If you have rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you might notice that your symptoms worsen after consuming sugary foods like soda or desserts. This is because added sugars can trigger inflammation. Many patients report that their RA symptoms flare up when they eat sugary foods and improve when they cut them out. Research supports this, showing that sugary foods like desserts and sodas are often linked to worse RA symptoms. One reason might be that cutting out sugar helps with weight loss, which can improve RA symptoms. Historically, the rise in RA cases coincided with increased sugar consumption, suggesting a link between sugar and RA. Sugar can change the bacteria in your mouth, making some people more susceptible to RA. Additionally, sugar can increase the production of anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA) in your body, which cause inflammation. It also affects your gut microbiome, promoting the growth of bad bacteria, which can worsen RA symptoms. While you don't have to eliminate sugar entirely, it's wise to minimize it if you notice it worsens your symptoms. Here are some tips: Skip sugary drinks, read food labels carefully, and substitute fruit for refined sugar. Fruits are naturally sweet and rich in antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation. Berries like blueberries and strawberries are particularly beneficial for RA symptoms.