Save. Arthritis can be managed easier if you alter your diet to avoid foods that are bad for it. These foods aggravate the symptoms and make pain management more difficult. Avoid fried foods, sodium, Omega 6 foods, sodas and white flour products to help your arthritis.odium. Foods that contain a great deal of sodium can cause water retention, and the extra fluid around the joints can increase arthritis pain. Inflammation is often seen with diets that have too much salt. Never add salt to your food, and rinse all canned vegetables or canned items before cooking and eating them.