Inflammatory Foods to Avoid for Optimal Health

If you’re looking to maximize your health and wellness, then you should consider the impact of inflammation-causing foods on your body. Many foods that are common in Western diets contain high levels of sugar, saturated fats, and processed ingredients that can lead to inflammation which can cause a variety of health problems. Let’s take a look at some inflammatory foods, so you can make an informed decision about what you eat.

Processed Foods
Processed food is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to causing inflammation in the body. This includes anything from processed meats like hot dogs and lunch meats, to frozen meals, canned soups and pre-made snacks. These types of food contain additives and preservatives which can trigger inflammation in the body. In addition, they are often high in salt and saturated fat which can also be harmful if consumed on a regular basis.

Sugary Foods and Drinks
Highly sugary foods and drinks are another major source of inflammation in the diet. This includes everything from candy bars and soda to muffins, cookies, and cake. In general, any food or drink with added sugars should be avoided as much as possible as these items cause inflammation throughout the body leading to increased risk for heart disease and other chronic illnesses.

Refined Grains
Refined grains such as white flour products like white breads, pastas, cereals, crackers are also considered inflammatory foods because they have been stripped of their bran layer that contains important vitamins and minerals that help reduce inflammation in the body. Instead of eating refined grains look for whole grain options such as whole wheat breads or pastas that retain their bran layer.

Eating inflammatory foods can wreak havoc on your health over time if left unchecked; however there are ways to reduce your exposure while still enjoying delicious meals! Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables along with lean proteins will help keep your body healthy by reducing inflammation while still providing all the essential nutrients needed for good health. Moreover, avoiding processed foods along with sugary treats will help keep your inflammatory levels low so you can enjoy optimal fitness success!