In various medical studies, cancer, obesity and cardiovascular diseases are among the most prevalent health problems that have afflicted the world today. But do you what else these diseases have in common? Inflammation.
Understanding Inflammation
Yes, inflammation — the very same inflammation on joints that lead to arthritis and associated with a number of other health conditions. We often associate inflammation with pain, swelling, local redness – all of which are integral to the body’s healing response as it increases immune activity and deliver more nourishment to the infection or injury. However, inflammation has damaging effects on the body when it’s out of control.
While there are many underlying factors of chronic inflammation like genetic predisposition, lack of exercise, stress and exposure to toxins, diet plays a very critical role. Nutrition influences the body’s inflammatory process and is recognised as the best and most powerful strategy to reduce the risks associated with inflammatory diseases.
Chronic Inflammation
Food products that are exceptionally high in saturated fat and sugar content have been known to spur inflammation. This is because they trigger an over-activity in the immune system.
Unlike acute inflammation associated with an injury, chronic inflammation can fly under the radar as it often doesn’t have any underlying symptoms. Unwittingly, your food choices may be wrecking havoc on your health.
Chronic inflammation is not a condition that is restricted to a single area of the human body. It burns steadily over time, causing a chemical chain reaction that can eventually lead to serious health problems. Chronic inflammation sets the stage for strokes, heart attacks and insulin resistance, among others.
While an infection or an injury can spark an initial flame, it takes more to keep it burning. Obesity, high blood pressure and stress all have a destructive domino effect on the body. And of course, there’s the modern diet.
Food Triggers
So what are the specific foods you want to limit or avoid? Here’s the list:
Refined carbohydrates such as pastries and white bread
Soda and other sugar-laden beverages
Processed meat products
Margarine, lard and shortening
The Anti-Inflammatory Diet
As mentioned your food choices play a critical role in your overall health and well-being. You basically want to nourish your body with healthy, wholesome and unprocessed foods. Nutrition experts recommend eating foods that contain high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. These are found in the following:
Wild salmon
Herring
Anchovies
Sardines
Hempseeds
Flaxseeds
Walnuts
Fruits and vegetables
Garlic
Onion
Dark, leafy vegetables
Staying fit and healthy requires commitment and by no means an easy task. But while it may be difficult, it is not an impossible feat. Start making smart choices on what you feed your body.