20 Foods That Cause Inflammation

Inflammation is not a synonym for infection. It is a response of our body against any foreign invasions. It is characterised mainly by increased blood flow to the tissue causing increased temperature, redness, swelling, and pain. There are many reasons for inflammation. So here we are discussing some foods that may cause inflammation. Generally, we may not even guess that we have chances of inflammatory response from the food we eat. Take some time to have a close look at your food habit and diet.

If you suspect that a particular food is causing any intolerant response, try to avoid it completely for about two weeks and monitor the reaction of your body. Then, re-introduce it to confirm your findings. Some foods that we consider healthy can also trigger an immune response depending on the amount taken, the health status of the individual and existence of any allergic reactions. This doesn't mean that you have to avoid all these foods. Watch your body and find out how your body reacts to allergic foods and take necessary steps to resolve it. Here are some most popular foods that may cause inflammatory response.

20 Foods That Cause Inflammation:

Sugar and refined starch

Any type of sugar including HFCS, sucrose, lactose or foods such as white bread causes a rapid increase in blood sugar. This, in turn, causes insulin levels to rise, triggering an immune response.

Vegetable oil

Vegetable oils high in omega-6 fats may cause an imbalance between the omega-6 fatty acids and the omega-3 fatty acids in the body. This imbalance will finally result in inflammation.

Dairy products

Human body does not process high levels of protein casein or lactose present in dairy products. This causes an inflammatory response when body considers it as foreign substances.

Red meat

Eating red meat produces a chemical called N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc). The body develops anti-Neu5Gc antibodies resulting in an immune response that could potentially lead to chronic inflammation.

Wheat, rye, and barley

These grains contain the common allergen, gluten. The response of your body against this foreign allergen results is an immediate inflammatory immune response.

Trans fats

Deep fried foods, fast foods or baked foods prepared with partially hydrogenated oil contains trans fat which results in increase of LDL. This will cause inflammation.

Alcohol

Regular consumption of alcohol in high amount has been known to cause inflammation of the oesophagus, larynx and liver.

Refined grains

Refined grains are devoid of fibre, vitamin B and have a high glycaemic index. When consumed regularly it can hasten the onset of certain degenerative diseases like cancer, coronary diseases and diabetes.

Artificial food additives

Food additives like aspartame and monosodium glutamate (MSG), results in inflammatory responses. This will be more severe in case of persons who are suffering from inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

Processed corn

Corn derivatives such as high-fructose corn syrup, corn starch, corn oil are used commercially because it is cheap. This increases blood sugar, leading to an increased insulin and inflammatory response.

Peanuts

Peanuts are one of the most common food allergens. Your body will consider the naturally occurring molds in peanuts as a foreign substance and this will result in inflammatory response.

Eggs

Saturated fat is high in eggs. This also contains a substance called arachidonic acid. While some arachidonic acid is essential for health, increased consumption will cause inflammation.

Deep fried foods

Foods cooked at high temperature like french fries, hamburgers produce glycotoxins. High temperature cause browning effect, where sugars and certain oxidized fats form glycotoxins when they react with proteins. This cause inflammation.

Soft drinks

This has a high glycemic index. These foods cause excess production of insulin, resulting in inflammation.

Nuts

Even though nuts have lots of benefits, the histamine in nuts can attack your joints resulting in inflammation, if you suffer from osteoarthritis.

Tomatoes

If you are sensitive to solanine, tomatoes will cause chronic inflammation. It will result in arthritic joints sore, tumours and increased risk of heart disease.

Full-fat, sugary yogurt

Yogurt itself is healthy. But yogurt with added sugar and fat will cause inflammatory responses. Greek yogurt can be a good choice.

Junk foods

All junk foods with high concentrations of sugar such as high fructose corn syrup, refined baked goods and snacks triggers inflammation.

White bread

It contains high amount of refined carbohydrates which can lead to inflammation. Replace white flour bread and pasta with high-fibre, 100% whole-grain varieties.

Pre-seasoned foods and seasoning mixes

Sodium-added spice mixes causes high sodium to potassium ratio resulting in an inflammatory response. Season your side dishes with fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, basil, sage, and rosemary to avoid inflammation.