Inflammation is the body’s repair mechanism for damaged tissue, the body’s response to an injury, and the body’s defense strategy against viruses and bacteria. An inflammatory response is triggered by the immune system. A defect in the body’s triggering system may result in the development of an autoimmune disease. In autoimmune diseases, the body mistakenly believes that normal tissues are infected and triggers an inflammatory response to fight the normal tissues; the inflammatory response damages the normal tissues.
According to Eat This, Not That!, certain foods can trigger an inflammatory response in the body which over time can lead to weight gain, drowsiness, skin problems, digestive issues, diabetes, obesity, and even cancer. These foods include sugar, vegetable oil, fried foods, refined flour, dairy, artificial sweeteners, artificial additives (processed foods), saturated fats, conventional grain-fed meats (low quality meats), processed meats (including bacon), store-bought bread (gluten), excess alcohol, trans fat foods, and fast food.
While eliminating all of these foods may be unrealistic, limiting them is definitely achievable and may go a long way in preserving your immune system. In addition, there are some anti-inflammatory foods that you may use to balance your day before or after consuming inflammatory foods. According to Dr. Axe, anti-inflammatory foods include: green leafy vegetables, bok choy, celery, beets, broccoli, blueberries, pineapples, salmon, bone broth, walnuts, coconut oil, chia seeds, flax seeds, turmeric, and ginger.
Tip: if you eat a lot of fried foods, you may want to buy some ginger tea to keep on hand.
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