1. Gluten and wheat. These two products can produce an inflammatory response even if you are not gluten or wheat intolerant. A leaky gut (which is an actual medical term now) has been linked to joint pain. A leaky gut lets toxins into the bloodstream which can then lead to inflammation around the joints. Because arthritis causes inflammation in joints, it can be extremely painful, resulting in swollen and stiff joints. This can impact the quality of a person’s life. According to the arthritis foundation, gluten can cause flare ups of arthritis symptoms.

2. Dairy. Almost all dairy products contain a type of slow digesting protein called casein. Casein protein can have the potential to irritate the tissues around the joints. This will then evolve from a joint irritation into a full-blown inflammation.

3. Corn oil. Corn oil should be avoided since any food with abnormally high doses of omega-6 fatty acids can have the potential to cause inflammation. An excess of any oil, such as canola, grapeseed or sunflower, can lead to inflammation. It is easy to overindulge in these omega-6 fatty acids since so many foods contain this compound.

4. Fried and processed foods. It should be pretty straightforward as to why the reduction in fried and processed foods can eliminate or reduce inflammation and subsequent joint pain.

5. Foods that have been fried, grilled, heated or pasteurized. A toxic byproduct, known as advanced glycation end product (or AGE), is found in many fried, grilled, heated or pasteurized foods. It can actually cause inflammation. When these AGE foods are consumed, it elicits an autoimmune response since some proteins in the body are ‘attacked.’ This then causes the onset of arthritic symptoms due to increased inflammation.

6. Select vegetables. Vegetables such as eggplants, peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes can actually worsen arthritis pain. This is because a compound called solanine which is found in these vegetables can create ‘adverse physiological reactions’ in people with arthritis.

7. Sugar. Things like fructose, glucose, and sucrose can stimulate molecules in the body which will then stimulate inflammation. You should also avoid drinking carbonated drinks, which are loaded with sugar and are extremely high in calories. This can lead to weight gain and inflammation. If you are trying to cut sugar out of your diet, you can opt for sugar free alternatives, add more fruits and veggies to your diet, and avoid over indulging on sweets.

8. Refined carbohydrates. White flour products such as white bread, white potatoes, and most cereals can cause inflammation since they are high on the glycemic index. Furthermore, refined carbs may increase the risk of obesity. Obesity is one of the primary risk factors of arthritis.

9. Alcohol and tobacco. Alcohol and tobacco have been linked to a specific type of arthritis called rheumatoid arthritis. Tobacco and alcohol use can lead to a large variety of different health problems, including inflammation. Smokers are at a higher risk for developing rheumatoid arthritis, while alcohol can increase a person’s risk of developing gout. So try to cut back on drinking and smoking, and make healthier choices which includes getting adequate rest and exercise.

10. Smoking. Smoking is a big factor in the symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. People who have smoked for more than 20 years are at a much higher risk of developing severe rheumatoid arthritis. Smoking can also decrease the effectiveness of certain drugs which are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Scientists suspect that smoking can also affect the immune system’s functionality. Luckily, smoking is an environmental risk factor, and is also completely preventable. If you smoke and have arthritis, you should consider quitting. If you need help quitting, speak to your doctor today.