Foods that promote weight loss, reduce inflammation, and enhance your heart's health are good for people with arthritis. But do you know what you shouldn't eat? Choosing foods that help fight arthritis symptoms won't help as much if you also eat foods that counter their benefits. Here are some popular foods that may be making your arthritis symptoms worse.

Red meat

A study published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology and reported in the Wiley Online Library found that red meat may increase one's risk of developing inflammatory arthritis symptoms.

British researchers evaluated the food journals of 260 patients. A third of these individuals had inflammatory arthritis in at least two joints. The study found that those who ate the most red meat—around 58 grams per day—were twice as likely to experience arthritis. Researchers aren't entirely sure why red meat and arthritis seem to be linked.

Processed foods

Obesity is a risk factor for osteoarthritis. Because of this, it’s a good idea to avoid large helpings of high-calorie dishes. That includes many processed foods like baked goods, fried foods, ice cream, most fast foods, and other items heavy in fat. The National Center for Biotechnology Information says the Nurses' Health Study found that consumption of unhealthy fats, particularly trans fat, was linked to weight gain. It may also raise levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol.

Sugar

The University of Maryland Medical Center advises people with osteoarthritis to limit the amount of sugar in their diets. Sugar, along with white bread and pasta, is a refined food that may contribute to inflammation and weight gain. Candy, baked goods, sodas, juice drinks, and syrups usually have high amounts of sugar. But it’s also found in many foods you might not suspect, such as condiments. Be sure to read nutrition labels to better understand how much sugar you're actually consuming.

What you eat is a key part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle with osteoarthritis. But always speak with your physician before making any major dietary changes.

For more on diet and arthritis:

Diet Changes to Improve Arthritis
Anti-inflammatory Diet for Joint Pain
Arthritis Diet: Foods That Can Help Fight Inflammation