Gluten-Rich Foods
Gluten is a protein present in many types of foods, especially grains. These include barley, wheat, rye, malt, and triticale. Studies have linked gluten to an elevated incidence of inflammation. Pro-inflammatory foods are bad for arthritis [11] and certain studies have suggested [12] that removing gluten-rich foods from your diet can improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
A randomized study in 66 people who had rheumatoid arthritis found that a gluten-free vegan diet was significant in improving symptoms of the condition.
Ultra-Processed Foods
Fast foods, baked goods, breakfast cereals, and other highly processed foods are bad for people with arthritis. These products are often high in preservatives, added sugars, and other inflammatory ingredients which can aggravate arthritis symptoms.
According to research [13], diets that contain a lot of highly processed foods worsen inflammation and increase your risk of rheumatoid arthritis and obesity.
Like most processed foods, fast foods are rich in trans fat. Trans fats are well-known triggers of inflammation [14]. In addition to this, trans fats also raise LDL or bad cholesterol levels, which predisposes you to heart disease.
A study involving 56 people with rheumatoid arthritis found that participants who consumed large amounts of highly processed food showed an increase in many risk factors for heart disease, such as glycated hemoglobin.