As a result of inflammation in the body, our health can suffer.
In addition to being less than our best selves, it can exacerbate a number of chronic conditions. Dr. Harvard gut specialist Jaqueline Wolf has discovered four specific foods that cause inflammation and she doesn’t recommend eating them.
Eliminate them from your usual diet and see how much more energy and health you will feel.
A Harvard doctor disagrees with these four inflammatory foods
The saying “you are what you eat” still holds true today. One of the main elements that can either promote or moderate systemic, chronic inflammation is what you eat, according to a growing body of knowledge about inflammation and its detrimental effects on your health. Dr. Wolf discussed the four foods she avoids because they increase inflammation in a special article she wrote for CNBC.
Look for them in your kitchen and think about throwing them in the trash.
1. Highly refined palm and coconut oil
Although coconut and palm oil are often used in cooking and food preparation, they are high in saturated fat. Eating too much saturated fat can increase the risk of heart disease and cause inflammation in the body. Dr. Wolf advises using healthier cooking oils, such as olive oil, which has anti-inflammatory and monounsaturated fats.
Flaxseed oil or extra virgin olive oil are healthy substitutes. Along with antioxidants and other substances that reduce inflammation, these oils also contain good fats such as omega-3 fatty acids.
2. Fattening
Saturated fat is also known to be high in fatty meats, including processed meats, beef and pork. In addition to contributing to the development of heart disease and other chronic diseases, these fats have the ability to increase inflammation.
He suggests not making them a regular part of your diet, although it is acceptable to consume them occasionally. Lean sources of protein, including skinless chicken, fish, and plant-based proteins such as beans or lentils, recommends Dr. Wolf as an alternative to fatty meat.
Fish, beans, lentils and skinless poultry are healthy substitutes.
3. Foods with a lot of processing
Various artificial additives, preservatives and harmful trans fats are often found in highly processed foods. These ingredients can cause inflammation in the body. Dr. Wolf promotes a diet high in whole foods, which are nutrient-dense and naturally anti-inflammatory. These foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.
Nuts, whole grains, fruits and vegetables are healthy substitutes. Basically, these are foods without a short list of chemical-free ingredients or foods that are not packaged.
4. Sugar-filled drinks
In addition to being high in added sugar, sugary drinks like soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, and sweetened juices are also nutrient deficient. Excessive consumption of added sugars increases the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease and can cause chronic inflammation. Dr. Wolf recommends using herbal tea, infused water, or just water with fresh fruit or herbs instead of sugary drinks.
Healthy substitutes include infused water, herbal tea or water flavored with herbs or fresh fruit.
Describe inflammation.
One of the body’s basic responses to damage or infection is inflammation. It is a defense mechanism of the immune system, the aim of which is to heal and protect the affected area. Blood vessels become enlarged during inflammation, increasing the amount of blood that reaches the site of damage or infection.
White blood cells and other immune cells are brought to the area by this increased blood flow, helping to clear infections and heal injured tissues. Redness, swelling, warmth and discomfort in the affected area are common signs of inflammation. Acute inflammation is a fundamental and transient response, but persistent inflammation can be harmful and contribute to a number of diseases, including cardiovascular disorders and rheumatoid arthritis. (2)
Bottom line
Knowing how inflammation affects our health makes it necessary to avoid foods that make it worse.
Dr. Harvard gut specialist Jaqueline Wolf advises us to eliminate highly processed foods, fatty meats, sugary drinks and coconut and palm oil from our diet.
Rather, he advocates using better substitutes such as whole foods, lean meats, olive oil and refreshing drinks. By making these dietary changes, we can promote overall wellness and reduce inflammation.
In conclusion, understanding the role of inflammation in our health is essential to making informed dietary choices. Chronic inflammation is linked to many health problems, and avoiding foods that make the condition worse can help improve overall well-being.
The observation of Dr. Jaqueline Wolf emphasizes the importance of avoiding highly refined oils, fatty meats, heavily processed foods and sugary drinks. By replacing these with healthier alternatives such as olive oil, lean protein, whole grains, and nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables, we can support our body’s natural defenses and promote a healthier lifestyle.
These dietary changes are beneficial not only for reducing inflammation, but also for improving long-term health outcomes. Eating a balanced diet based on whole foods can lead to increased energy, a stronger immune system, and a lower risk of chronic disease. Therefore, by making conscious decisions about what we eat, we can better manage inflammation and optimize our health for the future.