Inflammatory foods could cause you more pain than they’re worth.
If you are living with back, knee, or other joint pain, your diet can actually play a large part in helping you manage pain. Watching what you eat isn’t just about maintaining a healthy weight. If you struggle with inflammation, there are certain foods that could be making it worse. Here are some inflammatory foods to avoid and what to eat instead.
Inflammatory Foods to Avoid
Avoiding your favorite foods can be challenging, so knowing that not all inflammatory foods affect everyone the same way is helpful. However, certain foods are known to promote inflammation in some individuals, so take a look at this list and work to rule out which may be causing you more issues than others and work to avoid those as much as possible.
Refined Carbohydrates
Think your pastries, pasta, and white bread. Refined grains like white bread, white rice, and pasta have been stripped of their fiber and nutrients, leading to a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, which can be a lead cause of inflammation.
Sugary Foods and Artificial Sweeteners
This can be tough since limiting sugar often means replacing it with an alternative. However, the artificial sweeteners found in diet or energy drinks can be just as much a trigger for inflammation as candies and desserts. Try to look for foods sweetened naturally with fruit juices or honey.
Processed Foods/Meats
Processed foods often contain high levels of unhealthy fats, refined carbohydrates, and added sugars. These include fast food, packaged snacks, sugary drinks, and pre-packaged meals. Processed meats like sausages and hot dogs contain lots of saturated fats and potentially harmful additives, which can trigger inflammation in the body.
Certain Vegetable Oils
Some vegetable oils, such as corn, soybean, and sunflower, are high in omega-6 fatty acids. While omega-6 fatty acids are essential, an imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids can promote inflammation. Try to consume these oils in moderation and opt for healthier options like olive or avocado oil.
Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to inflammation and damage to the liver and other organs. If you struggle with joint pain and inflammation, it is important to consume alcohol in moderation or avoid it altogether.
Foods TO EAT to Help with Inflammation
While there are inflammatory foods to avoid in your diet, there are other foods that you can add to help. When it comes to anti-inflammatory foods, you want to eat as clean as possible. Avoid highly processed foods or fried foods, opting instead for whole foods with little to no added sugars. Some of the best anti-inflammatory foods to add to your diet include:
- Fruits
- Fish
- Green Leafy Vegetables
- Tomatoes
- Beets
- Olive Oil
- Nuts
- Avocados
- Mushrooms
- Turmeric
- Green Tea
How does an anti-inflammatory diet help?
Inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to protect the body from harmful stimuli, such as infections or injuries. However, chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of various health conditions. Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet helps your body fight inflammation and pain by aiding your immune system. Arthritis and other pain-causing conditions have been linked to chronic inflammation. Choosing foods that fight inflammation helps you live a more pain-free life.
What else can I do to help with pain and inflammation?
Chronic pain should not be something you “just deal with.” Corrective chiropractic care, stretch therapy, and spinal decompression are all helpful in managing pain and inflammation. A chiropractor can access the source of pain and create a plan to get your pain under control, while your anti-inflammatory diet helps support the work they will do to correct any misalignments that are causing the pain.
Inflammation Support in Oviedo, Florida
At ProCare Oviedo Chiropractors, we are passionate about whole-body health and healing. Giving us a call to discuss how we can help you reduce your pain and inflammation. We serve Oviedo, Chuluota, Winter Park, Casselberry, Winter Springs, and surrounding areas.
