Q I have pain in multiple joints; what foods worsen inflammation?
A Red meat, fried foods, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol exacerbate joint inflammation by increasing inflammatory cytokines through arachidonic acid metabolism. Trans fats in processed foods and high-sugar foods are also major triggers. Conversely, oily fish, vegetables, and olive oil help with anti-inflammation.
Detailed Answer
Excessive consumption of red meat and vegetable oils rich in omega-6 fatty acids (corn oil and sunflower oil) promotes the production of inflammatory eicosanoids. If you have gluten sensitivity or increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut), wheat-based foods can also increase systemic inflammation. High-GI foods that cause rapid fluctuations in blood sugar also raise inflammatory markers.
Perspective of a Korean Medicine Clinic
This is consistent with the context in Korean medicine where foods that generate damp heat worsen Bi syndrome. Greasy and sweet foods disrupt digestive function, generating dampness and stagnant energy within the body; when these accumulate in the meridians, they lead to severe joint pain. At Dongjedang, we assess the state of digestive function to guide you in correcting dietary habits that harm the spleen and stomach.
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