Skip to content

8 Foods That Secretly Cause Inflammation

Watch out for them

If you suffer from inflammation, you need to be extra careful about the food and drinks you eat. The Arthritis Foundation maintains that "many foods can help fight inflammation and improve joint pain and other symptoms." However, some foods secretly contribute to inflammation. Body Network spoke to Heather Snead, Live Conscious Expert and Nutritionist, who revealed 8 foods that secretly cause inflammation.

​Processed Foods

Pop,Tarts,Toaster,Pastry,processed,food,sugar
Shutterstock

Processed foods, including instant meals, packaged snacks, fast foods, and deli meats, are the first category of eats that can cause inflammation. "These often contain refined carbohydrates, artificial additives, and unhealthy fats that can trigger inflammation and disrupt gut health, leading to chronic conditions over time," she says.

​Sugary Drinks

,Woman,Drinking,Ice,Cola,In,The,Glass.food,And,Beverage,soft drink,coke,pepsi
Shutterstock

Next up, sugary drinks. "High sugar content in sodas, energy drinks, and fruit juices can cause spikes in blood sugar, leading to insulin resistance and increased inflammatory markers in the body," Snead says.

​Refined Carbohydrates

Full Frame Shot Of Foods Containing Unhealthy Or Bad Carbohydrates
Shutterstock

You should also stay away from refined carbohydrates. "White bread, pastries, and other processed grains lack fiber and nutrients, causing rapid blood sugar spikes that promote inflammation," Snead explains.

​Red Meat

Raw Grass Fed Prime Rib Meat with Herbs and Spices
Shutterstock

Red meat may also provoke inflammation. "Some cuts of red meat are high in saturated fats, which may contribute to systemic inflammation and increase the risk of heart disease when consumed in excess. Processed meats, such as bacon and sausages, can be particularly problematic due to added preservatives," Snead explains.

​Fried Foods

Woman eating a takeaway fried chicken wing from fast food cafe with a mouth and teeth close up
Shutterstock

Be wary of fried foods. "Cooking at high temperatures can contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. Additionally, fried foods are often made with unhealthy trans fats that increase inflammation," Snead explains

​Excessive Alcohol

Bartender pours alcoholic drink into small glasses on bar
Shutterstock

You might also want to stay away from booze. "Too much alcohol can damage the gut lining, promote liver inflammation, and increase inflammatory markers, leading to long-term health issues," Snead maintains.

​Artificial Trans Fats

Closeup image of a young couple women holding and eating donuts together
Shutterstock

Artificial trans fats, found in some margarines, processed snacks, and baked goods, can cause inflammation. "Trans fats have been linked to increased LDL (bad) cholesterol, reduced HDL (good) cholesterol, and heightened inflammation," she says.

​Vegetable and Seed Oils High in Omega-6

Sunflower and sunflower oil on the wooden background
Shutterstock

Also, watch out for oils. "While omega-6 fatty acids are essential, excessive intake from processed vegetable oils (such as soybean, corn, and sunflower oil) can create an imbalance with omega-3s, leading to chronic inflammation over time," says Snead. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

Leah Suzanne
Leah Suzanne is a seasoned writer, editor, and content creator with a deep background in pop culture, copy editing, and magazines. Read more
Filed Under