What Not to Eat When You Have Arthritis

What are the worst foods for arthritis? Is there an arthritis diet? I take a lot of arthritis medications and painkillers, and I'd like to be able to cut back on that while still getting symptom relief.

The right diet for arthritis depends on the kind of arthritis you have.

For most forms of arthritis, diets play little or no role in precipitating or exacerbating the condition. However, in general, oils of fish have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Some osteoarthritis suffers benefit from omega-3 fatty acid supplements. Some people with osteoarthritis feel they benefit from the curcumin that is present in curry foods.

Gout is a particular type of metabolic arthritis that is clearly diet-related. Foods that are high in purines, especially red meats and shellfish, can worsen the condition. Moreover, certain foods elevate the levels of uric acid, including alcohol (especially beer) and those foods containing high amounts of fructose (such as the corn syrup found in soft drinks). For people with celiac disease, gluten-containing foods (wheat, barley, rye) can worsen joint pains.

For more information, read our full medical article on arthritis.