14 Foods That May Worsen Inflammation and Joint Pain After 50, According to Experts

As you get older, your body goes through changes, and joint pain or swelling might become a familiar annoyance. Believe it or not, what’s on your plate can play a major role in how you feel. Certain foods can fuel inflammation, making joint discomfort even worse. If you’re over 50 and dealing with these issues, just knowing which foods to avoid can make all the difference. According to Healthline, here are some common culprits that could be aggravating inflammation. Avoid these foods and you will be able to reduce that nagging pain cause by inflammation.

Note: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for
professional advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your
individual circumstances.

Roasted or Fried Chicken

While chicken is a popular protein source, the method of preparation matters. Roasting and frying at high temperatures can produce advanced glycation end products (AGEs), compounds that may increase inflammation and worsen joint pain. Fried chicken also has unhealthy fats that can add to the problem. These fats can cause swelling in the body, worsening joint pain. Eating this kind of chicken regularly might lead to more aches and pains over time.

Shrimp

Prawns and other kinds of seafood, such as shellfish, contain lots of purines, which can be broken down in the body into uric acid. When the level of uric acid rises in the body, it can cause a health disorder called gout, which is a type of inflammatory arthritis typified by severe pain and swelling of joints, particularly in the knee and other extremities, for a short period of time. Excessive shrimp consumption can worsen joint pain and arthritis. It’s best to eat shrimp in moderation to help manage joint health and avoid discomfort.

Pizza

Pizza often contains ingredients that can promote inflammation, such as refined carbohydrates in the crust, saturated fats in cheese, and processed meats like pepperoni. These components can contribute to increased inflammation and joint discomfort. Refined flour can lead to blood sugar spikes, which may trigger inflammation. The extra salt and preservatives in pizza can also add to joint discomfort.

Bacon

Bacon is high in saturated fats and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can promote inflammation. Regular consumption of bacon may increase inflammatory markers in the body, exacerbating joint pain. It also contains preservatives and additives that may trigger swelling and discomfort. Eating bacon often can make joint pain worse, especially as you age. The salt content in bacon is also high, which can lead to water retention and extra pressure on your joints.

Pan-fried or Grilled Steak

Cooking meats at high temperatures, such as pan-frying or grilling, can produce AGEs, which may increase inflammation. Additionally, red meats like steak are high in saturated fats, contributing to inflammatory processes. The oils and seasonings used when frying or grilling steak can also contribute to inflammation. While steak can be enjoyed, watching how it’s prepared is key.

Cheese

Processed cheeses often consist of high amounts of saturated fats and additives that can promote inflammation. These components may contribute to increased joint pain and discomfort.  Eating too much of this cheese can make joint pain worse over time. If you are over 50 and have joint issues, cutting back on cheese could help. While cheese is popular for sandwiches or snacks, it’s best to enjoy it in small amounts.

Margarine

Margarine, especially varieties high in trans fats, can promote inflammation and negatively impact joint health. Trans fats are known to increase inflammatory markers in the body. It can also have additives that are not good for your joints. If you are prone to joint pain, using margarine too often can worsen it. Keeping an eye on how much margarine you use can help with joint discomfort.

Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is typically high in omega-6 fatty acids, which, in excess, can promote inflammation. An improper balance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids can increase inflammatory responses. Eating mayonnaise often can make joint discomfort worse over time. If you are dealing with joint pain, limiting foods high in unhealthy fats like mayonnaise can help. While mayonnaise can be part of a tasty meal, using it sparingly can make a difference.

Wheat

For individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, consuming wheat can trigger inflammatory responses, leading to joint pain and discomfort. Even without these conditions, some people may experience increased inflammation from wheat products. Wheat can also lead to spikes in blood sugar, which can trigger swelling. If you notice joint pain after eating wheat products, this could be a reason. Being mindful of how wheat affects your body can help you make better choices.

Barley

Like wheat, barley contains gluten and can cause inflammation in sensitive individuals. Consuming barley may lead to joint pain and other inflammatory symptoms in those with gluten-related disorders. Barley can also lead to bloating and discomfort, putting extra pressure on your joints. If you are over 50 and dealing with joint pain, paying attention to how it barely affects you is important.

Hot Dogs

Processed meats like hot dogs are high in saturated fats, sodium, and preservatives, which can promote inflammation. Regular consumption of such meats may exacerbate joint pain and contribute to other health issues. Eating processed meats like hot dogs regularly can worsen joint pain over time. The saturated fats in hot dogs can also contribute to swelling in the body. Watching how much you eat can make a difference.

Salad Dressings with Added Sugar

Many commercial salad dressings contain added sugars and unhealthy fats, which can promote inflammation. Excessive sugar intake is linked to increased inflammatory markers in the body. The oils used in some dressings can also worsen joint pain. Eating salads with these dressings often might lead to more discomfort than expected. If you enjoy salads, checking the labels for added sugar can help.

Potatoes

Potatoes, especially when consumed in large quantities, can potentially worsen arthritis and inflammation due to their high glycemic index. This means they can cause a spike in blood sugar, which may trigger an inflammatory response in the body. Potatoes also belong to the nightshade family, which contains compounds that could aggravate joint pain for some individuals with arthritis. While not everyone with arthritis will experience these effects when eating potatoes, it’s worth paying attention to how your body reacts to potato-based foods.

Coffee

Coffee is a double-edged sword when it comes to inflammation. While moderate coffee consumption can provide antioxidants, drinking too much can increase inflammation due to its acidity and the effects of excessive caffeine on stress hormones like cortisol. For some people, this can lead to worsened arthritis symptoms or joint pain. If you’re sensitive to caffeine or notice discomfort, consider cutting back or opting for anti-inflammatory beverages like herbal tea or golden milk.

Some foods can worsen joint pain and inflammation, especially if you are over 50. Knowing which foods to be mindful of can help you make choices that support your joint health. Awareness of these triggers can make a difference in how you feel daily. Choosing foods that work well for your body can help keep joint pain at bay.

This article was inspired by Healthline.