What Foods Should I Avoid With Temporal Arteritis?

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Mayo Clinic, a healthy diet is a key part of managing Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), also known as temporal arteritis, and its treatment side effects, such as thinning bones. By focusing on anti-inflammatory foods and understanding what foods to avoid with temporal arteritis, you can help reduce symptoms and improve overall health.

Quick Summary

A diet for temporal arteritis focuses on reducing inflammation by avoiding processed foods, refined sugars, and saturated fats. A healthy eating plan emphasizing whole foods, fruits, and vegetables can support overall wellness and help manage symptoms.

Key Points

Avoid Processed and Fried Foods: Processed meats, fast food, and fried snacks are highly inflammatory and can exacerbate temporal arteritis symptoms.
Limit Refined Sugars and Carbs: Excess sugar and refined carbohydrates like white bread cause blood sugar spikes that trigger inflammation.
Minimize Unhealthy Fats: Saturated fats found in red meat and full-fat dairy, as well as trans fats, can promote inflammation.
Reduce Alcohol Intake: Alcohol consumption is linked to increased inflammation in the body and should be avoided.
Prioritize Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to help combat inflammation.
Support Bone Health: Since corticosteroids can increase osteoporosis risk, ensure adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D through diet or supplements.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is important for overall health and can help manage inflammation.

The Connection Between Diet and Inflammation in Temporal Arteritis

Temporal arteritis (TA), or Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), is a form of vasculitis that causes inflammation in the large and medium-sized arteries, most notably in the temporal arteries of the head. While the precise cause is unknown, experts agree that inflammation is central to the disease. Corticosteroids are the primary treatment, but a supportive anti-inflammatory diet can also play a significant role in managing the condition and reducing the side effects of medication. The Standard American Diet, with its high levels of refined sugar, saturated fats, and processed foods, is often linked to increased systemic inflammation, which can exacerbate autoimmune conditions like TA. By eliminating or severely limiting these pro-inflammatory foods, individuals can create an environment that helps the body heal and reduces symptom flare-ups.

Processed Foods and Refined Carbohydrates

Many processed foods and refined carbohydrates contribute to systemic inflammation and should be avoided.

Processed Meats: Hot dogs, bacon, and salami contain preservatives and additives that can promote inflammation. Consider opting for lean, unprocessed protein sources instead.
Refined Carbohydrates: White bread, pasta, pastries, and crackers cause rapid spikes in blood sugar, which triggers an inflammatory response. A better choice is to opt for whole-grain alternatives that are higher in fiber and nutrients.
Fast Food and Fried Foods: These items are often laden with unhealthy trans and saturated fats, which are highly inflammatory.

Sugary Drinks and Excess Sugar

High sugar intake is strongly associated with increased inflammation and should be limited.

Sugary Drinks: Sodas, sweetened juices, and energy drinks are a major source of added sugar, which fuels inflammation.
Sweets and Desserts: Candies, cookies, and other high-sugar desserts should be consumed sparingly, as excess sugar can worsen symptoms.

Unhealthy Fats and High-Fat Dairy

Certain types of fats are pro-inflammatory and should be minimized in a temporal arteritis diet.

Saturated Fats: Found in red meat, cheese, and full-fat dairy products, saturated fats can increase inflammatory markers. Consider choosing low-fat dairy options and lean proteins.
Trans Fats: Often found in processed and prepackaged baked goods, trans fats should be avoided completely.
Omega-6 Oils: While some Omega-6 fatty acids are necessary, an imbalance favoring Omega-6s over anti-inflammatory Omega-3s can contribute to inflammation. Many processed vegetable oils are high in Omega-6s.

A Comparison of Pro-Inflammatory vs. Anti-Inflammatory Foods


Food Category	Foods to Avoid (Pro-inflammatory)	Foods to Embrace (Anti-inflammatory)
Carbohydrates	White bread, white rice, pasta, pastries, crackers	Whole grains (oats, brown rice), sweet potatoes, quinoa
Proteins	Processed meats (bacon, sausage), fatty cuts of red meat	Lean proteins (poultry), fatty fish (salmon), beans, legumes
Fats	Saturated fats (butter, full-fat dairy), trans fats, margarine, excess Omega-6 oils	Healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds), Omega-3s (fish oil, flaxseed)
Drinks	Soda, sweetened juices, energy drinks, alcohol	Water, green tea, herbal teas, 100% fruit juice in moderation
Snacks/Sweets	Candies, cookies, baked goods, chips, fried snacks	Fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, dark chocolate (limited)

Recommended Dietary Adjustments for Temporal Arteritis Patients

For those with temporal arteritis, adhering to an anti-inflammatory diet can be a powerful complementary strategy to medical treatment. In addition to avoiding the foods listed above, focus on incorporating more nutrient-dense, whole foods.

Focus on Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Fruits and Vegetables: Incorporate a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables into your diet. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, which help combat inflammation.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, omega-3s possess potent anti-inflammatory properties. Other sources include flaxseeds and walnuts.
Calcium and Vitamin D: Corticosteroids, a common treatment for TA, can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Ensure you get enough calcium and vitamin D from sources like leafy greens, low-fat dairy, and fortified products.
Turmeric: The spice turmeric, containing the compound curcumin, has been noted for its anti-inflammatory effects and can be incorporated into cooking.

Other Lifestyle Considerations

Manage Corticosteroid Side Effects: Your doctor may recommend a specific diet to manage side effects like high blood pressure and diabetes risk. Limiting salt and sugar is often advised.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for general health and can help manage inflammation.
Regular Exercise: Gentle, regular exercise, such as walking, can help manage side effects from medication and improve overall well-being. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise regimen.

Conclusion

While a specific diet cannot cure temporal arteritis, adopting an anti-inflammatory eating plan is a proactive step that can help manage symptoms and support your overall health. The key is to avoid processed foods, refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and excessive alcohol, which are known to promote inflammation. By prioritizing whole, nutrient-dense foods, rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, you can complement your medical treatment and improve your quality of life. Always discuss significant dietary changes with your healthcare provider to ensure they are appropriate for your individual condition and treatment plan.

Foods to Avoid: A Recap

Processed meats like bacon and sausages.
Refined carbohydrates such as white bread and pasta.
Excessive sugar found in sweets and sugary drinks.
Unhealthy fats, including trans fats and too many saturated fats from fatty meats and high-fat dairy.
Alcohol, which can increase inflammation.

For further information on managing Giant Cell Arteritis, consider visiting the resources available at the Arthritis Foundation.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best diet for someone with temporal arteritis is an anti-inflammatory diet that emphasizes whole foods, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, while limiting processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats.

No, you should not avoid all carbohydrates. Instead, focus on complex carbohydrates from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and limit or avoid refined carbohydrates like white bread and sugary snacks, which can cause inflammatory blood sugar spikes.

While there is no definitive list of food triggers for everyone, foods that promote inflammation, such as refined sugars, trans fats, and processed meats, can potentially worsen symptoms or contribute to overall inflammatory load.

Fatty cuts of red meat are high in saturated fat and can promote inflammation. It is generally recommended to limit red meat and opt for leaner protein sources like fish or poultry.

Some full-fat dairy products are high in saturated fats, which can contribute to inflammation. Choosing low-fat dairy options or other sources of calcium is often recommended.

You should avoid or limit alcoholic beverages, sugary drinks like soda and juice, and excessive caffeine. These can contribute to inflammation and potentially interact with medications.

Patients taking corticosteroids for temporal arteritis are at an increased risk for osteoporosis. A doctor may recommend calcium and vitamin D supplements to protect bone health, alongside a diet rich in these nutrients.