What foods should not be eaten by patients with rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatism usually refers to rheumatoid arthritis. Generally, there are no absolutely forbidden foods for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but it is not recommended to eat foods such as fatty meat, sea shrimp, chicken liver, spicy hot pot, milk tea, and similar items. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Fatty Meat

Fatty meat is a high-fat food. Fat metabolism in the body may produce inflammatory mediators, which can exacerbate inflammatory responses in the joints, leading to increased joint swelling and pain, and negatively affecting disease stability. Therefore, it is not recommended.

2. Sea Shrimp

Some sea shrimp might contain allergenic components. Allergic reactions can stimulate abnormal activation of the immune system, thereby worsening joint inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and potentially causing discomfort such as rashes and itching. Therefore, it is best to be avoided.

3. Chicken Liver

Animal organs such as pork liver and chicken liver contain high levels of purines. Purines are metabolized into uric acid in the body. Elevated uric acid levels may lead to the formation of urate crystals, which can deposit in the joints, aggravating joint damage and inflammation, and hindering disease control.

4. Spicy Hot Pot

Spicy hot pot contains large amounts of spicy seasonings such as chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. These spices can stimulate the body's stress response, possibly triggering or worsening joint inflammation. Additionally, hot pot broths typically have high fat content, which increases metabolic burden and harms joint health.

5. Milk Tea

Milk tea contains large amounts of added sugar. Excessive sugar intake may disrupt the body's metabolic balance, promoting the production of inflammatory factors, which can worsen joint inflammation, cause recurring symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and even accelerate joint deformity. Therefore, it should be avoided.

In addition, rheumatoid arthritis patients should also avoid fried foods, processed meats, and similar items. Furthermore, it is important to keep warm in daily life and avoid letting the joints get chilled.