Foods That Cause Inflammation

In In this post, we’ll reveal the 10 main Foods That Cause Inflammation. You’ll learn what foods to avoid and how to make the best choices for a healthy lifestyle.

If you need help deciding what foods are good for you, or what meals are best for avoiding inflammation, try checking out my posts on 18 Top Anti-Inflammatory Foods, How To Reduce Inflammation Naturally, and 5-Day Anti-Inflammatory Diet Meal Plan.

There is a lot of hype these days about how to live a healthy lifestyle. I am so glad the tides are turning in this direction, and as you know, I am definitely riding the wave!

You see, inflammation in the body can be harmful, especially when it comes down to not knowing about the foods that cause inflammation.

But not all inflammation is created equal. I will say that the inflammatory response to injury is a natural and necessary one, in that inflammation helps the body repair. But, what about when you are not injured? 

That’s the inflammation I am talking about. Disease-causing inflammation, and inflammation that makes you feel bloated and blah. 

In a nutshell, chronic inflammation can be harmful. And what you eat can actually play a big part in the inflammatory process. Specifically, eating ultra-processed foods is highly correlated with chronic inflammation. So in this post, foods that cause inflammation, I will share the top foods that cause inflammation.

How Do Unhealthy Foods Cause Inflammation?

Certain foods can affect inflammatory markers in the body. A diet made up of the following foods, among others we will discuss, is associated with the inflammatory response I’m talking about:

• Trans fats, like margarine
• Processed meats, like sausage and bacon
• Fried foods
• Foods with refined sugar

I have used Intermittent Fasting to work on reducing the timeframes during which I eat, which has helped me a lot to stop snacking, particularly on ultra-processed foods.

Can Inflammatory Foods Stall Weight Loss?

Yes, there is a correlation between chronic inflammation and obesity.

Excessive sugar, for example, can lead to both inflammation and weight gain, which has led some researchers to recommend lowering sugar intake for weight loss. 

Additionally, there is a strong correlation between ultra-processed foods and chronic inflammation.

The great news is there are tons of foods that are anti-inflammatory, which I discuss in my post on 18 Anti-Inflammatory Foods. As well as this post on foods that cause inflammation, healthy foods are a must, but even more important os knowing what foods benefit your body versus harm it. A nutritious meal to some could inflame yours. I recommend trying healthy brands that fit your needs. Try checking out cleanish's Protein Powder, go even further and view our Blog to find a fitting recipe that will help you have a delicious meal as well as not being inflamed.

10 Foods That Can Cause Inflammation

1) Added Sugars

Processed and packaged foods that line grocery store shelves are full of added sugars. Both sucrose (you know it as table sugar) and high fructose corn syrup (found in so many products) are positively correlated to inflammation, meaning the more sugar you have, the more likely you will have chronic inflammation.

To avoid added sugars, look out for pastries, cookies, cereals, and candy. You know, basically all of the packaged convenience foods so typical of today. I share more how to spot Hidden Sugars as well. Finding it hard to Quit Sugar? I did it, and you that you can, too!

2) Trans Fats

Trans fats are inflammatory foods to avoid. Think about it, foods last for months on the grocery store shelf thanks to the addition of trans fats. When you look at it that way, it’s not really something that you want to put in your body, right?

Look out for packaged cookies and cakes, french fries, shortening, and margarine. If you see trans fats on the label, walk away.

3) Refined Carbohydrates

Foods high in added sugars and empty carbs leave very little nutrients to be absorbed.

Honestly, thinking about eating crisp vegetables, juicy fruits, and satisfying whole grains sounds much more inviting than eating a bag of chips, a handful of cookies, and a soda. Make the move.

4) Processed Meat

Processed meat contains nitrates and nitrates and is associated with increased inflammation. 

5) MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)

If you are a lover of deli meat, fast food, canned vegetables, and prepared Asian food, you may be consuming MSG, otherwise known as monosodium glutamate. It is a known cause of food-related inflammation.

Look for “no MSG added” when out at restaurants or eating take-out food.

6) Gluten

For some, gluten can cause an extreme inflammatory response. Many choose not to eat foods containing gluten, however research has recommended those without gluten intolerances not avoid gluten. For

Bread, couscous, and other foods made with wheat, barley, and rye are the culprits. Avoid inflammation by purchasing foods that are gluten-free. When reading the labels, however, make sure that the gluten-free product does not contain unnecessary added ingredients like potato starch or tons of sugar.

7) Aspartame

Aspartame is an artificial sugar and has no nutritional value. People choose to buy diet sodas and other sugar-free food items as a weight control aid, but that may not help as much as they think.

Not only can longterm aspartame potentially cause inflammation, but it also could lead to you making more unhealthy choices because it may make you crave more sweet food.

8) Casein

Milk products contain casein. Studies have shown that casein can cause digestive discomfort and inflammation. Cheese, ice cream, yogurt, and milk contain casein.

Shop for plant-based alternatives, like almond or coconut milk and plant-based yogurt and cheese.

9) Vegetable Oils And Seed Oils

An overabundance of Omega 6s found in the oils added to salad dressing products can trigger an inflammatory response in the body. 

Better choices for oil are olive, coconut, grapeseed, and avocado oils. Olive oil has many antioxidants. Grapeseed oil has antioxidants, too.

10) Alcohol

CRP, or C-reactive protein, is an inflammatory marker that shows an elevation in those who consume alcohol to a level that is beyond safe for them. Overconsumption of alcohol can cause inflammation.

Keep your alcohol intake at a minimum or consider not drinking at all.