Foods to Avoid When You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation in the joints. For people living with RA, managing pain, stiffness, and flare-ups is part of daily life — and while medication and therapy play crucial roles, your diet can also have a significant impact.

Certain foods can worsen inflammation and trigger RA symptoms, while others may help calm them. If you’re looking to reduce flare-ups and improve your overall joint health, knowing which foods to avoid is a powerful step.

Here are the top foods to avoid when you have rheumatoid arthritis, according to nutrition and medical experts.