Inflammation, according to medical research, can either help you or harm you. It is this double nature that makes it difficult to treat. On one hand, it can be a sign that you are healing and on the other, it can perpetuate diseases and possibly result in death. It is therefore absolutely crucial to be careful that you avoid foods that cause inflammation if you’re suffering from illnesses and conditions.
What is inflammation?
The immune system is often misunderstood because of the symptoms it produces when it is trying to fight diseases in your body. Symptoms like pain and swelling might lead you to think that your body is headed for shutdown, when in fact it is trying to tell you that your body is fighting back.
When you have harmful substances in your body or an infection is in the process of spreading, you might experience inflammation in certain parts. Usually, inflammation lasts for a few days after which you recover from whatever sickness have invaded your body. However, it is possible that inflammation takes another route and becomes self-perpetuating. When this happens, it begins to destroy good cells and causes damage to your organs.
The swelling and redness you experience after injury, for example, is good because it leads to recovery. Inflammation on your heart, on the other hand, can lead to ruptures and blood clots if left untreated. If you at risk for heart disease, asthma, tuberculosis, ulcers, arthritis or other conditions, it is imperative to avoid foods that cause inflammation. If the case of abscesses and small injuries, inflammation can work in your favor, provided you don’t aggravate it.
What are foods that cause inflammation?
A high intake of sugar can make inflammation worse and threaten your overall health. Sodas, juices, pastry and other sugary treats can have detrimental effects. These foods are usually store-bought and contain substances like fructose, dextrose, maltose and corn syrup. Read food labels carefully before purchase.
Fast food, deep fried and hydrogenated products like margarine all contain trans fats, which are unhealthy fats that lead to the buildup of LDL cholesterol in your body. Some food labels might indicate that there is little to no trans fat in the products but this is not necessarily true.
Limit your consumption of dairy if you’re trying to avoid further inflammation. Most cooking oil and the oil in cheese, milk and other dairy products can cause or worsen symptoms. Dairy products are also found in bread, cake and many desserts. If you experience rashes, acne and digestive problems after eating these foods, it is likely that they are foods that cause inflammation.
What foods reduce inflammation?
Fruits and vegetables such as butternut squash, cabbage, berries and kiwis are anti-inflammatory. They should be included in your diet if you have chronic inflammation. Whole wheat bread, barley, quinoa and brown rice contain complex carbohydrates and can ease swelling. Try cooking foods in olive oil and attain healthy fats from avocadoes and all sorts of nuts.
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