Unfortunately, sugar is on top of the list of foods that may increase muscle and joint inflammation. Numerous studies suggest that processed sugars release pro-inflammatory substances in the body, causing further inflammation in the joints.

How quickly does sugar cause inflammation?

Drinking sugary drinks can spike inflammation levels. Moreover, this effect can last for a considerable amount of time. Consuming a 50-gram dose of fructose causes a spike in inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) just 30 minutes later. Furthermore, CRP remains high for over two hours ( 8 ).

What are the worst foods for inflammation?