Rheumatoid arthritis(RA), a chronic inflammatory disease, is aprogressive condition. Managing RA involves getting treatment for your symptoms, as well as treatment to slow down disease progression. One way to manage your condition is through diet changes.Studies indicate that diet plays an important role in the risk of RA and disease progression.And just as many different types of foods offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, others—like trans fats, red meat, and sodium—can worsen RA symptoms and increase disease activity.
Rheumatoid arthritis(RA), a chronic inflammatory disease, is aprogressive condition. Managing RA involves getting treatment for your symptoms, as well as treatment to slow down disease progression. One way to manage your condition is through diet changes.
Studies indicate that diet plays an important role in the risk of RA and disease progression.And just as many different types of foods offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, others—like trans fats, red meat, and sodium—can worsen RA symptoms and increase disease activity.
1Trans FatsLauri Patterson/Getty ImagesIf you have RA, it is best to avoidtrans fats. This type of fat is known for increasinginflammationin the body and is associated with numerous negative health effects.Sources of trans fats include margarine, shortening, non-dairy creamer that’s made with partially hydrogenated oils, anything that is fried in partially hydrogenated oils, and many shelf-stable pastries, donuts, and pies.What Are the Risks of Untreated Rheumatoid Arthritis?
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Trans FatsLauri Patterson/Getty ImagesIf you have RA, it is best to avoidtrans fats. This type of fat is known for increasinginflammationin the body and is associated with numerous negative health effects.Sources of trans fats include margarine, shortening, non-dairy creamer that’s made with partially hydrogenated oils, anything that is fried in partially hydrogenated oils, and many shelf-stable pastries, donuts, and pies.What Are the Risks of Untreated Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Trans Fats
Lauri Patterson/Getty Images
If you have RA, it is best to avoidtrans fats. This type of fat is known for increasinginflammationin the body and is associated with numerous negative health effects.
Sources of trans fats include margarine, shortening, non-dairy creamer that’s made with partially hydrogenated oils, anything that is fried in partially hydrogenated oils, and many shelf-stable pastries, donuts, and pies.
What Are the Risks of Untreated Rheumatoid Arthritis?
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Refined Carbohydrates
Hillary’s Chocolate Chip Cookies.Esther Chou / Getty Images
Refined carbohydrates can worsen RA symptoms. They come in two main types—sugars and refined grains:
A study reported in 2018 in the journalArthritis Care & Researchinvolved diet surveys sent to 300 people in a single-center RA registry at a large academic center.The study participants were asked if they consumed each of 20 foods, and if those made symptoms better, worse, or didn’t affect them at all.
What the researchers found was sugary drinks and desserts were the most frequently associated with worsening RA symptoms.
3Processed and Red Meatskajakiki/Getty ImagesRed meats and processed meats have been linked to inflammation and increased RA symptoms. Diets high in these meats can produce high levels of inflammatory proteins, includingcytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6),C-reactive protein(CRP), and homocysteine.Red meat includes beef, lamb, mutton, pork, venison, veal, and goat.Processed meats are those which have been preserved through smoking, curing, salting, or adding preservatives. Examples include sausage, bacon, hot dogs, deli meats, and ham.Some people who have RA have reported improved symptoms after removing red meats and processed meats from their diets.
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Processed and Red Meatskajakiki/Getty ImagesRed meats and processed meats have been linked to inflammation and increased RA symptoms. Diets high in these meats can produce high levels of inflammatory proteins, includingcytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6),C-reactive protein(CRP), and homocysteine.Red meat includes beef, lamb, mutton, pork, venison, veal, and goat.Processed meats are those which have been preserved through smoking, curing, salting, or adding preservatives. Examples include sausage, bacon, hot dogs, deli meats, and ham.Some people who have RA have reported improved symptoms after removing red meats and processed meats from their diets.
Processed and Red Meats
kajakiki/Getty Images
Red meats and processed meats have been linked to inflammation and increased RA symptoms. Diets high in these meats can produce high levels of inflammatory proteins, includingcytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6),C-reactive protein(CRP), and homocysteine.
Some people who have RA have reported improved symptoms after removing red meats and processed meats from their diets.
4Glutencarlosgaw/Getty ImagesGluten—a protein found in many types of grains—may contribute to inflammation for some people.A gluten-free diet may actually ease RA symptoms if you have gluten sensitivity orceliac disease.Symptoms of gluten sensitivityinclude bloating, diarrhea, constipation, smelly feces, abdominal pain, headaches, and fatigue. If you experience the signs of gluten sensitivity, your healthcare provider may advise you to remove gluten-containing foods from your diet.Additionally, if you have celiac disease, an autoimmune condition, you can experience intestinal inflammation and damage from consuming gluten.Gluten-containing foods include wheat, rye, barley, or malt in various forms (malted milk for milkshakes, malt syrup, etc.), wheat starches, and more.
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Glutencarlosgaw/Getty ImagesGluten—a protein found in many types of grains—may contribute to inflammation for some people.A gluten-free diet may actually ease RA symptoms if you have gluten sensitivity orceliac disease.Symptoms of gluten sensitivityinclude bloating, diarrhea, constipation, smelly feces, abdominal pain, headaches, and fatigue. If you experience the signs of gluten sensitivity, your healthcare provider may advise you to remove gluten-containing foods from your diet.Additionally, if you have celiac disease, an autoimmune condition, you can experience intestinal inflammation and damage from consuming gluten.Gluten-containing foods include wheat, rye, barley, or malt in various forms (malted milk for milkshakes, malt syrup, etc.), wheat starches, and more.
Gluten
carlosgaw/Getty Images
Gluten—a protein found in many types of grains—may contribute to inflammation for some people.A gluten-free diet may actually ease RA symptoms if you have gluten sensitivity orceliac disease.
Gluten-containing foods include wheat, rye, barley, or malt in various forms (malted milk for milkshakes, malt syrup, etc.), wheat starches, and more.
5Dairy Productsfcafotodigital/Getty ImagesFor some people who have RA, dairy foods may increase systemic inflammation. However, there is not a significant amount of research about the effects of dairy on RA, and the results are mixed.One 2019 report in the journalFrontiers in Nutritionsuggests that most animal foods, including milk, eggs, and dairy can be a problem for people with RA.Interestingly, other studies find that dairy generally has anti-inflammatory effects.Milk products may also contain saturated fats, which can contribute to inflammation.If you don’t experience negative effects from dairy products, try to select low-fat options rather than full-fat.
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Dairy Productsfcafotodigital/Getty ImagesFor some people who have RA, dairy foods may increase systemic inflammation. However, there is not a significant amount of research about the effects of dairy on RA, and the results are mixed.One 2019 report in the journalFrontiers in Nutritionsuggests that most animal foods, including milk, eggs, and dairy can be a problem for people with RA.Interestingly, other studies find that dairy generally has anti-inflammatory effects.Milk products may also contain saturated fats, which can contribute to inflammation.If you don’t experience negative effects from dairy products, try to select low-fat options rather than full-fat.
Dairy Products
fcafotodigital/Getty Images
For some people who have RA, dairy foods may increase systemic inflammation. However, there is not a significant amount of research about the effects of dairy on RA, and the results are mixed.
If you don’t experience negative effects from dairy products, try to select low-fat options rather than full-fat.
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Sodium
fcafotodigital / Getty Images
Cutting out salt and foods that are high in sodium might be a good idea for people living with RA. Foods high in sodium content include canned soups, some cheeses, processed meats, and a variety of processed foods.
7Foods High in AGEsLauri Patterson/Getty ImagesAdvanced glycation end products (AGEs)—molecules created through reactions between sugars and proteins or fats—naturally exist in uncooked animal fats and are formed with some cooking methods.High protein and high-fat foods—especially fried foods—have the highest amounts of AGEs. French fries, mayonnaise, American cheese, and processed meats are also loaded with AGEs.Research shows people who have inflammatory arthritis, like RA, tend to have higher levels of AGEs than people who don’t have arthritis.You also have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease if you have RA, and AGEs are also an early indicator of cardiovascular disease.
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Foods High in AGEsLauri Patterson/Getty ImagesAdvanced glycation end products (AGEs)—molecules created through reactions between sugars and proteins or fats—naturally exist in uncooked animal fats and are formed with some cooking methods.High protein and high-fat foods—especially fried foods—have the highest amounts of AGEs. French fries, mayonnaise, American cheese, and processed meats are also loaded with AGEs.Research shows people who have inflammatory arthritis, like RA, tend to have higher levels of AGEs than people who don’t have arthritis.You also have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease if you have RA, and AGEs are also an early indicator of cardiovascular disease.
Foods High in AGEs
Advanced glycation end products (AGEs)—molecules created through reactions between sugars and proteins or fats—naturally exist in uncooked animal fats and are formed with some cooking methods.
High protein and high-fat foods—especially fried foods—have the highest amounts of AGEs. French fries, mayonnaise, American cheese, and processed meats are also loaded with AGEs.
Research shows people who have inflammatory arthritis, like RA, tend to have higher levels of AGEs than people who don’t have arthritis.
You also have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease if you have RA, and AGEs are also an early indicator of cardiovascular disease.
A Word From VerywellAnti-inflammatory foods are helpful for managing inflammation and other RA symptoms. An anti-inflammatory diet should include plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and healthy fats, including olive oil and nuts. Some people experience improvement of RA with a vegan diet or a plant-based diet.You will also need to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, weight management, and not smoking, possibly with guidance from a nutritionist or dietitian.What Is an Anti-Inflammatory Diet, and What Foods Should You Eat?
A Word From Verywell
Anti-inflammatory foods are helpful for managing inflammation and other RA symptoms. An anti-inflammatory diet should include plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and healthy fats, including olive oil and nuts. Some people experience improvement of RA with a vegan diet or a plant-based diet.
You will also need to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes exercise, weight management, and not smoking, possibly with guidance from a nutritionist or dietitian.
What Is an Anti-Inflammatory Diet, and What Foods Should You Eat?
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gioia C, Lucchino B, Tarsitano MG, et al.Dietary habits and nutrition in rheumatoid arthritis: Can diet influence disease development and clinical manifestations?Nutrients. 2020;12(5):1456. doi:10.3390/nu12051456Oteng AB, Kersten S.Mechanisms of action of trans fatty acids.Adv Nutr. 2020;11(3):697-708. doi:10.1093/advances/nmz125Shivappa N, Hébert JR, Rietzschel ER, et al.Associations between dietary inflammatory index and inflammatory markers in the Asklepios study. Br J Nutr. 2015;113(4):665-671. doi:10.1017/S000711451400395XTedeschi SK, Frits M, Cui J, et al.Diet and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: Survey results from a rheumatoid arthritis registry.Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2017;69(12):1920-1925. doi:10.1002/acr.23225Alwarith J, Kahleova H, Rembert E, et al.Nutrition interventions in rheumatoid arthritis: The potential use of plant-based diets. A reviews.Front Nutr. 2019;6:141. doi:10.3389/fnut.2019.00141de Punder K, Pruimboom L.The dietary intake of wheat and other cereal grains and their role in inflammation.Nutrients. 2013;5(3):771-787. doi:10.3390/nu5030771Bordoni A, Danesi F, Dardevet D, et al.Dairy products and inflammation: A review of the clinical evidence.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2017;57(12):2497-2525. doi:10.1080/10408398.2014.967385Sehnert B, Pohle S, Schröder A, et al.OP0023 Low salt diet ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis.Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.2015;74:73. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-eular.5482Uribarri J, del Castillo MD, de la Maza MP, et al.Dietary advanced glycation end products and their role in health and disease.Adv Nutr. 2015;6(4):461-473. doi:10.3945/an.115.008433de Groot L, Hinkema H, Westra J, et al.Advanced glycation endproducts are increased in rheumatoid arthritis patients with controlled disease.Arthritis Res Ther. 2011;13(6):R205. doi:10.1186/ar3538
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Gioia C, Lucchino B, Tarsitano MG, et al.Dietary habits and nutrition in rheumatoid arthritis: Can diet influence disease development and clinical manifestations?Nutrients. 2020;12(5):1456. doi:10.3390/nu12051456Oteng AB, Kersten S.Mechanisms of action of trans fatty acids.Adv Nutr. 2020;11(3):697-708. doi:10.1093/advances/nmz125Shivappa N, Hébert JR, Rietzschel ER, et al.Associations between dietary inflammatory index and inflammatory markers in the Asklepios study. Br J Nutr. 2015;113(4):665-671. doi:10.1017/S000711451400395XTedeschi SK, Frits M, Cui J, et al.Diet and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: Survey results from a rheumatoid arthritis registry.Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2017;69(12):1920-1925. doi:10.1002/acr.23225Alwarith J, Kahleova H, Rembert E, et al.Nutrition interventions in rheumatoid arthritis: The potential use of plant-based diets. A reviews.Front Nutr. 2019;6:141. doi:10.3389/fnut.2019.00141de Punder K, Pruimboom L.The dietary intake of wheat and other cereal grains and their role in inflammation.Nutrients. 2013;5(3):771-787. doi:10.3390/nu5030771Bordoni A, Danesi F, Dardevet D, et al.Dairy products and inflammation: A review of the clinical evidence.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2017;57(12):2497-2525. doi:10.1080/10408398.2014.967385Sehnert B, Pohle S, Schröder A, et al.OP0023 Low salt diet ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis.Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.2015;74:73. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-eular.5482Uribarri J, del Castillo MD, de la Maza MP, et al.Dietary advanced glycation end products and their role in health and disease.Adv Nutr. 2015;6(4):461-473. doi:10.3945/an.115.008433de Groot L, Hinkema H, Westra J, et al.Advanced glycation endproducts are increased in rheumatoid arthritis patients with controlled disease.Arthritis Res Ther. 2011;13(6):R205. doi:10.1186/ar3538
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Gioia C, Lucchino B, Tarsitano MG, et al.Dietary habits and nutrition in rheumatoid arthritis: Can diet influence disease development and clinical manifestations?Nutrients. 2020;12(5):1456. doi:10.3390/nu12051456Oteng AB, Kersten S.Mechanisms of action of trans fatty acids.Adv Nutr. 2020;11(3):697-708. doi:10.1093/advances/nmz125Shivappa N, Hébert JR, Rietzschel ER, et al.Associations between dietary inflammatory index and inflammatory markers in the Asklepios study. Br J Nutr. 2015;113(4):665-671. doi:10.1017/S000711451400395XTedeschi SK, Frits M, Cui J, et al.Diet and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: Survey results from a rheumatoid arthritis registry.Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2017;69(12):1920-1925. doi:10.1002/acr.23225Alwarith J, Kahleova H, Rembert E, et al.Nutrition interventions in rheumatoid arthritis: The potential use of plant-based diets. A reviews.Front Nutr. 2019;6:141. doi:10.3389/fnut.2019.00141de Punder K, Pruimboom L.The dietary intake of wheat and other cereal grains and their role in inflammation.Nutrients. 2013;5(3):771-787. doi:10.3390/nu5030771Bordoni A, Danesi F, Dardevet D, et al.Dairy products and inflammation: A review of the clinical evidence.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2017;57(12):2497-2525. doi:10.1080/10408398.2014.967385Sehnert B, Pohle S, Schröder A, et al.OP0023 Low salt diet ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis.Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.2015;74:73. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-eular.5482Uribarri J, del Castillo MD, de la Maza MP, et al.Dietary advanced glycation end products and their role in health and disease.Adv Nutr. 2015;6(4):461-473. doi:10.3945/an.115.008433de Groot L, Hinkema H, Westra J, et al.Advanced glycation endproducts are increased in rheumatoid arthritis patients with controlled disease.Arthritis Res Ther. 2011;13(6):R205. doi:10.1186/ar3538
Gioia C, Lucchino B, Tarsitano MG, et al.Dietary habits and nutrition in rheumatoid arthritis: Can diet influence disease development and clinical manifestations?Nutrients. 2020;12(5):1456. doi:10.3390/nu12051456
Oteng AB, Kersten S.Mechanisms of action of trans fatty acids.Adv Nutr. 2020;11(3):697-708. doi:10.1093/advances/nmz125
Shivappa N, Hébert JR, Rietzschel ER, et al.Associations between dietary inflammatory index and inflammatory markers in the Asklepios study. Br J Nutr. 2015;113(4):665-671. doi:10.1017/S000711451400395X
Tedeschi SK, Frits M, Cui J, et al.Diet and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: Survey results from a rheumatoid arthritis registry.Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2017;69(12):1920-1925. doi:10.1002/acr.23225
Alwarith J, Kahleova H, Rembert E, et al.Nutrition interventions in rheumatoid arthritis: The potential use of plant-based diets. A reviews.Front Nutr. 2019;6:141. doi:10.3389/fnut.2019.00141
de Punder K, Pruimboom L.The dietary intake of wheat and other cereal grains and their role in inflammation.Nutrients. 2013;5(3):771-787. doi:10.3390/nu5030771
Bordoni A, Danesi F, Dardevet D, et al.Dairy products and inflammation: A review of the clinical evidence.Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2017;57(12):2497-2525. doi:10.1080/10408398.2014.967385
Sehnert B, Pohle S, Schröder A, et al.OP0023 Low salt diet ameliorates collagen-induced arthritis.Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.2015;74:73. doi:10.1136/annrheumdis-2015-eular.5482
Uribarri J, del Castillo MD, de la Maza MP, et al.Dietary advanced glycation end products and their role in health and disease.Adv Nutr. 2015;6(4):461-473. doi:10.3945/an.115.008433
de Groot L, Hinkema H, Westra J, et al.Advanced glycation endproducts are increased in rheumatoid arthritis patients with controlled disease.Arthritis Res Ther. 2011;13(6):R205. doi:10.1186/ar3538
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