01/27/2026
Tuesday’s Filler
Did you know some of the most popular snacks in the U.S. are banned in many countries around the world?
From neon-colored cereals to sodas so sweet they could double as syrup, the American food industry has become a global outlier—largely because of one primary ingredient: high fructose corn syrup.
This sweetener is cheap, addictive, and hidden in everything from ketchup to “health” bars. Most people know it’s linked to obesity, fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes—but far fewer realize it can also impact joint and musculoskeletal health.
▪High fructose corn syrup has been shown to:
▪Increase systemic inflammation, a key driver of joint pain and stiffness
▪Accelerates cartilage breakdown, especially in weight-bearing joints
▪Interfere with collagen production, affecting ligaments, tendons, and connective tissue.
▪Increase uric acid levels, which can contribute to gout and inflammatory joint conditions.
In short, what you eat can directly affect how your joints move, feel, and recover.
And it’s not just the sweeteners…
Those bright, intense colors in candies, snacks, and even sports drinks? Many contain artificial dyes like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1—linked in studies to hyperactivity in children, allergic reactions, and increased inflammatory responses in the body.
Other countries have banned or strictly limited these ingredients for public safety. So why are they still on our shelves?
It’s time to read labels, ask better questions, and choose real food over fake food. Your body—and your joints—know the difference, even if the marketing wants you to forget it.
