Foods that Cause Inflammation
Inflammation is generally referred to as swelling due to an injury. But inflammation can be internal and you may not even know that you have it. It is a natural response by the body to protect itself. Its when the inflammation becomes chronic it starts to have negative effects. Inflammation can be caused by stress and stress can be due to many reasons like emotion, financial, loss of a loved one or even environment pollutants.
An inflamed body is a target for many serious diseases like gout, diabetes, cancer, allergies, heart disease and stroke among a host of others.
Today's world puts us at a risk of inflammation due to several unavoidable factors beyond our control like pollutants and toxins but besides doing all you can to reduce stress like meditation and exercise to name a few, there are some foods which can be avoided as well which actually contribute to inflammation.
Sugar
Human body is not designed to handle the amount of sugar which we consume on a daily basis. Besides consuming white sugar directly, there are hidden sugars in most of the processed foods we eat. Sugary drinks, salad dressings, ketchups and almost any food we eat has sugar in it. Sugar is a contributing factor to innumerable diseases, some major ones include diabetes, atherosclerosis, heart disease, obesity and inflammation. More sugar you avoid, more healthier you will be.
Refined vegetable Oils
All refined seed oils like corn oil, cotton seed oil, Soy Oil, Canola Oil, Sunflower oil are highly inflammatory primarily because they are very high in Omega 6 and create an imbalance of omega 6 and Omega 3 inside the body. To extract oil from a seed is not an easy process and chemicals like Hexane (a hydrocarbon found in refining of petroleum which is a solvent and used in manufacturing of leather and adhesives) are used. After that it goes through a multi step refining process like degum, deodorise and raising the smoke point. Refined oils are used in deep frying, processed foods, fast foods and baking as well as cooking mediums. Replace refined oils with cold pressed oils like extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil or grass fed butter and Ghee.
Artificial Sweeteners
Avoid artificial sweeteners due to a wide range of side effects that they have. Do not try to fool your body by tricking it to think that sweet is being consumed and eventually it does not arrive. What about the processes that are already started by the brain to digest the sweet which eventually does not show up ?! If you absolutely have to take sweet, try Allulose in moderation because when consumed in excess it also has its own side effects.
Corn
Corn used to be a health food in ancient times. Not anymore. Almost all corn produced today is GMO and a major cause of inflammation. The problem is it is added as an ingredient in many baked and fried foods, as a thickening agent and flavor enhancer. Read the labels. Your body is much better off without corn, corn powder and corn syrup.
Alcohol
Avoid consumption of alcohol. Contrary to popular belief, even small quantities of alcohol can lead to liver problems, sleep disorders, dehydration and a number of health problems besides being highly addictive. Substitute with coffee or fruit juice if you have to. An occasional drink now and then may be well tolerated by healthy individuals but it is never a good option for good health.
Processed meat
Processed meats are loaded with salt, artificial colors and flavor enhancers which include sugars. Avoid completely as they can even be carcinogenic.
Refined grains
Refined grains are almost pure sugar and most of us are allergic to them without even knowing it. Refined wheat flour is extremely dangerous as it is a form of empty calories without the fiber. It is highly processed and is devoid of any vitamins or minerals. That is why they add certain vitamins to it but they are mostly synthetic and do more harm than good. It is a major cause of inflammation in the body.
Gluten
Gluten is a structural protein found in grains like wheat, barley, rye and oats. It is even extracted and used as a thickening or binding agent in most processed foods like biscuits, serials and waffles. It is an allergen and contributes to inflammation in the body. Avoid processed foods and go for whole foods and salads.
By doing away with inflammatory foods, you can lead a relatively healthier life. Do go for a C-Reactive Protein test to determine if there is inflammation in your body.
Eat Healthy and be healthy.
Vibhuti Misra
Holistic Health Specialist
+91 813 088 2160
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