Joint pain is associated with arthritis and the inflammation is often felt around the joints, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and muscle.

There are several factors leading to this condition that include family history, age, gender, previous joint history and obesity.

What people consume daily contributes to the overall development of the body. Some types of food stimulate inflammation and in order to lessen pain, the intake of these foods has to be limited.

Here is a list of foods to either consume less of or eliminate completely from your diet.

1.Gluten and wheat

Gluten from wheat produces an inflammatory response especially in those intolerant to gluten or wheat. A leaky gut has been associated with joint pain in many studies.

This is a condition when toxins and waste enter the bloodstream through the intestines. As the body warns itself and starts the immune response, this triggers an inflammation that affects the joints.

Some patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are gluten intolerant have recorded less joint pain when they stopped consuming wheat.

2. Dairy

Dairy products contain a type of protein called casein which irritates tissues around the joints and causes inflammation.

Instead of getting protein from meat and dairy sources, those with arthritis can consume vegetables and vegan products like beans, lentils, tofu and spinach instead.

3. Corn oil

Corn oil or any sources of food with a high amount of omega-6 fatty acids can trigger inflammation.

Other oils made from seeds such as sunflower oil, canola, cottonseed and grapeseed should also be avoided.

This includes products like baked goods and snacks produced from seeds or with a high amount of fatty acids.

4. Fried and processed foods

There is a wide range of processed foods on supermarket shelves; from deep-fried chicken, nuggets, meat patties and seafood surimi.

All these contain high volumes of salt, fat and preservatives that cause inflammation and might affect those with rheumatoid arthritis.

Corticosteroids used to treat rheumatoid arthritis causes the body to hold more sodium; which may come from the consumption of canned foods and ready-made convenience foods.

5. Solanaceae vegetables

Solanaceae vegetables include eggplant, peppers, tomatoes and potatoes. These contain solanine; a related glycoalkaloid produced by certain plants that act as a natural defence mechanism against herbivores, insects and diseases.

This compound results in inflammation, especially in those suffering from arthritis.

6. Sugar

Processed sugar produces cytokines; a group of glycoproteins, peptides and proteins that function to mediate, stimulate and regulate inflammation, immunity and hematopoiesis of the body.

Sugar is a common term used for ingredients such as fructose, glucose, sucrose, lactose, maltose and others.

Read labels carefully before you buy any product, just to make sure you consume less sugar and reduce joint inflammation.

7. Alcohol

Alcohol can lead to several types of health problems including inflammation. According to Karen Costenbader, a rheumatologist at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, a limited amount of alcohol consumption can reduce biomarkers of inflammation.

Consuming too much alcohol increases the levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the body. CRP is known as a strong indicator of inflammation.

8. Red meat

Red meat contains high levels of saturated fat which clearly can contribute to obesity and intensify inflammation.

It also contains omega-6 fatty acids that can cause joint inflammation when consumption is excessive. Some with rheumatoid arthritis have claimed they feel better when red meat is excluded from their diets.

9. Fats and oils

Not all fats are bad. Some are needed by the body to balance the diet. But in order to reduce inflammation, you should limit or avoid saturated fats, omega-6 fatty acids and trans fat.

Saturated fats remain solid at room temperature and is found in butter, cheese and meat.

For those suffering from arthritis, they have to monitor their cholesterol levels by reducing their intake of saturated fat as it may increase the risk for heart disease.

10. Aspartame

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener replacing sugar in most carbonated drinks and snacks. It can be found in more than 4,000 products all around the world.

Aspartame is 200 times sweeter than refined sugar, the main reason why it is used widely in the food industry.

It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), but if your immune system reacts to it as a foreign substance, your body will trigger an inflammatory response.

This article first appeared on Hello Doktor and was medically reviewed by Hello Doktor. The Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.