When it comes to rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups, certain foods could be the culprits behind your stiff and sore joints and muscles. While there is no diet that can cure arthritis symptoms, some foods are worse than others at causing inflammation and worsening RA. Knowing which foods have inflammatory properties helps you make smart decisions about reducing your symptoms.

Here are three foods that could silently sabotage your efforts to reduce rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups:

1. Margarine

This creamy spread may make bread taste better, but it’s not helping your RA symptoms. It contains trans-fatty acids (TFAs), which are chemically-processed oils that solidify the margarine.

Foods heavy in TFAs have a big impact on inflammation, according to an American Journal of Clinical Nutrition study conducted by Harvard Medical School in 2004. (If you thought saturated fats were bad — TFAs are doubly dangerous, according to the study.) Our bodies need more energy to break down TFAs, which leads to more inflammation.

So what to have instead? Look for margarines that say they are trans-fat-free.

2. Cookies and comfort foods

These treats, along with cake, white bread, white rice and potatoes, can cause inflammation because they affect insulin levels in your body. High levels of insulin can be an inflammation trigger.

These treats reside at the top end of the glycemic index (GI), which ranks foods according to how much they raise blood sugar levels – try something on the lower end instead, like whole-grains, brown rice or sweet potatoes.

And if you can’t avoid the temptation to indulge, pair it with something protein-packed to help slow down its transformation into glucose in the body.

3. Milk

If drinking milk results in any food-intolerance symptoms, such as headaches or bloating, your immune system could be producing antibodies to shield your body each time you gulp down a glass. These antibodies, in turn, can launch an inflammatory cycle in your body.

It’s a good idea to find out if you have a milk intolerance, then ask your doctor for help choosing a healthy milk substitute.

These foods listed above may not be the cause of your RA symptoms, but it’s possible they could be adding to your inflammation. Try eliminating one, two or three of these foods in your diet, journaling your body’s response, and then discussing the results with your doctor. It just might make a difference!

The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it ever intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice or professional recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician(s) or other qualified healthcare provider(s).

Image source by health.rush.edu
Written by Elizabeth Nixon. Elizabeth Nixon is a writer, editor, and blogger who is searching for a perfect healthy and active lifestyle. She is currently exploring the many options of northern California’s wine county with her husband and their two dogs. Learn more about managing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms at Lifescript’s new online Rheumatoid Arthritis Health Center.