The term “inflammation” is referring to the immune reaction triggered by our systems to prevent any infection by bacteria or damage e.g from injuries. It is a normal process within the body, and necessary for repair and healing, however, when inflammation gets out of control it can be more harmful than beneficial.
When we use the word “inflammation”, we usually think of symptoms like “heat”, “high temperature”, “Irritation”, “swelling” and pain somewhere. When a lesion gets inflamed, we can see with our own eyes the inflammation. However, inflammation is not always externally visible like that. The physical signs of “secret” inflammation do emerge but at a much later stage, sometimes when it’s too late.
Chronic (long-term) inflammation leads to multiple issues in our systems. All sorts of inflammatory disorders may pop up and become a population in our bodies. A person who goes through chronic inflammation, becomes exposed to further health deterioration from diseases and even aging acceleration.
Foods Which Lead To Inflammation
For those affected by inflammation, diets rich in carbs and low in protein intake can be destructive. As a matter of fact, we’ve witnessed multiple times that such high carb and low protein diets lead to inflammation while the opposite diet (low carbs/high protein intake), actually keeps inflammation under control and all the negative side effects connected to it.
Processed sugars and foods with an elevated Glycemic Index (G.I), in reality raise insulin levels and trigger an immune system response. There is a communication between inflammatory mediators (prostaglandins, cytokines), and insulin or blood sugar amounts. Studies reveal that when specific stressors emerge, insulin triggers an inflammatory reaction within the system.
The 5 worst foods that trigger an inflammatory response in the body are:
No 1: Sugar/Sweets. High amounts of sugar consumption have been associated with overweight issues, inflammation, and chronic inflammatory diseases like Diabetes Melitus.
No 2: Typical vegetable oils for cooking and baking. Oils with a high omega-6 fatty acid/low omega-3 acid ratio, such as canola, safflower and sunflower oil, also lead to inflammation.
No 3: Trans fats. These fats are typically found on junk food/fast food meals. They are also associated with inflammation, resistance to insulin, and other chronic disorders. Often labeled and hidden as hydrogenated vegetable oil.
No 4: Non-organic milk and dairy products. Non-organic dairy products can also result in inflammation, especially in the female population, due to the hormones and allergen ingredients they contain.
No 5: Soy. Eating soy is also associated with immune reactions that lead to chronic inflammation within our systems. There is also a clear connection between processed GMO soy consumption and cancer risk, backed-up by many scientific trials.
Other types of foods suspect of causing inflammation are grains/flour, alcohol, synthetic food preservatives, and grain-fed meats. All the above foods should be avoided if any signs of inflammation emerge.
This list is not comprehensive for every single food that can cause an inflammatory response in the body, however, if you can start by eliminating these 5 foods you will be at a much greater position toward health.