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Milk

Best and worst

Some research suggests dairy products are good for rheumatoid arthritis while others seem to indicate that they’re bad.

People who are allergic to the protein casein found in milk will develop joint swelling if they drink milk, says Dr. Matteson. This is true even if they don’t have rheumatoid arthritis.

On the other hand, a study of almost 30,000 women in Iowa found that those who consumed high levels of vitamin D via various milk products had a lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin D may have anti-inflammatory effects in the body.

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