What foods should you avoid with polymyalgia rheumatica?

November 14, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, an imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids is observed in individuals with inflammatory conditions like polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR). Knowing which foods exacerbate inflammation is a crucial step for those managing this condition. This article will explore what foods should you avoid with polymyalgia rheumatica to help minimize symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Quick Summary

Managing polymyalgia rheumatica involves avoiding specific foods known to trigger or worsen inflammation. Limiting refined carbohydrates, processed foods, red meat, and excess sugar is often recommended to help manage symptoms and support overall health.

Key Points

Reduce Processed Foods: Fried and processed meats, along with pre-packaged snacks, are high in inflammatory ingredients like saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium.
Avoid Refined Sugars and Carbs: Excess sugar and refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries, can trigger inflammatory responses and worsen pain.
Limit Unhealthy Fats: High levels of omega-6 fatty acids found in some cooking oils and fried foods can increase inflammation, disrupting the omega-6 to omega-3 balance.
Moderate Red Meat and Dairy: Excessive red meat is high in saturated fat, and some individuals find full-fat dairy exacerbates inflammation, though dairy is also important for bone health.
Be Mindful of Alcohol: Heavy alcohol use can increase inflammation and carries additional risks, especially when combined with steroid medication.
Consider Individual Sensitivities: An elimination diet under medical guidance can help identify personal triggers like gluten or nightshades, as individual responses vary.
Focus on Whole, Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Emphasize whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 rich fish to support an anti-inflammatory diet.

The Link Between Diet and Inflammation in PMR

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition that causes muscle pain and stiffness, primarily in the shoulders and hips. While steroid medication is the primary treatment, dietary choices can play a supportive role in managing symptoms by reducing systemic inflammation. Many standard Western diet staples are known to be pro-inflammatory and may exacerbate the body's immune response, potentially worsening PMR symptoms. By consciously limiting these items, you can help support your overall health while undergoing medical treatment.

Processed and Refined Foods

Many processed and refined foods are significant drivers of inflammation. These items often contain high levels of unhealthy fats, sugars, and additives that trigger an inflammatory response in the body.

Processed Meats: Foods like hot dogs, sausages, and deli meats are often high in saturated fats and sodium, which can increase inflammation.
Refined Carbohydrates: White bread, white rice, and pastries are quickly broken down into sugar, causing a spike in blood sugar that can trigger pro-inflammatory cytokines. Opting for whole grains is a better alternative.
Sugary Drinks and Sweets: Sodas, sweetened juices, candy, and baked goods loaded with added sugar are highly inflammatory. Excessive sugar intake can worsen pain and contribute to weight gain, adding stress to joints.

Unhealthy Fats

The type of fat you consume directly impacts your body's inflammatory response. While omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory, omega-6 fatty acids can promote inflammation when consumed in excess or out of balance.

Fried Foods: French fries, fried chicken, and doughnuts are often cooked in omega-6-rich oils and produce harmful compounds called Advanced Glycation End products (AGEs), which increase inflammation.
Excess Omega-6 Fatty Acids: Some cooking oils, including corn, sunflower, and soybean oils, are high in omega-6s. While some omega-6s are necessary, a high ratio compared to omega-3s can be pro-inflammatory.
Trans Fats: Found in margarine and many processed foods, trans fats are notoriously inflammatory and should be avoided entirely.

Red Meat and Dairy

The impact of red meat and dairy on inflammation is a subject of ongoing discussion, but many people with inflammatory conditions find benefits from reducing their intake.

Red Meat: Many cuts of red meat are high in saturated fats, which have been linked to increased inflammation. Leaner proteins like fish, poultry, and plant-based options are often recommended as alternatives.
Dairy Products: For some individuals, full-fat dairy products may trigger inflammation. However, dairy is also a critical source of calcium and vitamin D, which are vital for bone health, especially for those on corticosteroid therapy. Some may find relief by switching to low-fat options or calcium-fortified non-dairy milks.

Alcohol and Caffeine

Certain beverages and stimulants can also impact inflammation and overall health for those with PMR.

Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase inflammation and carries particular risks for those on steroid treatment, as it can heighten the risk of osteoporosis. It's best to limit or avoid alcohol, especially while taking certain medications.
Caffeine: The effect of coffee varies by individual. Some may find it has anti-inflammatory properties, while for others, it can worsen symptoms. Monitoring your body's response is the best approach.

Individual Sensitivities and Elimination Diets

While general guidelines exist, individual food sensitivities are common. Some people with inflammatory conditions report symptom improvements after eliminating certain foods like gluten or nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers). Though scientific evidence linking nightshades directly to PMR symptoms is limited, a supervised elimination diet can help you identify personal triggers.

Comparison of Foods to Limit and Healthy Alternatives


Foods to Limit (High Inflammation Potential)	Healthier Alternatives (Anti-Inflammatory)
Processed meats (hot dogs, bacon)	Lean poultry, fish, tofu, legumes
Refined carbohydrates (white bread, pasta)	Whole grains (oats, brown rice, quinoa)
Sugary drinks and sweets	Water, herbal tea, fresh fruit
Fried foods (fries, donuts)	Baked, steamed, or grilled foods
Excessive omega-6 oils (corn, soy)	Extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, nuts
Margarine and trans fats	Olive oil, nut butters
High-fat red meat	Leaner cuts of red meat (in moderation), fish, chicken
Full-fat dairy (if sensitive)	Low-fat dairy, fortified non-dairy milks, leafy greens
Alcohol (especially in excess)	Water, non-alcoholic beverages

Conclusion

Effectively managing polymyalgia rheumatica often involves a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle adjustments, with diet playing a significant role. By avoiding highly inflammatory foods such as processed items, refined sugars, fried foods, and excessive red meat, you can help reduce systemic inflammation in your body. It is important to work with your healthcare team to develop a personalized dietary plan, especially to ensure you still get adequate calcium and vitamin D while on steroid therapy. Paying attention to your body's individual response to certain foods and opting for a balanced, whole-foods diet can be a powerful tool in complementing your treatment and improving your overall quality of life.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or treatment plan.

: https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/polymyalgia-rheumatica/diet-for-polymyalgia-rheumatica

Frequently Asked Questions

No, avoiding certain foods cannot cure polymyalgia rheumatica. Diet is a supportive measure to help manage inflammation and symptoms alongside standard medical treatment, primarily corticosteroids.

Not necessarily. Dairy is a key source of calcium and vitamin D, important for bone health, especially while on steroids. Some people with inflammatory conditions are sensitive to full-fat dairy, so you might consider low-fat alternatives or monitor your response.

Highly processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats (like trans fats and excess omega-6s) are often considered the most significant dietary triggers for systemic inflammation.

There is no conclusive scientific evidence that gluten causes or worsens PMR. However, some individuals with inflammatory conditions find relief from muscle and joint pain on a gluten-free diet. A trial elimination diet can help determine personal sensitivity.

Excessive alcohol consumption can increase inflammation and poses risks like osteoporosis, which is a concern for people on long-term steroid therapy. Moderate to high intake is best avoided.

Despite anecdotal claims, there is no scientific evidence definitively linking nightshade vegetables (potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant) to worsening PMR or arthritis symptoms for most people. Some individuals may have personal sensitivities, but these vegetables are also rich in antioxidants.

Healthy anti-inflammatory fats include those high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish (salmon, sardines), olive oil, and nuts like walnuts. These help counteract pro-inflammatory effects.