1. Sugar
Not only is it highly inflammatory, sugar is also one of the most addictive substances you can consume. Our bodies are not built to break down the amount of sugar we consume these days.
You can find them in almost everything, from soft drinks, sauces, processed foods to desserts. It’d be best if you could eliminate sugar altogether. However if you’ve got sweet tooth, choose fruits (together with the fibre), stevia or honey instead.
Did you know: When you consume sugar, it also depresses your immune system.
2. Trans Fat
Trans fat triggers inflammation by damaging the cells in the lining of your blood vessels. As more research comes out about the harm consumption of trans fat causes, food producers are gradually cutting back on its use.
However, they’re still commonly used. So you should check the labels of foods you buy to make sure that they do not contain trans fat (AKA hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils).
3. Omega 6 Oils
For this, it’s not so much that you have to avoid omega 6 oils altogether. Rather, you should pay attention to your consumption ratio of omega 6 to omega 3. It’s recommended to keep it between 1:1 to 4:1 (omega 6 : omega 3).
Sadly though consumption ratio on our modern diet ranges from 20:1 to 50:1! This imbalance promotes inflammation in your body and breeds inflammatory diseases like heart disease, cancer, etc.
4. Feedlot raised meat
These commercially produced meat are fed with grains like corn, soy bean, etc. These diets are high in inflammatory omega 6 fatty acids and low in anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids.
Worse still, they are usually injected with hormones and antibiotics. So as to prevent sickness and make them grow faster. The result is meat that you should’t be eating and also unethical treatment of animals.
Opt instead for organic or free range animals which have been fed their natural diet (i.e. grass fed beef, etc).
5. Refined grains
You might not realise this but a lot of grain usually consumed are refined. What this means is that they are devoid of fibre and various vitamins (for e.g. B vitamins, etc).
And because their outer layers (i.e. bran, germ ) have been removed, refined grains also has a larger impact on your blood sugar compared to unprocessed grains.
The most common refined grains are: white rice, white flour, white bread, noodles, roti canai, pasta, biscuits and pastries. Instead, go for minimally processed grains (provided that you’re not intolerant towards gluten or allergic to grains).
6. Alcohol
Regular consumption of alcohol causes irritation and inflammation to numerous organs in your body. It is best to eliminate altogether or use in moderation.
7. Artificial Food Additives
Even though artificial food additives are used in minute quantities. When you consume artificial food additives like aspartame and monosodium glutamate (MSG), these trigger inflammatory responses in your body. Especially if you’re already suffering from inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
Beside trying to avoid these, do incorporate anti-inflammatory herbs, spices (for e.g. turmeric, cinnamon, etc) to add flavour to your dishes instead.
8. Foods that you’re intolerant towards
You could be sensitive to certain foods and yet not be aware of it. This is because unlike food allergies which symptoms present themselves quickly enough, symptoms from food intolerance may take longer to manifest.
And when they do, it’s very easy to brush them off as minor ailments (i.e. headaches, tiredness, etc). However, it is important to know if you have any food intolerance. Because repeated, long-term exposure to foods that irritates your body causes inflammation and can lead to chronic diseases. -immunocal.com.my
No comments:
Post a Comment