3 worst foods for arthritis (and what you should eat instead)

When you are experiencing the symptoms of arthritis, it can be challenging to find effective management techniques. Arthritis is a chronic condition that inflames the joints. People with arthritis tend to experience recurring discomfort and joint pain. You might feel limited in how much you can move your joints as well. If you are looking for ways to manage your arthritis, your diet can have a vital impact. Reducing arthritis symptoms with the help of your diet involves avoiding certain foods and seeking out others. Some kinds of food can cause inflammation, which can make your arthritis worse. Anti-inflammatory foods, on the other hand, can help you find relief. Learning about the best and worst foods for arthritis can help you make educated decisions when it’s time to choose your next meal. 

3 worst foods for arthritis

• Red meat — Red meats such as beef, pork and lamb can promote joint inflammation. While red meat can be a good source of protein, it also tends to be high in saturated fats. Consuming large amounts of saturated fats can worsen health issues including high cholesterol and arthritis. Red meat is often considered to be one of the worst foods for arthritis because of the way it can trigger arthritis symptoms. Avoiding red meat, especially fatty cuts, can be a great step in reducing your inflammation. 
   
• Dairy products — Like red meat, dairy products often contain a lot of saturated fats. This is part of why products like milk, cheese and butter can promote inflammation. Avoiding high-fat dairy products on their own might not be enough. These products are often used as core ingredients of other foods, which makes good judgment crucial. Eating a dairy-heavy food like pizza, for example, could exacerbate your arthritis pain and stiffness. If you are sensitive to dairy already, these products can make you feel sick and worsen arthritis symptoms.
   
• Sugary snacks — Highly processed foods can come loaded with unhealthy oils and refined sugars. Traditional sweets are not the only snacks to look out for when planning your diet. The worst foods for arthritis include surprisingly sugary things like fast food sandwiches and certain breakfast cereals. A healthy diet should take hydration into account too. Sweet drinks like soda can contribute to inflammation and make your arthritis worse.

3 great alternatives

• Fatty fish — Looking for something to replace red meat in your savory dishes? While fatty red meats can be some of the worst foods for arthritis, fatty fish can actually help. This is because fish like salmon and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These are healthy fats that can have anti-inflammatory properties. Integrating more healthy seafood into your diet can help reduce joint swelling caused by arthritis.
   
• Nuts and seeds — Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and other nuts and seeds can have a major positive impact on your health. These nuts and seeds are sometimes called “superfoods.” This is because they tend to be excellent sources of fiber, healthy fats and antioxidants. Nuts can be used as an ingredient in a range of sweet and savory dishes, and their uses do not stop there. If you are looking to replace dairy, using nut-based alternatives like almond milk can be a good step. While dairy-based ingredients can make a food worse for your arthritis, cooking with nuts and seeds can make your meals healthier.
   
• Fresh fruits — Cutting sweets out of your diet can be difficult. Sugary snacks are often comforting and easy to access between meals. As some of the worst foods for arthritis, finding a tasty alternative to processed sweets is important. This is where fresh fruit can help you out. Easy-to-eat citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit come with lots of vitamins and antioxidants. Other fruits that have plenty of inflammation-fighting antioxidants include dark berries. If you want a healthy fruit that satisfies a sweet tooth, blueberries and blackberries are a good snack choice.

Alliance PTP is ready to help you find top-notch physical therapy for arthritis

Physical therapy combined with diet management can enhance your arthritis treatment and improve your quality of life. At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we’re proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. 

Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that’s close to you and that can help you address arthritis. 

Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform. 

Come find help for your injury or chronic condition today!