Myth: Dairy Makes RA Worse You don't have to cut milk, cheese, or yogurt from your diet. There's not much evidence that your joints will feel better if you skip those foods. And keep in mind that some RA meds put you at greater risk for osteoporosis, so you don't want to miss out on dairy's bone-building benefits.
Gouda is good for your knees, a new study shows.
Every time you take a step you put a force equal to at least 1.5 times your body weight on your knees. That relentless strain takes a toll and can over time lead to painful osteoarthritis (OA).
Eat cheese and high-fat dairy sparingly if inflammation causes you major problems. Saturated fats and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are in most cheese, butter, cream cheese, margarine, and mayonnaise.
You may be surprised to see dairy on this list, since it has many beneficial nutrients like calcium and protein. But it also contains casein, which may contribute to inflammation. Limiting the amount of dairy products you consume could reduce inflammation in your joints.
Eat and Drink Less Dairy on a Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms may flare in response to specific proteins found in dairy products. Some people with rheumatoid arthritis who report intolerance to milk have antibodies to milk proteins, Dr. Michet says.
Several studies have shown that saturated fats trigger adipose (fat tissue) inflammation, which is not only an indicator for heart disease but it also worsens arthritis inflammation. Pizza and cheese are the biggest sources of saturated fats in the average American diet, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Nightshade Vegetables
Eggplants, peppers, tomatoes and potatoes are all members of the nightshade family. These vegetables contain the chemical solanine, which some people claim aggravates arthritis pain and inflammation.
Make sure you opt for low-fat milk to avoid consuming extra calories and saturated fat. Orange, tomato, pineapple and carrot juices are all high in the antioxidant, vitamin C, which can neutralize free radicals that lead to inflammation.
Wheat products — like pasta, bread, crackers, and bagels — may spell trouble for your joints, especially if you have rheumatoid arthritis. The reason? Wheat contains gluten, a protein that can irritate and aggravate arthritic joints.
When following an anti-inflammatory diet, avoid eating: Foods high in saturated fats (including red meat, cheese and foods made with saturated fats and oils) Full-fat dairy (such as cheese and whole milk)
Some people with rheumatoid arthritis may have an egg allergy or sensitivity, which could exacerbate symptoms. Additionally, some people with rheumatoid arthritis may have other health conditions that require them to limit their egg intake.
Hot and cold cereals are good options. They are quick ways to get a serving of fiber-full whole grains that can help reduce inflammation. While oatmeal may be your go-to grain, there are several nutritious cereals made from corn, brown rice, quinoa, hemp, buckwheat and kamut.
Red meat and processed meats, including bacon, hot dogs, lunch meats and cured meats. Refined grains, including white bread, white rice, pasta and breakfast cereals. Snack foods, including chips, cookies, crackers and pastries.
Another study, published in Nutrients, found that yogurt consumption was associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers, and as the study authors note, “may be an important part of a healthy diet, designed to mitigate systemic inflammation.” Cohen recommends plain Greek yogurt, which has more protein than other ...
Greek yogurt is higher in protein than non-Greek yogurt, and many yogurts are fortified with vitamin D, which is important for people with rheumatoid arthritis, according to Sonya Angelone, RDN, the owner of a nutritional counseling firm based in the San Francisco area.
Does chocolate influence arthritis? Dark chocolate contains phytonutrients called flavonoids, which act as antioxidants and may help reduce inflammation. The darker you go, the more antioxidants you will get. Go for chocolate that's at least 70% cacao or higher.
Bananas and Plantains are high in magnesium and potassium that can increase bone density. Magnesium may also alleviate arthritis symptoms.
Citrus foods, such as oranges, grapefruit, lemon, and limes, are rich in vitamin C, and are also good sources of inflammation-fighting antioxidants, which are beneficial for those with rheumatoid arthritis.
Grapefruit juice can, however, interact with some medicines that doctors use to treat arthritis. People who are undergoing treatment should check with a doctor before incorporating it into their diet.
Oats are not just a great source of fiber — they also have anti-inflammatory properties. They contain components, such as bioactive phytochemicals, that possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Berries, apples and pomegranates
Berries are rich in antioxidants and the Arthritis Foundation notes that blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cranberries, raspberries and boysenberries all provide arthritis-fighting power.