5 Foods a Rheumatologist Warns Are Bad For Joint Health

Good nutrition helps support healthy joint function, but there is more to a good diet than choosing nutrient-rich foods. It is equally important to know which foods to avoid. There are compounds found in certain foods that can cause inflammation and pain in the joints, but when you make healthy food choices and limit these potentially harmful foods, you can keep moving in a healthy direction.

Foods to Avoid For Better Joint Health

There is truth to the phrase “you are what you eat”. The foods you consume provide nutrients that support every cell in your body. However, there are also some foods that will work against your goals for long-term joint health.

1. Sugar

It is important to differentiate between natural sugars found in fruits and added sugars. A diet that is high in these added sugars can disrupt the healthy bacteria balance in your gut, which can trigger an autoimmune response through the body. Inflammation that reaches your joints can result in increased discomfort and reduced mobility. Consuming too many added sugars can also contribute to unhealthy weight gain which can increase pressure on the joints.