Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints, which can make even simple movements difficult.

While medication and physical therapy can provide relief from arthritis symptoms, making changes to your diet can also make a big difference. Some foods are known to aggravate arthritis symptoms, while others can help to reduce inflammation and pain. Here are 30 foods that may worsen your arthritis symptoms:.

1. Red meat

Red meat is high in saturated fat, which has been shown to increase inflammation in the body. Processed meats like bacon, sausage, and hot dogs are also high in salt and preservatives, which can exacerbate arthritis symptoms.

2. Sugar

Sugar can contribute to inflammation in the body, which can worsen arthritis symptoms. It is also associated with weight gain, which can put added pressure on the joints.

3. Fried foods

Fried foods are high in unhealthy fats, which can contribute to inflammation in the body. They are also often high in calories and can contribute to weight gain, which can worsen arthritis symptoms.

4. Dairy products

Dairy products are high in saturated fat and can contribute to inflammation in the body. Some people with arthritis may also be sensitive to the protein found in dairy products.

5. Alcohol

Alcohol is known to contribute to inflammation in the body and can worsen arthritis symptoms. It can also interact with some arthritis medications, making them less effective.

6. Salt

High levels of salt in the diet can contribute to inflammation in the body, which can worsen arthritis symptoms. It is also associated with high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease.

7. Refined carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, and rice have a high glycemic index, which can contribute to inflammation in the body. They can also contribute to weight gain and exacerbate arthritis symptoms.

8. Artificial sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose can contribute to inflammation in the body and worsen arthritis symptoms. They are also associated with a range of other health problems.

9. Trans fats

Trans fats are found in many processed foods and can contribute to inflammation in the body. They are also associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

10. Caffeine

Caffeine can contribute to inflammation in the body and worsen arthritis symptoms. Some people with arthritis may also be sensitive to caffeine.

11. Nightshade vegetables

Some people with arthritis may be sensitive to nightshade vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants. These vegetables contain solanine, which can contribute to inflammation in some people.

12. Gluten

Some people with arthritis may be sensitive to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Gluten intolerance can contribute to inflammation in the body.

13. Shellfish

Some people with arthritis may be sensitive to shellfish like shrimp, crab, and lobster. These foods contain a compound called chitin, which can contribute to inflammation in some people.

14. Corn oil

Corn oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation in the body. It is often found in processed foods and should be avoided by people with arthritis.

15. Vegetable oil

Vegetable oils like soybean oil, canola oil, and sunflower oil are high in omega-6 fatty acids and can contribute to inflammation in the body. They are often found in processed foods and should be avoided by people with arthritis.

16. Margarine

Margarine is high in trans fats and should be avoided by people with arthritis. It is often found in processed foods and can contribute to inflammation in the body.

17. Soda

Soda and other sugary drinks can contribute to inflammation in the body and worsen arthritis symptoms. They are also associated with weight gain and other health problems.

18. Maple syrup

Maple syrup is high in sugar and should be avoided by people with arthritis. It can contribute to inflammation in the body and worsen arthritis symptoms.

19. Candy

Candy is high in sugar and should be avoided by people with arthritis. It can contribute to inflammation in the body and worsen arthritis symptoms.

20. Fast food

Fast food is often high in unhealthy fats, salt, and calories, which can contribute to inflammation in the body and worsen arthritis symptoms.

21. Processed snacks

Processed snacks like chips, crackers, and pretzels are often high in unhealthy fats, salt, and preservatives, which can exacerbate arthritis symptoms.

22. Sour cream

Sour cream is high in saturated fat and should be avoided by people with arthritis. It can contribute to inflammation in the body and worsen arthritis symptoms.

23. Ice cream

Ice cream and other dairy-based desserts are high in saturated fat and should be avoided by people with arthritis. They can contribute to inflammation in the body and worsen arthritis symptoms.

24. Pizza

Pizza is often high in saturated fat and salt, which can contribute to inflammation in the body and worsen arthritis symptoms.

25. Chocolate

Chocolate is high in sugar and should be avoided by people with arthritis. It can contribute to inflammation in the body and worsen arthritis symptoms.

26. Energy drinks

Energy drinks are often high in sugar and caffeine, which can contribute to inflammation in the body and worsen arthritis symptoms.

27. White rice

White rice is a refined carbohydrate that can contribute to inflammation in the body and worsen arthritis symptoms. Brown rice is a healthier alternative.

28. White bread

White bread is a refined carbohydrate that can contribute to inflammation in the body and worsen arthritis symptoms. Whole grain bread is a healthier alternative.

29. Biscuits

Biscuits are often high in unhealthy fats and should be avoided by people with arthritis. They can contribute to inflammation in the body and worsen arthritis symptoms.

30. Jams and jellies

Jams and jellies are high in sugar and should be avoided by people with arthritis. They can contribute to inflammation in the body and worsen arthritis symptoms.