Shannon Page, HHP,CPT, PR
Let's talk about food. Yes we all love it, but there is a lot of food that is not good for us that is pushed out into the market. Some foods have ingredients that cause us to increase our insulin levels and tell our body's to make fat, while other foods can create inflammation causing bloating, pain, and activates our immune system to cause various chronic conditions.
Besides the obvious of eating a diet with more plant-based ingredients, I have listed the top 7 inflammatory foods that you should seriously avoid if you are finding it difficult lose lose weight or dealing with a worsening chronic health condition.
Gluten: Gluten is a protein found in wheat and other grains such as barley and rye. This means avoid or limit the amount of bread and pasta eaten - look for plant-based options now available in stores.
Dairy: Dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt, can be inflammatory. Use coconut milk as a replacement.
Eggs: Eggs can be problematic for people with allergies or sensitivities to egg proteins but can also be pro-inflammatory. This also means avoiding products with eggs in them - such as baked goods. But hey, a cake has gluten and sugar in as well so it is off the list on any diet chart.
Soy: Soy products, such as tofu, soy milk, and soybean oil, contain compounds called isoflavones that can act as estrogen mimickers and may trigger inflammation in some people.
Peanuts: Peanuts and peanut products can be highly allergenic causing immune reactions and potentially contributing to inflammation.
Corn: Corn is a common allergen that many people over look and can increase inflammation. Yes - this means avoiding all you can eat corn chips, but seriously, try avoiding this sneaky food if you are currently eating a lot of Mexican food.
Sugars and Artificial Sweeteners: Excessive sugar consumption, including both natural sugars, syrups and added sugars all promote inflammation. Artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose, have also been linked to inflammation and damage in the gut. Sugar hide in many ingredients - even ketchup and salad dressing, protein bars and protein powders. Currently Monk Fruit, Sugar Alcohol - Erythritol, Stevia (if your not sensitive) can act as sugar replacements if you really need it.
TIP: CLEAN YOUR PANTRY
Read your food labels and look to see if they have any of the 7 inflammatory ingredients and remove them from your pantry. The grocery stores have all kinds of yummy foods to try that can replace the food items you thought you loved.
YOUR WILL FEEL THE DIFFERENCE
Try eliminating these 7 foods from your diet for at least a month and you will notice improvement in how you feel. Some people notice more energy in just a week. Replace these foods with more Veggies, Berries, Nuts and Seeds and Meat Protein. If you need a carb fix - potatoes work. Just avoid fried, or loaded with sour cream and cheese and butter. Got a sweet tooth? A little piece of dark chocolate will satisfy that. Lastly - drink a lot of water. It has so many benefits I will save for another blog.
Love and Light
Shannon
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