This article offers practical dietary advice for managing arthritis. It highlights foods to avoid, such as processed and fried foods, sugar, dairy, tobacco, alcohol, and high-salt items. Limiting these can reduce inflammation, joint pain, and swelling, supporting overall joint health through targeted nutrition and lifestyle changes.

Diet Guidelines: Foods to Minimize Post-Arthritis Diagnosis

Arthritis causes joint pain and swelling, often managed through medication and dietary changes. While no specific diet cures arthritis, reducing consumption of certain foods can ease symptoms. Foods that promote inflammation should be limited. Below are key foods to avoid or reduce to support joint health.

Fried and Packaged Foods
Minimizing processed and fried foods can decrease joint inflammation. Research from Mount Sinai shows that reducing fried meats and packaged snacks benefits those with arthritis.

Choose fresh fruits and vegetables instead of fried options for better joint nourishment.

Cooked and Charbroiled Items
Foods cooked at high heat, such as grilled or baked dishes, contain AGEs—toxins that harm vital proteins and trigger inflammation. Limiting processed or heavily cooked foods can help manage symptoms.

Sugar and White Carbohydrates
High sugar consumption increases inflammation through AGE formation. Avoid sweets, white bread, and processed baked goods to reduce joint swelling.

Dairy Products
Limiting dairy like milk, cheese, and ice cream may help lessen joint discomfort. Many find relief by switching to a plant-based diet that omits dairy.

Smoking and Alcohol
Tobacco and alcohol worsen arthritis symptoms. Quitting these can improve joint health, especially since smoking raises rheumatoid arthritis risk, and alcohol can lead to gout.

Salt
Cutting back on salt, especially from processed foods like chips and processed cheeses, can reduce inflammation and swelling.

Adopting these dietary modifications can effectively help decrease joint pain and inflammation linked to arthritis.