Inflammation is a reaction from the body that signals there is a problem. This signal alerts the immune system that there is an issue within the body so that the immune system kicks into action and helps either fight infection or begin to heal injuries. A fever is a common example of inflammation, along with swelling. Inflammation is how our bodies communicate to us that something is wrong.
While our body needs inflammation, chronic inflammation is an indicator that there is something else going wrong that needs to be addressed. Chronic inflammation can have devastating effects on our bodies and damage organs and healthy cells.
What are inflammatory foods? They are foods that are considered bad for our health and are linked to the development of diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and much more. Eliminating these inflammatory foods from our diets is not only beneficial for our health but can benefit a weight loss plan for women, as inflammatory foods can contribute to obesity and weight gain.
Foods That Cause Inflammation
Surprisingly, there are many foods that we consume that can cause inflammation within our bodies, and eliminating the consumption of these foods can not only reduce chronic inflammation but lead us to enjoy healthier lifestyles and contribute to weight loss for women. Below are inflammatory foods to avoid.
Processed Foods
Processed foods are a major source of inflammation. Every type of processed food can cause inflammation because their properties alter the types of bacteria that live in our gut, and this change can alter the way our gut and the immune system interact. Eventually, this can lead to chronic inflammation.
Processed foods contain chemicals and additives that our bodies don’t need, and that is overall unhealthy for us. Looking at the back of the packaging of processed foods, most of the time you can’t even pronounce half of the ingredients. If you don’t recognize the ingredients or can’t even pronounce the name of an ingredient, it’s likely that they are processed, and you don’t know what it really contains.
To avoid this, it’s important to avoid processed foods altogether. These types of foods are typically ones that can’t be made at home. Instead, try to select healthier choices, like fruits and vegetables, and prepare fresh, healthy meals instead of turning to packaged goods. For a women’s weight loss plan, this is one of the first steps.
Sugar
In Western foods and diets, sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup are two common types of added sugar that can be found within products. Table sugar is a combination of glucose and fructose, while fructose is made up of fructose and corn syrup. Added sugars are harmful to the body because they can increase the levels of inflammation, which ultimately can lead to diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular problems.
In studies conducted with individuals who consumed various different drinks, only the participants who consumed regular soda experienced higher levels of uric acid, which not only increases inflammation in the body but also increases insulin resistance. Added sugars have been linked to inflammation in endothelial cells, which are a type of cell that lines the blood vessels within the body. Inflammation within this type of cell is one of the risk factors for various heart diseases.
Added sugars can be found in sweets, cereals, soft drinks, and pastries, which is why it is essential to either eliminate consumption of these items or heavily cut back. Cutting back on sugar and eating right is one of the main weight loss tips for women because sugars contribute to weight gain.
Artificial Trans Fat
There are many healthy fats that our bodies need to remain healthy, but artificial trans fats are not one of them. This type of fat is created by mixing unsaturated fats and hydrogen, and these fats are typically added to different processed foods to extend their shelf life.
Many studies and clinical trials have connected artificial trans-fat to inflammation and an increased risk of developing heart disease by affecting the endothelial cells in the arteries. In both men and women. Trans fats are found in many fast-food options and microwavable foods.
Refined Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are an important energy source for the body and the brain because they act fast and are a healthy fuel. They are healthy macronutrients found in many types of foods but sometimes are only available in the form of refined carbohydrates, which drive inflammation. One of the ingredients within carbohydrates is fiber, which can leave the consumer feeling fuller, and fiber interacts with the good bacteria in the gut.
Refined carbohydrates have had most of the fiber removed, which can increase the growth and spread of bacteria in the gut that is inflammatory. These inflammatory bacteria can increase the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBS). Refined carbohydrates are found in pastries, cookies, bread, soft drinks, and processed foods that have flour or sugar.
Alcohol
One of the biggest causes of chronic inflammation in adults is the consumption of alcohol. While moderate consumption of alcohol has been linked to certain health benefits, excessive drinking of alcohol can cause issues within the body. Alcohol can lead to organ damage because the liver can’t fully filter it out, and these toxins can move out of the colon and into the body, where they can severely inflame the organs.
By avoiding inflammatory foods, you can reduce the amount of inflammation in your body and improve your gut health, and you will have taken one of the most important steps in your women’s weight loss program.