Added Sugars
You often already have enough sugar in your diet from the foods you eat. Doctors often advise people to lower their sugar intake as excess can cause or aggravate certain health complications. If you have arthritis, this advice is particularly relevant.
A 2017 study [7] examining the link between rheumatoid arthritis and diet found that out of over 200 people with rheumatoid arthritis, those who consumed more foods with added sugar frequently experienced more severe symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Among 20 foods, sugar-sweetened soda and desserts were the most likely to worsen the symptoms.
Consuming drinks that contain a lot of sugar can also increase your predisposition to arthritis. In a study with over 200,000 women [8], regular consumption of drinks high in soda was linked to an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis. This conclusion was also reflected in a 2020 study [9] published in Nutrients.
Another study [10] involving 1,209 adults between 20 and 30 years old found that those who drank beverages sweetened by fructose at least five times a week were three times more likely to have arthritis than those who took little or no fructose-sweetened beverages.
Many foods contain added sugars. Cereals, candies, barbecue sauces, ice cream, and soft drinks are among the most common ones. There are several others. Always check the food label before buying it.