7 Foods That Are Causing Your Inflammation

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