Inflammation is the body's natural defense against infection or injury. When you cut yourself while making dinner, your finger may swell, turn red and begin to hurt. Your body causes the wound to become inflamed by sending white blood cells to thee wound to destroy bacteria. In this case, inflammation is a good thing.
However, chronic inflammation can wreak havoc on your health. According to world-renowned nutritionist and dermatologist, Nicholas Perricone, MD, when that inflammation become chronic, "the immune system mistakenly attacks normal cells, and the process that ordinarily heals becomes destructive." Heart disease, Alzheimer's cancer and even acne are just a few of the possible consequences of chronic inflammation. Here's a list of some common inflammation-causing foods. A few may surprise you.
Sugar
Sure, it can hard not to indulge your sweet tooth. But sugar
may be causing your body undue stress. The American Journal for Clinical Nutrition suggests that processed
sugar triggers the release of inflammatory messengers known as cytokines (these
are released by infected or injured cells). Not sure if sugar is hiding in your
food? Just check your food labels for any ingredient ending in "ose".
And don't just cut back on sugary desserts.
Breakfast cereals, sweetened yogurt and fruit juices are high in sugar and
won't do you any good.
Aspartame
Ok, if too much sugar isn't good for you then sugar-free
sweeteners are the next best thing? Wrong! Especially sweeteners made with the
protein aspartame can be wreak
havoc on your health. Aspartame, a neurotoxin, is commonly used as
an artificial sweetener because its 200 times more sweeter than sugar and is
sold under the names NutraSweet or Equal. For those who are susceptible , they
may have an imflammatory response to aspartame.
Vegetable Oils (High in Omega-6)
Vegetable oils tend to be high in omego-6 fatty acids which
are essential for health. However, too much omega-6 (in relation to omega-3) causes the body to
produce pro-inflammatory substances like eicosanoids. Eicosanoids have been
linked to inflammatory diseases such as allergies, arthritis, Alzheimer's and
heart disease.
Cow's Milk
Milk provides necessary
calories, nutrients and fat essential for the growth of young calves, not
humans - especially fully grown ones. Milk and its by-products such as cheese
are not crucial for strong healthy bones and contains casein, a common allergen
that causes inflammation. Plant-based sources of calcium include green leaky
veggies such as broccoli, spinach, kale and collards. Love texture of milk? You
can opt for nut milk such as organic almond, rice or oat milk.
High Fat/Sodium Foods
We know high fat and sodium diets can lead to chronic diseases like cancer and heart diseases. Studies also suggest
that animal fat also contribute to inflammatory response. Meats high in fat and
sodium include burgers, hot dogs, bologna and ribs. Swap out high sodium season
mixes for fresh or dried herbs or choose no-sodium added season mix.
MSG
Commonly found in prepared Asian food and soy sauce,
mono-sodium glutamate (MSG as it is most widely known) is a food additive that
enhances the flavour of food. This substance can trigger two pathways of liver
damage and chronic inflammation. Prepared soup, soup mixes and fast food may
also contain MSG.
Gluten
Gluten-free diets have become very popular over the past few
years and for good reason. Especially for those living with arthritis and
celiac disease, gluten can make the inflammatory response even worse. This
protein can be found in many foods made from wheat, rye and barley.
Foods to Consume More Of
Oatmeal
Nut Milk such as organic almond milk, rice milk and hazelnut
milk
Fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna
Plain Greek Yogurt
Fresh & Dried herbs
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Green leafy vegetables
