Joint pain? Avoid these foods: Unpacking the link between diet and rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other similar health issues result in ailments that can profoundly impact everyday functionalities. Patients typically experience symptoms like swelling, redness, stiffness, and acute joint pain.

Other associated symptoms involve chronic fatigue, increased body temperature, night sweats, and weight loss. Risk factors promoting joint diseases may include excess alcohol consumption, smoking, infections, sustained stress, and an unhealthy diet. So, which foods should someone struggling with joint inflammation avoid?

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who also have gluten intolerance should exclude this ingredient from their diets. In this situation, products containing gluten can escalate painful joint-related conditions.

Casein is a primary protein found in cow's milk. If consistently included in the diets of RA individuals, it can heighten the symptoms of autoimmune diseases by provoking the immune system to generate antibodies.

Eating foods with high levels of saturated and trans fats heightens the chances of inflammatory conditions developing in our bodies. Hence, individuals with joint diseases need to monitor their intake. High proportions of omega-6 polyunsaturated fat in a product, compared with omega-3 acids, can also be problematic.

Patients suffering from joint inflammation should also refrain from eating highly processed food, products laden with sugar, and alcoholic beverages.