Inflammation is a natural process by which our body reacts to injury or infection and is our body’s way of putting up a defensive wall. There are many precipitating factors which can lead to inflammation or increasing the inflammatory bodies within our muscles and joints. There has been research into factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyles, smoking, stress and sleep deprivation into increasing the body’s inflammatory response. However, one of the major factors many people do not consider is their diets.
The food we choose to eat has a big impact on our bodies’ inflammatory processes. Since inflammation is a defense mechanism that we want working in our bodies, eating healthy nourishing foods is essential to ensure we are not inhibiting the bodies’ process to fighting infection.
Likewise, we want to make sure that the foods we eat are not adding to the problem by excessively increasing the inflammatory response. Such foods that should be eliminated or reduced in individuals diets and include the following:
- Sugars: high levels of sugar intake have been linked to multiple serious health conditions as well as an increase of inflammation. There are many healthy alternatives which still see you get your sweet tooth craving satisfied. Natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup and natural sugars found in dried fruits and fresh fruits are healthier alternatives.
- Common vegetable cooking oils: These oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids and low in omega-3. This unbalanced ratio has been proven to not only promote inflammation but a high risk factor for inflammatory diseases of the heart. Switching to macadamia or extra virgin olive oil has a better ratio for your body.
- Trans fats: Deep fried foods as well as fast foods are high in trans fats which not only increase the level of bad cholesterol but decrease the good. Most commercially prepared foods include trans-fat, so you can safely assume to stay clear of those.
- Dairy products: Milk is a common product which arouses an inflammatory response from the body such as constipation, diarrhea, hives and rashes. Fermented foods such as kefir, unsweetened natural yogurts and nut milks are good substitutes to cow milk.
- Hormone-raised meats: Commercial produced meats are often high in omega-6 fatty acids and have various hormones added to make the meat prime of selling. Stick to organic, free-range animals in your local stores are they have been guaranteed to be fed with natural grasses and grains and no added hormones. This natural diet also allows them to be leaner, resulting in less saturated fats on the meat we eat.
- Alcohol: Binge drinking is an epidemic which is sweeping across Australia and high levels of consumption have been linked to cause inflammation of body organs that include the oesophagus, larynx and liver. Unfortunately, there is no healthy alternative to alcohol except substituting it for water, a cup of natural green tea or fruit infused water.
There are so many different types of foods which can hinder our bodies’ natural processes that so many people are unaware of. If you feel your diet may be contributing to your current symptoms or presenting condition, then seek advice from the chiropractors at Lakeside Chiropractic in Perth-Northern Suburbs . They will be more than happy to give you a few tips and tricks which may help alleviate symptoms through your dietary intake.
We are located in Joondalup in Perth northern suburbs, close to Burns Beach, Currambine, Iluka, Kinross, Ocean Reef, Heathridge, Kallaroo, Hillarys, Padbury and Craigie. Call us on 9300 0095 or visit our website www.lakesidechiro.com.au to book in.
