Gluten-containing foods

A group of proteins known as gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale (a cross between wheat and rye). Going gluten-free may help with the symptoms of arthritis, according to some studies that linked it to an increase in inflammation. Additionally, those who have celiac disease are more likely to acquire RA. Similar to RA, celiac disease is far more common among people with autoimmune illnesses than in the overall population.

Notably, a gluten-free, vegan diet dramatically decreased disease activity and improved inflammation in 66 RA patients during the course of a 1-year trial conducted in the past. These results are encouraging, but further studies are required to determine if arthritis sufferers may benefit from a gluten-free diet alone.