Top 10 Foods to Avoid in Rheumatoid Arthritis and How to Replace Them

If you suffer from Rheumatoid arthritis and want to learn more about nutrition, this information is perfect for you. In this article, I will discuss the top 10 foods to avoid and how to replace them if you have rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, and certain foods you eat can trigger inflammation and pain. Have you ever been to a restaurant or a party and felt horrible the next day? Your joints were swollen, the pain was worse, the fatigue was awful, you felt more brain fog, and you wondered...how is that possible?

It is possible! Many of the foods that you indulge in at a party or a restaurant will cause more inflammation, and more inflammation will cause more pain. In this video, I will discuss the top 10 foods to avoid if you have rheumatoid arthritis and provide tips for making healthier food choices. I will offer you some alternatives to these foods to help you make healthier choices.

Tip 1: Processed and fried foods

Processed and fried foods are high in unhealthy fats, trans fats, and refined carbohydrates, which will increase inflammation and worsen your symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Burgers, french fries, potato chips, ice cream, and chocolate cookies will make you feel worse the next day. Instead, try replacing these foods with baked or grilled alternatives, such as baked chicken or grilled fish. You can also make your own healthy snacks, like baked kale chips or roasted chickpeas.

Tip 2: Sugary drinks

Sugary drinks like soda, energy or sports drinks are high in refined sugar and can trigger high levels of inflammation in the body. There are studies to prove that drinking one soda per day, every day, will increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Instead, try replacing these drinks with water, yes water! Still water or mineral water. You may also replace sodas with homemade herbal tea or infused water with fresh fruit and herbs.

Tip 3: Red meat

When it comes to red meat, it matters the quantity and the quality. If you eat red meat 1-2 times a week, that might be acceptable, but eating red meat or processed red meat daily is a NO-NO. Instead, try replacing red meat with leaner protein sources like fish, chicken, and turkey. Try to eat wild-caught fish every 2-3 days. You can also try plant-based protein sources like beans, lentils, and tofu to avoid eating too much meat.

Now, as you can see, limiting processed foods, refined sugar, and saturated fats is essential. If you want to dive deep into understanding how these foods are affecting your body when you suffer from RA, then let me invite you to take my five-day FREE challenges for RA arthritis, where you will learn about what foods to eliminate, how to replace these foods with superfoods, and what supplements you may use to boost your immune system. You will also be introduced to an exercise program specifically designed for people with RA. I will post the link to the challenge in the comments of this video.

Let's continue...

Tip 4: Dairy products

When it comes to dairy products like cheese and milk, the debate is still ongoing. I tell my patients that some dairy, like processed cheese, might be responsible for more inflammation. Instead, try replacing dairy products with alternatives like almond, coconut, or soy milk. Some dairy like PLAIN yogurt or Kefir will benefit RA patients as they are natural probiotics.

Tip 5: Gluten

Some people with rheumatoid arthritis may be sensitive to gluten, but not all patients. In patients sensitive to gluten, eating foods with gluten will trigger inflammation in the body. Instead, try replacing gluten-containing grains like wheat, barley, and rye with gluten-free alternatives like quinoa, brown rice, and gluten-free oats. If you significantly improve your symptoms after about 4-6 months on this gluten-free diet, with less pain and less swelling, then it is a reason for you to continue.

Tip 6: Nightshade vegetables

Now, let me tell you a story. One of my patients came to me to be evaluated for possible RA. She had all the symptoms of RA with joint pain, swelling, pain in her hands, and 1-2 hours of morning stiffness. Talking to the patient about what she was eating, she told me that she had grown many tomatoes in her garden over the summer, and she was eating many of them. I asked her to stop eating tomatoes, and in 2 months, she had no more symptoms of RA, and even her markers of inflammation became normal. Now, not all patients respond to this intervention, but it is worthwhile to try this.

Nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, and eggplant contain solanine, which can increase inflammation in some people with rheumatoid arthritis. Instead, replacing nightshade vegetables with non-nightshade vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and sweet potatoes will help you decrease the inflammation.

Tip 7: Refined carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, and rice can increase inflammation. As I mentioned, they contain gluten that can cause inflammation in the gut and may increase inflammation. Instead, try replacing refined carbohydrates with whole grain alternatives like whole wheat bread, brown rice, and quinoa.

Tip 8: Alcohol

Alcohol and a lot of alcohol or hard liquor can increase inflammation in the body and may worsen symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Some studies will support the idea of drinking a glass of red wine, but it definitely doesn't have to be more than one glass and not every day. Patients with RA may take medications like methotrexate or leflunomide that get metabolized through the liver, and drinking alcohol with these medications is not indicated. Instead, try replacing alcohol with non-alcoholic alternatives like sparkling water with a splash of juice or herbal tea. If you choose to drink alcohol, I recommend discussing with your rheumatologist and having a proper follow-up on your labs that evaluate your liver and kidney function.

Tip 9: Added sugars

Added sugars like those found in candy, cookies, and baked goods, even sugar added to ham and bread, can increase inflammation in the body. Instead, try replacing these sugary treats with healthier alternatives like fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, or dark chocolate. Yes, dark chocolate in moderation can be a great snack.

Tip 10: Artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame can trigger inflammation in some people with rheumatoid arthritis. Instead, replace artificial sweeteners with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, but again in small quantities.

Conclusion:

I hope that this video on tips for avoiding and replacing foods that can trigger inflammation and worsen symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis will be helpful for you. And don't forget to check out our 5-day online Rheumatoid arthritis challenge program to learn more about managing RA through nutrition with expert guidance and support. Remember, making small changes to your diet can greatly impact your health and well-being. Now, leave me a comment, and tell me what foods are causing you more pain and inflammation. Tell me, what did you use to replace these foods? Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe to support my educational channel! Together we can change the way people with RA feel about their disease.