Reading that certain foods are anti-inflammatory is not new, as it is one popular health benefit we see in a number of benefit lists. But what exactly is this inflammation? Have you taken time to find out? Well, never mind if you haven`t, as you will discover in this article, and get to know foods that cause it and more. Inflammation, you would agree with me, could be discomforting and severe if unchecked. Inflammation is a vital part of the body’s immune response. It is an attempt of the body to heal itself after an injury. It is also the body`s defense system against foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. Without inflammation, wounds would fester and infections could become deadly. However, inflammation can be a problem. It can be really disturbing, and it plays a role in some chronic diseases. Inflammation is characterized by redness, swelling, warmth, and sometimes pain and some immobility. Fried foods, oils with excess omega 6, meat from animals that eat grains, trans fat, bread, processed meaty items, additives, corn syrup, iodized salt, peanuts, seitan, agave, highly refined flours, sugar, alcohol, dairy products, and packed juices all cause inflammation.
Let`s Discuss some Foods that Cause Inflammation
Foods fried in vegetable oil cause damage to the body. Fried foods contain Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) which are harmful compounds that are formed in foods that have been exposed to high temperatures, as in grilling, frying or toasting. Also, when protein or fat combine with sugar in the bloodstream, a process called glycation, AGEs are formed. Higher GEs result in higher inflammation, which is not safe for the body. Reducing your intake of fried foods may just be a great idea.
Processed Meaty Items
Sausages and jerked are high in saturated fat and AGEs. The pasteurization and drying processes in particular cause AGEs to form. Gradually, you become prone to chronic inflammation as you consume them, especially in excess. Better health? Reduced or zero processed meat.
Additives
The body fights additives in foods such as ice cream and candies. This causes inflammation.
Iodized Salt
The sodium in salt, when not gotten rid of from the blood, causes an increase in blood volume. An increase in blood volume brings about an expansion of the veins. This actually worsens already existing inflammation, it doesn’t cause it.
Seitan
This “meat” eaten by some vegetarians which is as a result of wheat protein that has gone through an extreme texturizing process causes inflammation.
Agave
Agave, used by many instead of sugar, unknown to them, contains almost double the fructose content in sugar. It also causes damage to the liver, causing inflammation.
Packed Juices
These juices go through the pasteurization process, which just means high temperatures. This is by default, a death of good bacteria. And of course, excess sugar! Welcome inflammation. Why not take fruit juices instead?
Oils with Excess Omega 6
Consuming excess omega 6 is not good for you. Vegetable oils and some other kinds of oil that contain excess omega 6 lead to inflammation because of the breakdown and conversion process into prostaglandins and other proteins which are inflammation-causing.
Meats from Animals that Eat Grain
Livestock that feeds on grains, unlike those that feeds on grass need antibiotics for proper growth. These antibiotics are then transferred into your diet. This causes inflammation. Also, high levels of saturated fat in them cause inflammation.
Highly Refined Flours
The rapid digestion of refined flours causes a rise in sugar and insulin levels in the body, hence
Excess Sugar
Consuming sugar excessively causes the production of cytokines, which are directly related to inflammation in the body. It is advised to avoid sugar in tea, coffee, and by reducing the amount of candies jellies consumed.
Excess Alcohol
This news for alcoholics. Alcohol damages the liver, over time. Its continued use causes inflammation of the liver, which may lead to a tumor.
Refined Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates have got a poor reputation over time, however, not all carbs are bad for the health. Back in the day, people consumed high-fiber, unprocessed carbohydrates for millions of years in many healthy forms such as fruits, grasses, and roots. But this thing, refined carbohydrates, eaten these days…They can cause inflammation
What is it about refined carbohydrates? They’ve got reduced fiber, and fiber improves blood sugar control, promotes fullness, and feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut. Isn’t fiber just a wonder? Yes, but missing, or rather, reduced in refined carbohydrates.
Refined carbohydrates have a higher glycemic index (GI) than unprocessed carbohydrates. High-GI foods raise blood sugar more rapidly than low-GI foods do.
Inflammation Facts you Probably didn’t Know
- Inflammation is the body’s attempt at self-protection to remove harmful stimuli and begin the healing process.
- Inflammation is part of the body’s immune response.
- Infections, wounds, and any damage to tissue don’t heal without an inflammatory response.
- Chronic inflammation can eventually cause diseases and conditions, including some cancers and rheumatoid arthritis
Now you know these facts. Let`s move on to the symptoms of inflammation.
What are the Symptoms of Inflammation?
The inflammation signs stated below apply to inflammations of the skin. If inflammation occurs deep inside the body, such as in an internal organ, then only some of these symptoms may be experienced.
Symptoms of inflammation vary, depending on whether the reaction is acute or chronic.
Pain
Inflamed areas are likely to be painful, especially during and after they’re touched. Chemicals that stimulate nerve endings are released after they are touched, making the areas more sensitive.
Redness
This symptom of inflammation occurs because the capillaries in the area are filled with more blood than usual.
Immobility
Loss of function is experienced in the regions where inflammation happens.
Swelling
Here’s another symptom. The buildup of fluid in areas of inflammation cause swellings.
Heat
Blood flows to the part of the body where inflammation is experienced, and this makes it feel warm when touched.
Herbs for Inflammation
Did you know there were herbs that treat inflammation? Let’s discuss them.
Harpagophytum procumbens
Devil’s claw, wood spider, or grapple plant, whatever you choose to call it, this herb comes from South Africa and is related to sesame plants. It’s got anti-inflammatory properties, and that makes it super.
Ginger
Ginger has been used for hundreds of years to treat constipation, and some other gastrointestinal problems, as well as rheumatoid arthritis pain.
Can Inflammation Affect Internal Organs?
Yes. Inflammation can affect organs as part of an autoimmune disorder. The type of symptoms depends on which organs are affected. Let’s talk about this briefly.
Here are internal organs affected by inflammation.
Kidneys
Inflammation of the kidneys may lead to kidney failure.
Inflammation of the Heart
This may cause shortness of breath or fluid retention.
Inflammation of the Small Tubes
These tubes that transport air to the lungs may cause shortness of breath.
Final Words…
Now you can boast of some wealth of knowledge on inflammation. Having discussed foods that cause it, it’s symptoms, and herbs that can cure it, all you need do is bask in your newly acquired knowledge to the benefit of your health. It’s not a bad idea to share with others, this which you’ve learned.
