Rheumatoid arthritis, also referred to as RA, is an autoimmune disorder that affects body tissues and joints, such as the hands and feet. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its healthy tissues mistakenly. Prolonged RA may lead to erosion of bones, mobility issues, and deformity of the joints. The signs and symptoms of RA include fever, inflammation, pain in the joints, loss of appetite, fatigue, numbness, decreased motion, tingling, swelling, and stiffening of joints.

Other than medication prescribed by your doctor, certain foods also impact RA significantly. For instance the following foods should be avoided or limited by RA patients:

1. Fried foods
Fried foods contain trans fats, which increase body inflammation. The method of cooking contributes to inflammation because of the difference in heat. Frying foods require much heat, responsible for releasing a higher level of AGES that trigger body inflammation. AGES increases body cell oxidation. It is important to note that some oil types, such as margarine, have more inflammatory effects than the rest. Olive oil, for instance, is preferable. Fried foods cause obesity and increased weight strain joints; this could be harmful to people suffering from RA as it could add more pain and cause injury.

2. Refined sugar
The refined sugars are present in candy, pastries, ice-cream, soft drinks, chocolate, and any other products whose ingredients contain sucrose, glucose, maltose, and fructose. Digestion of these products releases a protein- cytokines that trigger inflammation. For health benefits, people with RA need to avoid or reduce the consumption of products containing refined sugar ingredients.

3. Alcohol
High intake levels of alcohol trigger inflammation of the joints. Precisely, red wine has resveratrol- which triggers inflammation. A glass for women and two for men is the medical limit for alcohol consumption; besides, alcohol damages the liver. Alcohol, when taken together with RA medications, could result in ulcers and stomach bleeding.

4. Salt
The use of excessive salt increases inflammation because of the sodium present. Processed foods contain salt at harmful levels. People suffering from RA should consider adding small amounts of salt to food when cooking or using alternative herbs and spices and avoid adding salt. Salt also increases water attraction and retention in cells, causing increased pressure in the blood vessels and affecting blood pressure. Salt also damages organs such as the kidney. Adding salt to food directly when eating is a bad habit with negative impacts.

5. Dairy
Although dairy products have nutritional benefits to the body, such as calcium and vitamins, they trigger inflammation. Milk products such as butter, mayonnaise, and cheese, have saturated fats present, which cause inflammation. Milk also contains a type of protein, casein, that triggers joint pains and irritation. Recent research shows that milk has bacteria harmful to the bodies of RA patients.