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1.

Red Meat

Red meats are higher in fatparticularlysaturated fatthan white meats and plant-based proteins.

Studies have associated red meat intake with increased levels of inflammation, which may worsen joint swelling andarthritis symptoms.

Man eating cheeseburger, personal perspective view with other fast food on the table

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High-Fat Dairy

Milk, yogurt, and other dairy products may worsen arthritis symptoms.

It depends on the amount of fat and sugar a particular product contains.

If you suspect you are sensitive to orintolerant of dairy, eliminate dairy for a brief period of time.

This step could help you discover if you feel better when dairy is absent from your diet.

Research suggests that probiotics and a healthy mix of gut bacteria decrease inflammation and could help reduce arthritis symptoms.

Opt for low-fat options.

Along with omega-3 fatty acids, omega-6 fatty acids play a crucial role in brain function and bone health.

However, consuming too many omega-6s can cause inflammation and make arthritis worse.

Also, trycooking with olive oil, which is primarilymonounsaturated fat.

Research has associated highsalt intakewith greater inflammation and an increased risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

Salt isused as a preservativein many canned goods, including vegetables, meats, and soups.

Or try a seasoning mix that doesnt have any added salt.

Many grocery stores devote shelves to such seasoning mixes, so the choices are plentiful.

The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day.

Added sugars dont offer any nutritional value.

This is why they’re often referred to as empty calories.

In addition, they can increase inflammation.

Look for fruit canned in water and substitute fresh fruit for processed snacks.

Fried Foods

Fried foods are often cooked in oils that are high in saturated fat and omega-6 fatty acids.

Both have been associated with increased inflammation and an increase in arthritis symptoms.

Fried foods often contain other ingredientsbreading, salt, and added sugarthat can also lead to inflammation.

Instead of frying, opt forair fryingand baking.

These can all increase inflammation.

Eating a highly processed diet is associated with increasedobesityandinsulin resistance, which could indirectly worsen arthritis symptoms.

Alcohol

Some types of alcohol, like red wine, can have anti-inflammatory properties because they contain antioxidants.

Drinking no more than 5 ounces of red wine daily has been shown to promote joint health.

For other types of arthritis, likegout, alcohol can trigger a flare.

Studies have associated all types of alcohol with an increased risk of developing gout and more frequent gout flares.

This leaves the grain as asimple carbohydrate, which is more likely to spike blood sugar and increase inflammation.

Instead of consuming refined grains, look for foods made withwhole grains.

Whole grains are complex carbohydrates that are digested more slowly and contain more nutrients, likefiber.

Foods With Gluten

Glutenis a protein in grains like wheat, barley, and rye.

Some research has found that a gluten-free diet may help people with rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation.

Studies have also found an association between people who haveceliac diseaseand rheumatoid arthritis.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease in which gluten triggers inflammation in the gut and elsewhere in the body.

Not everyone is sensitive to gluten, though.

You might try avoiding it to see if your arthritis symptoms improve.

Purines

Purinesare substances that occur naturally in the body and are also found in some foods.

When the body breaks down purines, it makes uric acid.

Foods and drinks that are high in purines include:

12.

AGEs are molecules that form through reactions between sugars, proteins, or fats.

Coffee

Because coffee hasantioxidantscalledpolyphenols, it may help benefit some forms of arthritis, like gout.

Foods Containing MSG

Monosodium glutamate, commonly called MSG, is a food additive that enhances flavor.

Some people keep MSG at home and use it instead of salt toreduce their sodium intake.

But MSG has also been associated with increased inflammation.

Studies have also found links between MSG consumption and other issues, including heart problems andmetabolic disorders.

However, studies investigating the health effects of MSG have yielded inconsistent results.

Aspartame

Aspartameis a sweetener that is about 200 times sweeter than sugar.

Many people use aspartame-containing foods to reduce their intake of added sugar.

it’s possible for you to try using adifferent sweeteneror try reducing your intake of sweet foods in general.

Foods with Casein

Caseinis a dairy protein.

You’ll find casein in milk, cheese and other dairy products.

But some studies suggest that casein may promote inflammation.

Some studies have also suggested that people who drink A2 milk instead experience less inflammation.

More research is needed to fully understand the link between arthritis inflammation and casein.

Still, concerns about nightshades persist.

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