Did you know that what you put in your mouth could make your aches and pains worse? In fact, there are many foods that can cause inflammation — and inflammation often results in pain. The solution? Eating a healthier diet can help you feel better!
Inflammation reducers:
• Go natural: by incorporating fresh fruits and veggies, lean meats, whole grains and healthy “fats” into your diet.
• Drink enough water: Water cleanses your body by moving toxins out of your system. It also helps reduce pain caused by inflammation.
• Greek yogurt is a good choice and so are foods with natural probiotics. Just by making better food choices can put you on the road to less pain and less need to rely on medications.
Inflammation triggers:
• Processed sugars: These release inflammatory messengers that are the gateway to pain. A simple rule of thumb is to avoid any ingredients that end in “ose.” That includes sucrose and fructose.
• Saturated fats: Reduce your intake of full-fat dairy products such as cheese, pasta, red meat and grain-based desserts.
• Trans fats, or trans-fatty acids, are a form of unsaturated fat, which are known to produce inflammation in your body. You’ll find plenty of trans fats in fast foods, snack foods, cookies, donuts and frozen breakfast products. Be sure to read the ingredient labels and avoid those listed with partially hydrogenated oils.
• White flour: Products with white flour contain refined carbohydrates. That includes white rice and white potatoes. Processed carbs increase fats and fuel the production of advanced glycation, which causes inflammation.
• MSG: While you may think mono-sodium glutamate (MSG) is only found in soy sauce and Asian food, it can be found in deli meats, fast foods, salad dressings and prepared soups. MSG is known as a chemical that triggers pathways for chronic inflammation.
Form and function…optimized!
As a clinical nutritionist, Lauren Pelehach of Vita Sana Nutrition takes a client-centered approach that is rooted in functional medicine. She works each client on an individualized plan designed to address their specific needs and to help them to achieve optimal health and wellness.