Research suggests that starting the day with a sweet breakfast is one of the worst food choices to make. It is a sure-shot way of increasing blood sugar levels and inflammation, both of which can affect arthritis pain. People with arthritis also experience other symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, tenderness of joints, and fever. Along with treatment options for the condition, making better food choices can help manage these symptoms:

Dairy
Certain proteins in dairy products can trigger inflammation in the body. People with arthritis may have antibodies to milk proteins and are often intolerant to milk. However, these antibodies also attack cells along with milk proteins and can increase inflammation. So, people with intolerance to dairy products should avoid such foods to see improvement in their pain levels and relieve other symptoms. Plant milk is a great alternative, however, one will have to test the substitute to determine whether these options work well for their body.

Red meat
High intake of red meat and fats has often been linked with worsening rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. This is caused by heme protein, a known cause of inflammation, found in substantial quantities in red meat like veal, pork, beef, and lamb. Red meats are also rich in saturated fat content that triggers inflammation and aggravates arthritis symptoms. So, one should avoid or at least limit red meats. Even reducing the portion size of red meat in meals can help one manage the symptoms and avoid discomfort.

Gluten
Certain people diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis are also susceptible to celiac disease, in which the immune system reacts abnormally to a protein called gluten. Gluten is found in some grains, including wheat, and is responsible for the chewy texture of the dough. When people with celiac disease have foods containing gluten, they can experience an immune system response that leads to bloating and diarrhea. In some cases, this response can aggravate pain and inflammation in the joints. While not all people with arthritis may be affected by celiac disease, but they can try cutting down gluten and see if their symptoms improve. If they notice positive changes, this could indicate intolerance to the protein, i.e., gluten sensitivity.

Refined sugar
Carbohydrates are an essential part of a balanced meal. That said, refined sugars are not the best source of carbohydrates in daily meals. As delicious as desserts can be, they do not need to be a part of one’s routine. Further, one can opt for healthier alternatives to satisfy sweet cravings. Added sugars do not provide nutritional benefits and, instead, can cause or aggravate inflammation. Excessive intake of refined sugar also contributes to poor cardiovascular health and high cholesterol levels. So, regulating one’s refined sugar intake not only helps in the management of arthritis symptoms it also helps one avoid other health complications.

Ready-to-eat foods
Highly processed, ready-to-eat foods should be avoided when affected by arthritis. The packaged food is loaded with sugar and salt, both of which, when added in high quantities, can prove harmful to arthritis patients. The two ingredients lead to increased production of cytokine, a compound that causes inflammation and worsens arthritis symptoms. Besides, if ready-to-eat meals are part of one’s daily meals regularly, they can increase one’s body mass and put immense pressure on joints that are already weakened as a result of arthritis. So, one should avoid instant foods and check the label for ingredients before buying a product. Checking out the nutritional content and ingredients on the label is generally a great way to determine what should be avoided. Being aware of the ingredients can help one make better food choices.