The Worst Foods for Arthritis

Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates are found in anything baked with white flour, such as white bread, rolls, crackers, and most baked goods — as well as white rice and junky cereals. They’re all made by milling whole grains and removing the bran and germ — the two parts of the grain that contain the most nutrients. Refined carbs produce a state of inflammation in the body, causing increases in cytokines and other pro-inflammatory compounds, which makes arthritis worse. Limit foods made with refined grains if you want the best chance of reducing arthritis pain and progression, and switch to much healthier whole-grain options: whole-wheat bread, whole-grain cereal, whole-wheat pasta, and brown and wild rice should be staples on your weekly grocery shopping list.