3. Fried FoodsCutting out fried foods can reduce your levels of inflammation, according to researchers from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. The study found that fried foods contain toxins called advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can increase oxidation in the body’s cells. Fried foods are also high in fat and can contribute to obesity. As an alternative to fried foods, “try to use an air fryer whenever possible, and choose baked foods over fried ones,” says Domingues.4. GlutenGluten, a protein found in grains such as wheat, rye, and barley, may contribute to inflammation in some people. Doctors believe that the effect can be even greater for people with an autoimmune disorder such as celiac disease or rheumatoid arthritis. “If gluten causes a flare, staying away is the best option,” says Domingues.RELATED: 12 Things That Make Rheumatoid Arthritis Worse5. AlcoholThe effect of alcohol on rheumatoid arthritis is not clearly understood. Moderate alcohol consumption has been shown to decrease the risk for RA, according to one study. A second study had similar findings: Women who drank more than three glasses of alcohol a week had half the risk for rheumatoid arthritis that teetotalers had.But drinking too much alcohol can cause a spike in the body’s levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), according to research. CRP is a powerful signal of inflammation, and the study’s findings indicate that overindulgence in alcohol could increase inflammation and be detrimental to RA.Most medications are metabolized by the liver, and therefore, alcohol consumption should be limited if one is taking methotrexate, for example, to maximize liver function, says Domingues.RELATED: Foods That People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Should Remove From Their Diets6. Processed FoodsProcessed foods, from supermarket-shelf snacks to meals that come ready-to-eat or require minimal cooking, tend to be loaded with ingredients that cause inflammation. Such products or packaged convenience foods are packed with sugar, refined flour, and saturated fats — all making the food easy and irresistible but also unhealthy.Always read the Nutrition Facts label and the ingredient list on processed foods to make wise choices that won’t aggravate your rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.As you work to improve your diet, remember that researchers have not been able to agree on a standard RA diet, and a change in the foods you eat isn’t a substitute for treatment. Instead, think of these adjustments as steps to better RA management and overall well-being.
