The 11 Worst Foods for Your Joints (And the 3 Best Ones)

If you’re one of the 53 million people in the U.S. with arthritis, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you know the challenge of living with pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited range of motion.

Arthritis is an umbrella term for over 100 related ailments that affect your joints—like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout (1). Which means symptoms can vary from inconvenient to debilitating.

“People with arthritis are often prescribed an overwhelming amount of pain medications, but the first line of defense should be changing your diet,” says registered dietitian nutritionist Julia Diamond, RDN.

Regardless of your symptoms, a balanced anti-inflammatory diet can help relieve day-to-day arthritis pain (2). “Certain foods can trigger inflammation, while other foods can help regulate it,” says Dr. Jacob Hascalovici MD, PhD, a board-certified pain specialist, and Chief Medical Officer at Clearing.

“Anti-inflammatory foods help to stabilize blood sugar, reduce oxidative stress, and improve digestion—all of which reduce inflammation levels,” he adds.

Here, the inflammatory foods that might be contributing to your arthritic flare-ups, and what to eat instead, according to Diamond and Dr. Hascalovici.

Worst Foods for Arthritis

Before swearing off the pro-inflammatory foods listed below, Diamonds notes that everyone is different, so it’s worth testing to see how your body reacts to them. “If you do choose to change the way you eat, remember that you don’t have to change everything all at once,” says Dr. Hascalovici. “Try small changes.”

1. Refined carbs

White bread, muffins, cakes, and pastries all have one thing in common: they’re packed with refined flour and sugar. “Processed carbs may spike your blood sugar and set your body’s inflammatory response into action,” says Dr. Hascalovici.

Processed sugars—such as those in breakfast cereals and snacks—also do a number on your gut health (3), which can exacerbate inflammation (4).

What to eat instead

Diamond recommends avoiding these foods and instead opting for whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice, and quinoa. “Whole grains are more nutrient-dense, and provide numerous beneficial properties including fiber,” she adds.

2. Gluten

“If someone has one autoimmune disease, they have a higher risk of developing another, like celiac disease,” says Diamond. Celiac disease is an immune reaction to eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

If you struggle with frequent flare-ups, consider trying a gluten elimination trial to see if going gluten-free can help manage your arthritis symptoms. There is some evidence that a gluten free diet may be helpful for some people with arthritis, but larger studies are needed to confirm this (5). According to the Arthritis Foundation, it may help some and not others (6).

What to eat instead

Stick to gluten-free carbs to fill up, including fruits and veggies, rice, and quinoa.

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3. Added sugars

“A high sugar intake, including cane sugar and high fructose corn syrup, may contribute to unhealthy bacteria in your gut and may irritate your cells,” warns Dr. Hascalovici.

One study found that those who enjoyed high-fructose corn syrup-packed beverages—like soda, sweet tea, and juice—at least five times a week are more likely to battle arthritis than those who choose sugar-free drinks (8). What’s more, just one 12-ounce soda per day was found to increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis by 63 percent (9). Yikes.

“Added sugars contribute to inflammation, and have a strong association with weight gain and obesity—which can increase your risk of any inflammatory disease,” says Diamond.

What to eat instead

Diamond suggests opting for sparkling water, unsweetened tea, or fruit- and vegetable-infused water.

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4. Inflammatory fats

Dr. Hascalovici recommends limtiting the amount of seed oils—like vegetable oil, palm oil, and sunflower oil—in your diet to 5-10% (9). “In excess these oils may irritate tissues in the body,” he adds.

Oils that have a higher ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids—like sunflower, soybean, and safflower oil—are considered pro-inflammatory (10). Plus, trans fats—like commercial vegetable oil and margarine—raise LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) and lower HDL cholesterol (the good kind) according to the American Heart Association (AHA) (11).

What to eat instead

Try cooking with omega-3-rich oils—like olive oil and avocado oil—which reduce inflammation (10).

5. Fried foods

“Frying modifies the chemical makeup of food. Your body digests fried food differently and triggers inflammation as it digests,” says Dr. Hascalovici. “People who consume fried food regularly have been found to be at higher risk for cardiovascular conditions and cancer.”

Western diets, rich in heavily processed and fried foods, may increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis by contributing to inflammation and other risk factors like obesity, according to a review published in Autoimmunity Reviews (12).

What to eat instead

Grilling, stir-frying, baking, and sauteeing are all healthier cooking methods. For example, if given the choice between Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets (which are battered and fried) or Grilled Nuggets, go with the grilled option. 

6. Processed meats

Sorry, Ron Swanson. Some research links red and processed meat to inflammation, which may worsen arthritis symptoms. 

For example, one study found people who eat a lot of processed and red meats may have higher levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine—all markers of inflammation (13). Another found that red meat worsened rheumatoid arthritis symptoms (14). 

However, some research suggests processed meat intake is linked to a higher risk of rheumatoid arthritis, but not red meat (15). More research is needed.

What to eat instead

Sub in lean protein without all the processed junk, such as chicken or fish. Diamond also recommends tried-and-true plant-based proteins such as tofu or lentils (but, skip the Beyond steak, it’s processed, too).

7. Salty foods

Popcorn, chips, frozen meals, and fast food are tasty, in part, because they’re packed with loads of salt. Avoiding salt may help to reduce inflammation (16).

Though Diamond notes more research is needed to confirm the role of salt on inflammation, it’s still important to watch your sodium levels. “For general health, aim to stay under 2,300 mg of sodium per day, however under 2,000 mg is even better in the protection against cardiovascular occurrences,” says Diamond.

What to eat instead

“Get creative with other spices and seasonings like herbs, cumin, cayenne, and garlic which only have one ingredient and no added salt,” says Diamond. Or use a squeeze of lemon or lime to add in some vitamin C, a potent antioxidant. “These are a great tool for bringing more flavor into your home-cooked meals while controlling the sodium level.”

8. Nightshades

“Tomatoes, eggplants, and white potatoes all belong to the nightshade family. Even though they are vegetables, they’re not recommended for inflammatory conditions,” advises Dr. Hascalovici. “That’s because they contain solanine, a bitter-tasting chemical (17).”

What to eat instead

Before you use this as an excuse to eat fewer vegetables, a diet high in vegetables can protect against arthritis (18). Diamond suggests other vegetables like carrots, squash, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli.

9. High-fat dairy

Many point the finger at dairy as a cause of inflammation; however, it may have neutral to beneficial effects on inflammation, according to a recent review (19). Still, one study linked dairy to worse rheumatoid arthritis symptoms (20).

“Dairy naturally has saturated fat which contributes to inflammation (21),” says Diamond. “The worst culprits are whole-fat milk and high-fat cheeses.”

What to eat instead

Diamond recommends sticking to lower-fat (and sodium) cheese options—like low-fat cottage cheese and mozzarella—low-fat milk, greek yogurt, or plant-based alternatives.

10. Foods high in AGEs

“Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) form when protein and fats combine with sugars,” says Diamond. These harmful compounds have been linked to stiffness and inflammation. They are naturally present in most foods but increase in quantity when exposed to high-heat cooking methods. Which means they run rampant in fast food such as french fries and chicken strips (22). 

“When AGEs accumulate, cells are more susceptible to inflammation,” says Diamond. For example, AGE accumulation in bones and joints may play a role in the development and progression of osteoarthritis (23).

What to eat instead

Replacing high-AGE foods with nutritious, whole foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and fish may reduce the total AGE load in your body (22).

11. Foods high in purines

Purines are substances in foods—such as organ meats, red meat, and some seafood—that the body converts to uric acid. Uric acid can build up in the bloodstream, and deposit in and around joints, causing inflammation and arthritis—AKA gout. If you already have arthritis pain, the last thing you need is a bout of gout to swoop in and make symptoms even worse.  

What to eat instead

The Mayo Clinic suggests avoiding organ meats which are particularly high in purines (24). You don’t need to completely avoid red meat or seafood, says Diamond. Just limit red meat, and eat moderate portions of seafood—the overall health benefits of eating fish may outweigh the risks. 

Worst Beverages to Drink With Arthritis

1. Alcohol

You knew this was coming (but, still boo). “The occasional glass of wine could be fine and may help reduce oxidative stress in your body,” says Dr. Hascalovici, “but regularly consuming alcoholic beverages in large quantities can spike blood sugar and damage your liver and kidneys.”

“Alcohol causes dehydration which directly promotes chronic inflammation (26),” says Diamond. To reduce arthritic flare-ups, it’s best to limit your intake.

What to drink instead

If you need a pick-me-up consider an alcohol alternatives which offer all the fun of your favorite beer, wine, or cocktail without the buzz. Or opt for something lighter, such as water, sparkling water, or green tea.

2. Coffee

According to the Arthritis Foundation, it’s not clear whether coffee is good for arthritis or not (27). One potential reason: Experts can’t decide whether coffee causes inflammation or clears it up. On the one hand, it’s rich in anti-inflammatory polyphenols which aid in reducing inflammation. On the other, too much caffeine can mess with cortisol levels and sleep which is no bueno for inflammation. 

What to drink instead

Diamond actually says it’s okay to drink some coffee. Just stick to these rules:

• Consume no more than one to two cups a day. 
• Stop drinking it four to six hours before bed. 
• Don’t add too much sugar or cream which may stoke inflammation.

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The Best Foods for Arthritis

While the list of pro-inflammatory foods is long, there are tons of foods you can eat to fight inflammation.

“Set yourself up for success by finding a combination of healthy foods that work for you,” says Dr. Hascalovici. “It takes a while to get comfortable with new foods, find new recipes, and give your taste buds time to adjust.”

1. Veggies

“Include as many colors on your plate as you can to fill your diet with heart-healthy antioxidants,” says Diamond. “This improves heart health, and helps relieve arthritis pain, too.”

Focus on alliums—like onions, garlic, and leeks—which contain the anti-inflammatory compound quercetin and sulfur compounds that may reduce pain and improve physical function (28).

Also add in sweet potatoes, squash, and carrots. Orange and red veggies are packed with carotenoids, an antioxidant that may help reduce inflammation (29).

Don’t forget green veggies like cabbage, broccoli, Swiss chard, and spinach. “Dark, green, leafy veggies feed the bacteria that your digestive tract needs to absorb food and carry out waste, improving digestive health and thereby reducing inflammation,” says Dr. Hascalovici.

2. Fruit

“Aim to eat a range of colorful fruits,” says Diamond. Citrus, strawberries, and kiwi are rich in vitamin C–which acts as an antioxidant, protecting bone and cartilage (30).

“Berries—especially blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries—are high in antioxidants that can slow damage that happens to cells from stressors such as sun exposure, smoke, and air pollution,” says Dr. Hascalovici. They’re also rich in anthocyanins (a flavonoid that lends a purple or red color to plant foods) that may improve blood flow and potentially reduce pain (31).

3. Anti-inflammatory fats

“Omega-3 fatty acids have numerous beneficial properties. Incorporate fatty fish, olive or avocado oil, nuts, and seeds into your diet to support optimal health,” says Diamond. Eating foods high in omega-3 fats may improve swollen and tender joints (32).

“Almonds, pistachios, and pecans, in particular, are rich in compounds that stabilize blood sugar and can have a cascading positive effect, improving a host of other health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension,” says Dr. Hascalovici.