myRAteam

Great question! When living with RA, what you eat can play a real role in how you feel day to day. Some foods can increase inflammation and make symptoms worse, while others can help. As one myRAteam member put it, "I think everything in moderation is the way to go."

Here are some foods commonly worth limiting or avoiding:

Great question! When living with RA, what you eat can play a real role in how you feel day to day. Some foods can increase inflammation and make symptoms worse, while others can help. As one myRAteam member put it, "I think everything in moderation is the way to go."

Here are some foods commonly worth limiting or avoiding:

- Saturated and trans fats – found in fried foods and many processed snacks, these can trigger inflammation
- Sugar and artificial sweeteners – can cause energy swings and contribute to inflammation
- Processed and packaged foods – high in salt, sugar, and preservatives with little nutritional value
- Cooking oils like sunflower, canola, and vegetable oil
- Alcohol – can worsen inflammation and may interact with RA medications
- Soy products – tofu, tempeh, and soy sauce are worth watching
- Grains – wheat, barley, rye, oats, rice, and others may cause inflammation in some people
- Beans and legumes – including peanuts and chickpeas, which contain lectins that may affect gut health If you're taking a biologic medication for RA, there are some additional food safety considerations since biologics can weaken part of the immune system, raising the risk of food poisoning. Foods to be extra cautious with include:

- Mold-ripened soft cheeses like brie, blue cheese, camembert, feta, and goat cheese
- Unpasteurized dairy products – always check labels for the word "pasteurized"
- Raw or undercooked eggs – watch out for runny yolks and foods like homemade mayo or raw cookie dough
- Undercooked meat, poultry, or seafood – use a meat thermometer to ensure safe internal temperatures
- Leftover rice stored for more than 24 hours without proper reheating
- Fresh sprouts like alfalfa, which can harbor bacteria
- Unfiltered or untreated water, especially when traveling

Basic food safety habits — like washing hands, keeping raw foods separate, and storing leftovers promptly — can also go a long way.

Everyone's experience with RA is different, so it's always a good idea to speak with a rheumatologist or registered dietitian for personalized guidance.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

10 Foods and Drinks To Avoid With Rheumatoid Arthritis

The Simplicity of the Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)