Top 10 Inflammatory Foods to Avoid Like the Plague
Stay clear of these inflammation-causing foods to instantly upgrade your health
According to the statistics from the World Health Organization, about 12.9 million people worldwide died from some form of cardiovascular disease in 2004. And each year, the World Cancer Research Fund estimated that some eight million people died from cancer. Heart disease and cancer, the deadly manifestation of chronic inflammation, are expected to remain as the leading causes of death in developed countries for many years to come.
But study after study shows that the risk of heart disease and cancer are modifiable by our lifestyle choices which include the food we choose to eat each day. With every bite that we take, we’re either balancing the pro- and anti-inflammatory compounds in the body, or tipping the scale to one end.
To shift the balance to your favor, other than incorporating more natural anti-inflammatory foods in your diet, it’s also equally important to avoid or cut down on foods which are known to promote inflammation. Here, we look at the top ten foods which set the stage for inflammatory diseases:
1. Sugars
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Pro-inflammatory Agent: Excessive sugar intake causes tooth decay and has been linked to increased risks of obesity, inflammation and chronic diseases such as metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Recently, it has also finally been proven that sugar, as well as dairy, are the causes of acne.Find them in: Sugar-sweetened beverages like soft drinks, fruit drinks and punches are one of the major sources of dietary sugars that many have overlooked. Do you know that drinking a can of Coke is as good as sucking ten sugar cubes? Other obvious sugar-loaded foods to avoid or at least limit include pastries, desserts, candies and snacks. And when you’re looking out for sugar in the ingredients list, note that sugar has many names: corn syrup, dextrose, fructose, golden syrup, maltose, sorghum syrup and sucrose are some of the creative names used.
Inflammation-dousing Substitute: Got a sweet tooth? Opt for natural sweeteners like stevia, honey, or blackstrap molasses to flavor your beverages and foods modestly. Natural sugars found in fresh or dried fruits and fruit preserves with no added sugar are also great choices. Not only do they give you the sweetness you crave for, fruits also supply you with vitamins, antioxidants and fibers that you won’t find in sugary foods and drinks. Dates, figs, persimmons, kiwis, tangerines and various types of berries are but some of the natural healthy snacks you can sink your teeth into.
2. Common Cooking Oils
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Pro-inflammatory Agent: Common vegetable cooking oils used in many homes and restaurants have very high omega-6 fatty acids and dismally low omega-3 fats. A diet consisting of highly imbalanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio promotes inflammation and breeds inflammatory diseases like heart disease and cancer.Find them in: Polyunsaturated vegetable oils such as grape seed, cottonseed, safflower, corn and sunflower oils. These industrial vegetable oils are also commonly used to prepare most processed foods and takeaways.
Inflammation-dousing Substitute: Replace your omega-6-saturated cooking oils with macadamia oil, extra virgin olive oil, or other edible oils with a saner omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids ratio. Macadamia oil, for instance, has an almost one to one ratio of omega-6:3 fats, and it’s also rich in oleic acid, a heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acid.
3. Trans Fats
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Pro-inflammatory Agent: Trans fatty acids are notorious for their double whammy effect: they increase the levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol, while lowering levels of the ‘good’ cholesterol. But that’s not all they can do. They have also been found to promote inflammation, obesity and resistance to insulin, laying the ground for degenerative illnesses to take place.Find them in: Deep fried foods, fast foods, commercial baked goods and those prepared with partially hydrogenated oil, margarine and vegetable shortening. Note that items that list 0g trans fats on the label may still contain some amount of this toxic fats. This is because in the US, the government allows items containing less than 0.5g of trans fats to be declared as trans-fat free. Commercially prepared peanut butter is one good example. Your best bet is to read the ingredients list and make sure partially hydrogenated oil or vegetable shortening is not used.
Inflammation-dousing Substitute: Look for alternative products that contain no trans fats, or don’t have partially hydrogenated oil or vegetable shortening in the ingredients list. When in doubt, assume that all commercially prepared foods contain trans fats unless stated otherwise.
4. Dairy Products
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Pro-inflammatory Agent: As much as 60% of the world’s population can’t digest milk. In fact, researchers think that being able to digest milk beyond infancy is abnormal, rather than the other way round. Milk is also a common allergen that can trigger inflammatory responses, such as stomach distress, constipation, diarrhea, skin rashes, acne, hives and breathing difficulties, in susceptible people.Find them in: Milk and dairy products are as pervasive as foods containing partially hydrogenated oil or omega-3-deficient vegetable oil. Apart from obvious milk products like butter and cheese, foods with hidden dairy content include breads, cookies, crackers, cakes, cream sauces and boxed cereals. Scanning the ingredients list is still the safest way to suss out milk.
Inflammation-dousing Substitute: Kefir and unsweetened yogurt are acceptable in moderation for those who are not allergic to milk. They are easier on the stomach as the lactose and proteins in the milk have been broken down by beneficial bacteria and/or yeasts.
5. Feedlot-Raised Meat
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Pro-inflammatory Agent: Commercially produced meats are feed with grains like soy beans and corns, a diet that’s high in inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids but low in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats. Due to the small and tight living environment, these animals also gain excess fat and end up with high saturated fats. Worse, to make them grow faster and prevent them from getting sick, they are also injected with hormones and fed with antibiotics. The result is one piece of meat which you and I shouldn’t be eating.Find them in: Unless otherwise stated, most, if not all, beef, pork and poultry you can find in the supermarkets and restaurants come from feedlot farms.
Inflammation-dousing Substitute: Organic, free-range animals that fed on their natural diet like grasses instead of grains and hormones contain more omega-3 fats. Having more room to roam freely, they are also leaner and contain less saturated fats.
6. Red Meat & Processed Meat
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Pro-inflammatory Agent: Researchers at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that red meat contains a molecule that humans don’t naturally produce called Neu5Gc. After ingesting this compound, the body develops anti-Neu5Gc antibodies – an immune response that may trigger chronic inflammatory response. And low-grade simmering inflammation that won’t go away has been linked to cancer and heart disease.The link between processed meat consumption and cancer is even stronger. In the 2007 report by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research, processed meat has been stated as a convincing cause of cancers of the colon and rectum, and possibly esophagus and lung cancer too. Processed meat includes animal product that has been smoked, cured, salted or chemically preserved.
Find them in: Common red meats are beef, lamb and pork, while processed meat include hams, sausages and salami.
Inflammation-dousing Substitute: You don’t need to avoid red meat totally, though the same thing can’t be said for processed meat. No amount of processed meat is safe. Replace the bulk of your red meat with organic vegetables, poultry and fish, and relegate red meat to a weekly treat. When you do eat red meat, remember to choose lean cuts and preferably, that of grass-fed animals.
7. Alcohol
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Pro-inflammatory Agent: Regular high consumption of alcohol has been known to cause irritation and inflammation of the esophagus, larynx (voice box) and liver. Over time, the chronic inflammation promotes tumor to grow and gives rise to cancer at the sites of repeated irritation.Find them in: Beers, ciders, liquors, liqueurs, and wines.
Inflammation-dousing Substitute: A refreshing and thirst-quenching glass of pure, filtered water, anyone?
How about a cup of anti-aging and anti-inflammatory jasmine green tea? If you find the idea of swapping ethanol for water or tea implausible, at least limit your consumption to no more than one drink a day.
8. Refined Grains
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Pro-inflammatory Agent: A lot of the grains we eat nowadays are refined. They are devoid of fiber and vitamin B compared to unpolished and unrefined grains that still have the bran, germ and the aleurone layer intact. This makes refined grains as good as refined sugars, which are practically empty calories. And like refined sugars, refined grains have a higher glycemic index than unprocessed grains and when they are consistently consumed, can hasten the onset of degenerative diseases like cancer and coronary disease.Find them in: Refined grains and products made out of them are almost everywhere. The common ones are: white rice, white flour, white bread, noodles, pasta, biscuits and pastries. To make things worse, many products with refined grains undergo further processing to enhance their taste and look, and are often loaded with excess sugar, salt, artificial flavors and/or partially hydrogenated oil in the process. A prime example is boxed cereals which contain substantial amounts of added sugar and flavorings.
Inflammation-dousing Substitute: Go for minimally processed grains if you are not gluten intolerant or allergic to grains. If you’re an avid bread or pastry maker, invest in a grain mill to produce your own flour. It will be much fresher than the stale one found in stores. When buying cereals or other products made from grains, don’t take the words on the packaging for granted. Just because the box says whole grains, it doesn’t mean the grains inside are 100% intact. The problem is due to a lack of an internationally accepted definition for the word ‘whole grain’. When in doubt, if it doesn’t look close to its natural state, don’t buy.
9. Artificial Food Additives
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Pro-inflammatory Agent: Some artificial food additives like aspartame and monosodium glutamate (MSG) reportedly trigger inflammatory responses, especially in people who are already suffering from inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.Find them in: Only packaged foods contain artificial food additives. If you need to buy them, read the labels carefully and weigh your risks. If you order Chinese takeaways, make sure you’ve the option to ask for no MSG. Otherwise, look elsewhere.
Inflammation-dousing Substitute: Besides limiting the consumption of processed foods, use anti-inflammatory herbs, spices or natural sweeteners to add flavor to your dishes instead of relying on food additives.
10. <Fill in the blank>
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Pro-inflammatory Agent: Why is this blank? Because it is meant for you to fill in with the food that you’re sensitive to. Many people are sensitive to certain food but are totally unaware about it. Unlike food allergy in which symptoms usually come fast and fiery, symptoms caused by food intolerance take a longer time to manifest. And when they do appear, they are often brushed off as common minor ailments such as tiredness and headaches. But repeated, long-term exposure to food that irritates can cause inflammation and lead to chronic diseases.Find them in: Common food allergens are gluten, milk, nuts, eggs and nightshade vegetables. Contrary to common belief, it is possible to develop an allergy to the foods that you eat often.
Inflammation-dousing Substitute: If you suspect that a particular food may be responsible for your food intolerant response, try avoiding it completely for about two weeks and monitor your reaction. At the end of the abstinence period, re-introduce the food back into your diet. If you’re in fact incompatible with it, you should be able to notice the difference in how you feel easily.
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Excellent article. But why do you condemn saturated fat? With what you know about everything else, havent you researched saturated fat and why it is NOT unhealthy? I think its nothing to do with the reason meat is bad, It’s the modernization (grain/soy fed, sterioids, homrones, antibiotics, omega6).
A little of what you fancy does you good but evidence now clearly indicates animal sources of essential fatty acids,CLA and vitamins, together with green leafy vegetables and fruits, in ratios similar to our evolutionary diet is desirable. For people with northern ancestry in the 40 to 60 degree range this would appear to be 40% animal protein and 30% fats, with 30% plant based carbohydrates etc from fruits, vegetables, and very little grains. The Omega 6:3 ratio appears most important and should be less than 4:1, not the obesity, inflammatory disease causing reputed current average of 20:1. The healthy ratios can only be obtained by eating ruminant prey animals and/or wild cold water fish, with green leafies such as cabbage, other brassicas, peas, carrots etc. Therefore the healthiest mainstay modern diet is fundamentally boiled beef and Cabbage. These ancient wisdom’s are now being corroborated by science and human trials around the world to eat lean beef daily. Unfortunately it will probably take another 40 years to reverse the brain washing of the past 40 re grain/corn/oilseeds, derived diets including the modern main derivative of so-called healthy white meats. Put some beef in it and eat your veggies advice of history is still best today. Check out links to Health on website Linden Leas
So now give me a list of what i can eat
Why is grape seed oil on your list of inflammatory foods? I thought grape seed oil reduces cholestrol and is healthy!
I find the thing is to be conscious rather than rigid. It is the art of the trade-off, nutrient requirements vs. availability. We have been forced to become hunter/gatherers again is a vastly different jungle. Look with intent for the best you can get for the money, and be kind to yourself.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Jaladrian. I certainly agree that it’s not always possible to avoid what may be deemed as unhealthy, inflammatory foods all the time. Trying to make the most appropriate food choices based on the limited budget we have also poses a great challenge for many of us. And yes, trade-offs are sometimes inevitable.
At the other spectrum, there should also be a willingness to take up the challenge to eat healthily and make tough choices, instead of simply brushing it off as a too difficult or impossible endeavor. Not all healthy foods are beyond reach. Choosing more whole foods over highly processed ones doesn’t necessarily mean higher costs, for instance, and sometimes can even help to stretch the dollars.
Well put Jaladrian. Conscious eating seems to be a rarity even among folks who claim to want to eat healthily and have the means to do so. In my home 1/2 would choose chips and dip over apples and almond butter and they have the knowledge.
Hi Ciamia,
I hope I am not ignorant or egocentric and within my knowledge have based previous comments on the evidence which is irrefutable if you have lived with nature, feet on the ground as a practicing grassland beef farmer.
Simply put, pasture fattened beef is the healthiest, most nutrient dense food concentrated by nature. We are what we eat and if the pasture is fertile and healthy due to the carbon sequestration/ recycling of the cloven hoof and the resulting beef is seasonal fat it cannot get better.
I only responded to this article because partial truths lead to terrible unjust perceptions now causing ills such as you and others describe unless we get back to working with nature. I can only apologize for my, perhaps old fashioned language meant for clarity. This is the reason I provided links in my last response so you can research for yourself the conclusions of many experts and connect the simple threads of evidence that even some of the experts fail to see and realize. It is your health and at the end of the day the individuals responsibility. Good luck with your eating.
Foods that cause inflamation
When I was diagnosed with diabetes and had to shop I cried all the way home with my little bag of food.That was 12 years ago. I now treat shopping for food my hobby and most important task.I go to farmers markets as often as I can find them for more natural foods with good pricing.Fresh and easy always has organic foods on sale and when they do I try to stock up.They have a lot of organic meats.I buy organic milk at any grocery store because it is so much better on my digestive system.For a dollar more I get milk that has a shelf life of almost 2 weeks longer and tastes like milk should.I go to trader Joe’s for my gluten free cake mixes and other gluten free things.I no longer sit around snacking so I have a little extra to get healthier things.I make sure I have walnuts and fresh fruit around.What ever is on sale is what I have in the fruit bowl.Do not get me wrong I still love to eat and cheating is my middle name when I think I can get away with it.If I look back on what I have eaten the last day or so and see that I have been very good to myself I will have a treat.I love fun sized candy.No one is perfect and if you try you will not enjoy yourself,and most likely fail because that’s too hard..Start small and see how it feels.
Omega 3 from vege oil??? eemm… I wonder. I rather go for virgin coconut oil for medium chain saturated fat, 6% of omega 9 and 2% of omega 6. And have fish eggs for omega 3
I know alcohol is bad for your physical health, but I definitely think a drink or two every now and again is good for your mental health. Does anyone know if low calorie or diet liquors are that bad? I just heard about Voli vodka and it’s supposed to be low calorie and infused with electrolytes? It’s really good! I’ve been drinking it instead of light beer the last couple weekends.
Hello
Recently my daughter was diagnosed with Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris which is an inflammatory condition. I find this site very useful. Now my task is to find a specialist to deal with this disease.
If you have any suggestions, please dont hesitate to share.
Queen E
Dear Queen E, I’m sorry to hear about your daughter’s condition. You may like to check out other inflammation-related articles at the sidebar of the anti-inflammation resources. Hope your daughter will feel well soon!
Thank you for your great list of inflammatory foods.I have fibromyalgia. I am in the process of getting off sugar/carbs and finding it hard to find substitutes for snacks. I know it is a process I have to go through to eliminate the cravings and your list has helped me so much.
You’re most welcome, Maggie. I’m glad that you find this post useful. FYI, I’ve previously listed some healthy snacks that are naturally sweet but also pack plenty of natural goodness. You may want to check it out. All the best!
I have fibromyalia as well and I watch my inflammatory intake as well.Right now I am avoiding animal and animal by products.They are still in my diet but its organic and used more like a spice than an actual portion.Like meat sauces and soups and stick with small portions of fish and chicken.I do have a steak on special occasions.For pain I take vitamin D every day and it helps enough that I only take something stronger a few times a month when I have not eaten right or way too active on a busy day.
Thank you. This is exactly what I was looking for. I have a gluten allergy and have finally realized that certain foods will give me inflammation (besides gluten) and have been trying to figure out what they were. Of course, sugar and dairy, but red meat had not hit my radar yet.
Hi Diana, Every person reacts differently to different types of food. If you suspect one food may be causing the problem, try eliminating it for a period of time and see how your body responds. It does take some trial and error to find the culprit. Alternatively, you may want to try blood tests, though I’m not sure how reliable they really are. Good luck!
This is an excellent and much needed article. It’s a great start to optimal health
The part about milk is misleading. RAW MILK is digestible by almost anyone. Even people with lactose intolerance can drink raw milk because of natural substances found in the milk that help aid in the digestion of lactose. The only people that cannot drink milk are those that are allergic to dairy.
Yes; except I drink raw milk, grass fed and unpasteurized. The land of milk and honey is proof milk is not to blame but processing. Try beinhealth.com and look for download on allergies.
Hi Linda, Lucky you! The rest of us who do not have access, or can’t afford, raw milk would probably do better to limit milk intake. Thanks for dropping by.
I have to agree with you.My gastroenterologist says organic milk is the way to go for the rest of us.When we drink regular milk from the store it has hormones and antibiotics from the cows and we are digesting them.The antibiotics are killing off the good bacteria in our intestines and colon and leaving the bad bacteria.The condition is called C-deff and you should look it up because it will change your way of thinking when you go to the grocery store.Make it natural or don’t make it at all.
If you can avoid these foods for 1 month, so will feel so much better. I had tricep tendonitis for 14 months, and after elimanating these bad food stuffs, my tendonitis gradually dissappeared. And I am sure that it would work for a variety of other health problems also.
I also took 3000mg of fish oil daily, and Serrapeptase 3 x 80,000u.
Kind Regards
Nick, Manchester, England
Interesting article but full of partial truths. Eventually it will be rediscovered that we , as a species are apex predators at the top of the food chain. Our brains evolved through being secondary plant eaters through the plant eating pray species of land and sea. These are Our naturally processed and concentrated greens. On land the most efficient and big game equivalent is domesticated cattle/ beef. One lb of naturally raised plant eating beef(not grain fed) contains as much Omega 3 in balance as contained in about 40 modern chickens resulting in hugely out of balance inflammation causing Omega 6 etc. In this regard feedlot beef is much healthier. The heritage type, so called grassfed beef throughout the world also contains the greatest concentration of Heart Health CoQ10 and anti cancer CLA through rumination. Yet poultry are in the same healthy category as fish in the above article. Excessive fossil fuel fed grain agriculture and the fatted chicken and pig is the real problem in addition to the biblical fatted calf. The ruminant through grassland husbandry also may be the answer to global warming as the original carbon recycling/sequestering agents of history.
In response to beafeter – I am a qualified biologist – you said;
“we , as a species are apex predators at the top of the food chain. Our brains evolved through being secondary plant eaters through the plant eating pray species of land and sea”
I don’t think this is true – our closest relatives are primarily herbivorous, only occasionally eating meat.
Our diminished cuspids (canine teeth) tell a story about our evolution. <- obvious
Population studies conclude we live longer eating less meat, more fish, grains and vegetables. We don't require much meat at all in our diets to remain healthy.
We're defintely evolved to eat meat – but not primarily in my opinion – I didn't read the rest – I'd already decided you were ignorant.
In response to Noel: I may be ignorant of many things but I do know that the best evidence is that which a person can personally attest to on any particular circumstance or situation. This can be corroborated by circumstantial evidence or scientific inquiry leading a reasonable person of sound mind to believe the truth of any particular situation.
The life I have lived into my 70th year as a professional evidence gatherer with extensive experience in stewardship of two legged and 4 legged animals together with extensive research into scientific evidence led to my beliefs. The evidence is irrefutable as I have stated when viewed with an open mind. It would be bliss to be ignorant and accept the partial truths being proliferated, in denial of the facts of life as experienced.
Seek and ye shall find the evidence from climate through evolution of plants and animals to the human and the make-up of our brains. Research the evidence of Crawford, Hibbelyn and Richardson et al given before commissions of inquiry etc. The following links all support the evidence leading to conclusions re inflammatory foods:http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article376661.ece http://www.fhf.org.uk/inquiry http://www.dailylivestockreport.com/documents/dlr%202-2-2011.pdf http://www.soilassociation.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=qm0ueyxHQjI%3D&tabid=313 http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/shownotes/414/dr-loren-cordain-ep-247/http://www.thelivinlowcarbshow.com/shownotes/414/dr-loren-cordain-ep-247/ http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/05/23/4-diet-mistakes-that-age-you.aspx http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/05/23/new-research-shows-factory-farms-are-not-the-way-to-feed-the-world.aspxhttp://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/05/31/study-found-toxin-from-gm-crops-is-showing-up-in-human-blood.aspx http://www.zimbio.com/Raising+Grass+Fed+Beef+Cattle/articles/qW34Vs3KkhP/Grass+Fed+Beef+New+Performance+Enhancing+Drughttp://www.cnbc.com/id/42784959/Athletes_Looking_To_Meat_As_Performance_Enhancerhttp://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/05/06/krill-oil-found-more-effective-than-fish-oil-at-reducing-triglycerides.aspx http://action.fooddemocracynow.org/sign/dr_hubers_warning/?akid=314.234643.q%20wRliA&rd=1&t=2
Sorry I am not trying to provoke you.Do you think you could put that in normal English so I could actually understand your point.I am not an ignorant person but I can tell when someone does not care if he is understood as long as he can feel above reproach.It sort of sounds egocentric.Don’t you think?
Hi there,
Very useful article, please tell me your opinion about canadian milk, Natriel, they say it is free preservatives and antibiotics, it comes from local Ontario farmers and cows are free range. I need to know your opinion, I like to have lots of milk, I have osteopenia, but now I am confused. Organic milk is a better solution
Many thanks,
Anca
Dear Anca,
Thanks for writing. However, I’m afraid I’ve not used any Canadian milk myself since I’m located in a different country (Singapore) that does not import milk from Canada.
But, I’ve written to a friend in Canada to see if she knows of any good, reliable brand of milk that does not contain, or has lower, levels of contaminants and chemicals. I’ll let you know once I hear from her.
Meanwhile, don’t be confused by what you’ve read, whether they are from books or websites (including mine). These information are usually general in nature and may not apply to everyone in every situation. Every person is unique and thus, has different needs.
Some people have no problem drinking milk, while others do, either because they are lactose-intolerant or they are allergic to milk. If you’ve experienced no discomfort or whatsoever after drinking high-quality milk, then there’s perhaps no need to stop.
You mentioned you’ve osteopenia which is characterized by a lower than normal bone density. I supposed that’s the reason why you’re drinking milk. But, as you may know, calcium is not only found in mlik. There are also other sources of calcium such as vegetables (kale, kelp, bok choy, spinach, collard, mustard, turnip), nuts and seeds (sesame seeds, almonds, chestnuts, walnuts), beans (garbanzo, soy, tofu; make sure you can tolerate beans as well) and fish (sardines and salmon). Aged cheese from high-quality milk containing probiotics are also an excellent source of calcium. Such cheese may even be suitable for people who are lactose-intolerant as the good bacteria have already partially broken down the lactose in the cheese. The same applies to fermented milk products, like kefir and yogurt.
The best form of calcium is through food as calcium needs other compounds to be absorbed by the body and they can often be found in food. For example, vitamin D, vitamin K and trace minerals (such as magnesium) are required to absorb calcium. Having inadequate levels of these compounds will thus affect the ability of the body to absorb calcium. But if your diet is often lacking in these compounds, supplements may be used to fill some of the gaps. Check with your doctor before using any supplements to make sure they won’t interfere with any drugs you may be taking.
Besides a balanced and varied diet, exercising is also important to bone health as bones respond to stress. Moderate weight-bearing exercises a few times each week may stimulate bone growth but it’s important to do them within your limits and with professional guidance, especially if you’ve stopped exercising for a long period of time.
Hope these information are of some use to you.
You might want to read The China Study http://thechinastudy.com/
to learn about the epidemiological evidence that links a protein in milk (casein) to heart disease and cancer.
Good perspective. People need to know what is causing the inflammation in order to remedy it!
Thank you, Zak! Hope that your clients will get to benefit from your holistic approach to training and nutrition too!
Thanks for the articals they are very helpful
You’re welcome, Gerda!
Very Interesting!
I suffer from rosacea. Will eating certain anti-inflammatory foods or avoiding inflammatory foods help with this condition? Thanks.
thank you for the great information
You’re most welcome, Caitlin! Hope you’ll find the other articles here useful as well. Thanks for your support!
guess I will just eat lettuce?
Ha ha, don’t give up hope yet, Veronica. There are still lots of fresh and delicious produce and minimally processed foods to be had. Further, if you look at the other articles on anti-inflammation and the comments I’ve left on this website, I don’t actually advocate 100% abstinence from inflammatory foods (do you know that even walnuts and banana are considered inflammatory, if you go by Inflammation Factor Ratings?). Firstly, I think it’s difficult, though not impossible, and total avoidance makes life really boring, if not unbearable. I can’t do it, so I can’t expect others to do the same.
Secondly, I think it’s okay to have some inflammatory foods as long as they only make up a small portion in our overall diet, for example 15% inflammatory versus 85% anti-inflammatory foods. What I want to achieve in my diet is to have a positive net anti-inflammatory effect.
I believe it pays to watch what we eat. Foods, believe it or not, have a great influence not just on our health, but also our emotions, energy levels and how much we can accomplish in life.
But of course, these are just my views. No one can tell you what to do or what to eat. It’s ultimately your life and your choice to make.
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