Arthritis can flare up from eating certain foods.

I have a number of clients who suffer from arthritis.

Several factors can cause inflammation in the body.

Sometimes there is an injury to joints, muscles, tendons, or other tissues.

Other times, foods can cause inflammation.

According to a recent Healthline article titled “Foods and Beverages to Avoid with Arthritis,” arthritis can be particularly affected by what a person consumes.

Eating certain foods like fried chicken may exacerbate arthritis.

For this reason, those afflicted by this condition should be intentional in their dietary choices.

What foods and drinks might those with arthritis be wise to avoid?

Added sugars. 

We all know we consume too much sugar.

It is everywhere in foods, and not just in the candy aisle.

Although some sugars are naturally occurring, many items found in the grocery store contain added sugars.

Food and beverage manufacturers sneak these into ketchup, salad dressing, and barbecue sauces.

Sugar-laden foods like desserts and sodas were found to be the most common culprits for worsening symptoms in a study of 217 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Processed and red meats. 

Other studies have connected the consumption of processed and red meats to increased inflammation and arthritis symptoms.

According to research, these meats make RA symptoms worse.

Gluten-containing foods. 

Gluten has increasingly become a problem for certain people.

Gluten is a group of proteins found in barley, rye, wheat, and other cereals.

Because some studies have found a link between this protein and inflammation, it may be prudent for those with arthritis to avoid gluten-containing foods.

Those with Celiac Disease have severe reactions to gluten and also have a higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis than the general population.

Some studies have shown a combination of vegan and gluten-free diets can reduce inflammation.

Highly processed foods.

Processed foods have been recognized as having a negative impact on health for decades.

Baked goods, fast foods, and breakfast cereals all tend to have more added sugars, fructose, refined grains, preservatives, and other inflammatory ingredients.

Research has corroborated the connection between highly processed foods, rheumatoid arthritis, and obesity.

Foods high in salt. 

Sodium intake has been connected to greater autoimmune disease risk through research.

One theory hypothesizes that salt leads to inflammation by stimulating immunological processes.

Sodium is found in high quantities in canned soup, pizza, processed meats, shrimp, some cheeses, and other processed foods.

Much like "hidden" sugar in food, so is "hidden" salt.

Foods high in AGEs. 

AGEs stands for dietary advanced glycation end products.

These are molecules that result from reactions between sugars and fats or proteins.

They are found naturally in uncooked animal foods and can also be created through certain methods of cooking.

High AGEs foods include animal products high in protein and fat prepared through broiling, grilling, frying, roasting, or searing.

Common culprits include American cheese, mayonnaise, margarine, roasted or fried chicken, grilled or pan-fried steak, and bacon.

In other words, stuff we like to eat.

Unfortunately, these AGEs can create inflammation and oxidative stress in the body when high amounts accumulate.

While many of these foods are delicious, those who suffer from arthritis may find it beneficial to avoid (or limit) consuming them.

Reference: Healthline (May 22, 2023) “Foods and Beverages to Avoid with Arthritis”