22 Foods to Avoid If You Have Arthritis

2. Processed Sugars

Processed sugar is found in candy, cereal, doughnuts, soda, and even condiments such as ketchup. Eating too much sugar, particularly processed sugar, causes the body to create uneven insulin levels, which trigger immune cells that cause swelling. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published a study that showed processed sugar increased the symptoms of 'pain, overheating, redness, and swelling' in arthritis patients. Sugars such as these will use the body's vitamins to complete the digestion process. The lack of these vitamins can worsen arthritis symptoms.