Sugar and joint pain

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get_fit2009
get_fit2009 Posts: 827 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
I was wondering if anyone else has noticed a correlation between sugar consumption and aching joints. I was eating "clean" for quite a long time and working out with no joint pain. I had previously had knee and ankle issues, but they had subsided. For the last 2 months, my appetite has gone crazy and I have eaten whatever I want - which is not good. (This is why I am also back to this site. :smile: ) SInce starting to eat sugar and junk food again, a notice a tremendous difference in the aches and pains I am having. It is really surprising how big a difference it has made. Anyone else have anything similar happen?
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Replies

  • dlcam61
    dlcam61 Posts: 228 Member
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    I have fibromyalgia. My previous specialist warned me about sugar because it is an inflammatory food. Over consumption of carbs can produce the same effect (as in white flour foods). So yes, I can tell you from experience that sugar makes my joints hurt like hell. If I am restricting just refined sugars I notice an improvement. But if I take a week and eat what I want, I'm in pain. I wish I could give you more detailed information as to why, but this is all I have for the time being. But I do know other people with fibromyalgia who would tell you the same thing about sugar. It's our no no food lol :flowerforyou:
  • ladybug91254
    ladybug91254 Posts: 232 Member
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    I thought this was very interesting because I have a knee (and foot) issue. My knee had been bothering me very very little even though I had been increasing my walking (speed & incline). However, yesterday it was killing me all day long...I ate waaay more sugar on Thursday than I normally have been eating in a week...or even two. Might be something to watch. Thanks!

    Deb
  • get_fit2009
    get_fit2009 Posts: 827 Member
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    Glad to know it is not just in my head. :laugh:
  • cmw9696
    cmw9696 Posts: 123
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    alot of carbs bother my joints, especially oatmeal...weird...so, I don't eat oatmeal for that reason.
  • ObviousIndigo
    ObviousIndigo Posts: 382 Member
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    I find sugar and carbs are a catalyst to all sorts of problems with me. From retaining water to aching joints. I found out that I am Gluten intolerant 3 years ago and I lost a lot of weight but then I was introduced to gluten free processed foods. I started to realize that the leading ingredient in a lot of these products was sugar or carbs that turn into sugars.... So I have cut those out and gone to basic whole foods. I feel so much better and my body doesnt ache the way it did before. I am really starting to grasp the whole concept of you are what you eat.
  • amg_89
    amg_89 Posts: 184
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    This is a great motivator for me to not eat sugar! I run distance and have noticed when I eat cereal like Cinnamon Life (my fave) or something sugary the day before, my joints are sooo sore. I really don't want to cut out sugar totally, but I will definitely start watching my refined sugar intake. Thanks for this!
  • HealthyChanges2010
    HealthyChanges2010 Posts: 5,831 Member
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    I've read and experienced it first hand (unfortunately) that eating excess sugar (or even not in excess for some) causes inflammation which would definitely affect the joints.:frown:
  • SyreetaJayne1
    SyreetaJayne1 Posts: 170
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    I have also noticed that when I'm consuming alot of sugar (enriched foods & sugars) I have trouble with my knees and I break out more, heal a lot slower, etc. When I started on myfitnesspal and cut out almost all of these foods my body immediately began to heal, no more knee pain, breakouts, and an infection I'd had for a while started to clear up really fast! Related? I definitely think so!!
  • get_fit2009
    get_fit2009 Posts: 827 Member
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    Thank you all for your input! I think this is an excellent kick to my rear to get back on the healthy wagon and stay away from sugar and junk in general! :wink:
  • HealthyChanges2010
    HealthyChanges2010 Posts: 5,831 Member
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    Even though I'd read this and felt it was true for me I'm so glad so many of you spoke up and shared. That way I really do know it's not just me imagining it but that something else IS going on when I make less than healthy choices.
    Thank you
  • HealthyChanges2010
    HealthyChanges2010 Posts: 5,831 Member
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    Thank you all for your input! I think this is an excellent kick to my rear to get back on the healthy wagon and stay away from sugar and junk in general! :wink:
    Indeed it is!:wink::drinker:
  • hjorden
    hjorden Posts: 12
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    This is why I drink water or unsweetened tea. Sugar is bad for you and artificial sweeteners are bad for you.
  • gemdews
    gemdews Posts: 1
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    I also have trouble with any refined sugars, even small amounts affect my joints :-(
  • stephstang1
    stephstang1 Posts: 1
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    Take a look at this research done to support this. http:\\jointpain.insulitelabs.com/how dietary-sugars-damage-joints
    This explains how this happens. I have felt the same way and consider sugar as the culprit to several joint and other inflammation issues.
  • emy200
    emy200 Posts: 14 Member
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    Me too If I eat to much junk food, my body aches all over with flu like symptoms. I am not sure if it is artificial coloring / flavoring or the sugar.
  • BreezyDays
    BreezyDays Posts: 292
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    I too have Fibromyalgia. I am currently working on the Paleo diet and it does help. I avoid sugar, sugar substitutes, wheats and processed foods as much as possible and try to stick with proteins and veggies. I always know when Ive indulged too much.
    What has made me feel better along with the diet is strength training which helps me sleep better and raises my metabolism to help me melt the weight off. I also take supplements to help inflammation.
  • tinasawyer
    tinasawyer Posts: 2
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    i was so glad to find/read all your responses. i have been having joint pain/flu like symptoms all day today (even just took my temp b/c feels like a low grade fever) and then i thought about the amount of sugar i ate yesterday. ugh!!! thanks everyone!
  • tinasawyer
    tinasawyer Posts: 2
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    this is exactly how i feel today, and i am thinking it was due to the amount of sugar i ate yesterday....
  • jkbeer7
    jkbeer7 Posts: 3
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    Sugar is definitely a trigger for pain. When I used to drink a Coke daily, my body would hurt so badly. I do not drink them anymore and notice a big difference in the way I feel. I do have to stay away from most sugars or my arthritis will flare.
  • mimmom1000
    mimmom1000 Posts: 4 Member
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    I just googled Sugar and Joint Pain and it brought me here. I've been feeling HORRIBLE. Then yesterday I didn't eat refined sugar in the morning and I had a really amazing morning. Later in the day I had ice cream with some chocolate sprinkles my husband got me from The Netherlands. I usually hate sprinkles but not these. Of course he HAD to go and order me TWO huge boxes and I've eat most of one in a week. This morning I'm just have an almond butter and banana sandwich on gluten free bread and some cocoa with stevia as the sweetener. I feel pretty good. I'll have to see how the rest of the day goes, but I've noticed this before and really didn't want to believe it. I believe it really does make a difference.

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