur, which can, in turn, worsen the symptoms of arthritis.

Foods with added salt
Reducing salt may be a good choice for people with arthritis. Although the sodium in salt is required for many body functions, having a high amount of it may lead to trouble. A high intake of salt is related to inflammation and an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Switch to foods and beverages that do not have added salt, and try flavoring the food with herbs and spices, oregano, cumin, and other healthy spices.

Foods with omega-6 fatty acids
Regularly having foods that are filled with omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids may worsen the symptoms of arthritis in patients. Corn, soybeans, nuts, meat, and sunflower are common sources of this nutrient.

Fried and canned foods
These foods are cooked using oils containing high saturated fats and omega-6 fatty acids, and both of these components are not good for health, especially if one has arthritis. Similarly, canned foods high in sugar or salt must be avoided.

Early diagnosis of arthritis is your best bet against most types of this condition. Consequently, prompt treatment can help manage the condition by minimizing the pain and discomfort. This disease can be controlled, treated, and managed with healthy meal plans and lifestyle modifications. Consult a healthcare expert for proper diagnosis and treatment.