8 Foods That Might Be Sneakily Causing Inflammation

Inflammation, often associated with negativity, serves as a vital defense mechanism in your body when dealing with injuries and foreign invaders. While it's crucial for protection and healing, excessive inflammation can lead to health issues.

Chronic inflammation, in particular, can contribute to conditions like cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, asthma, chronic kidney disease, and osteoporosis. To manage and reduce the risk of chronic inflammation, lifestyle choices play a significant role. Adequate sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet are key factors in this process.

However, several common foods may be quietly fueling inflammation in your body without you realizing it. Let's explore eight such foods and learn how to make smarter choices for reducing inflammation risk.

Refined Grains

Refined grains like white rice, white bread, and white pasta undergo processing that strips away nutrients, affecting their nutritional value. These grains have a high glycemic load due to their lack of fiber, causing rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Consequently, refined carbohydrates contribute to inflammation.

Solution: Opt for unprocessed grains such as brown rice, buckwheat noodles, and quinoa pasta. These options are equally delicious and offer better nutritional value.

Natural Sweeteners

While natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, and coconut sugar contain trace vitamins and minerals, they are still forms of sugar. Excessive sugar consumption, regardless of the source, can raise blood sugar levels, leading to insulin resistance and increased inflammation risk.

Solution: Limit added sugar intake. Choose fiber-rich fruits as a natural, slower-digesting alternative to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Raw Cruciferous Vegetables

Although vegetables are generally healthy, raw cruciferous ones like broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts contain compounds that might interfere with thyroid hormone activity. Thyroid imbalances are linked to inflammation and oxidative stress.

Solution: Cook cruciferous vegetables to reduce their potential to disrupt thyroid function while still enjoying their health benefits.

Nut Milks

While plain nut milks can be anti-inflammatory, many commercial options contain additives like carrageenan, vegetable-based oils, and sugars that can promote inflammation.

Solution: Read labels carefully and choose nut milks with minimal ingredients—just nuts and water. Consider making your own nut milk for complete control over the ingredients.

Oats

Glyphosate, a component of herbicides used in agriculture, can be found in non-organic oats. This substance is associated with inflammation and is considered a potential human carcinogen.

Solution: Opt for organic oats to minimize exposure to glyphosate and other harmful chemicals.

Supplements

Supplements designed to provide extra nutrients might contain fillers like hydrogenated oils and sugars, which can trigger inflammation.

Solution: Prioritize supplements without unnecessary additives. Educate yourself about common supplement additives to make informed choices.

Highly Processed Plant-Based Meats

Just like with processed foods, highly processed plant-based meat alternatives often contain vegetable-based oils high in pro-inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids. Added sugars and artificial flavors can exacerbate their inflammatory effects.

Solution: Prepare homemade plant-based burgers using whole ingredients to avoid the additives present in commercial meat alternatives.

Alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption is known to contribute to systemic inflammation, affecting gut health and liver function.

Solution: Reduce alcohol intake and explore non-alcoholic, flavorful mocktail options for a healthier choice.

When it comes to dealing with inflammation through your diet, it's all about taking things slow and steady.

Imagine having someone in your corner who can decode those cryptic signals your body sends. That’s exactly what you get working one on one with a Health Coach. Working with a coach, you'll be on track to rediscover that awesome feeling of well-being. So, why not give it a shot? Your body will definitely thank you for it! Contact me today to learn more about my programs.