Isn’t it soul destroying putting a lot of time and effort into something you think you are doing right only for it to turn out it that you had the ingredients wrong!
This is something you could be doing with your nutrition right now that isn’t benefiting your lower back or joint pain!
Have you heard the term Pro-Inflammatory?
While some foods may help fight inflammation in the joints and muscles, studies have found that others can exacerbate inflammation, causing pain in the lower back and other parts of the body.
Compounds found in certain foods can trigger the body to produce chemicals that cause inflammation as well as other health issues such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity.
Here we have 5 foods types to avoid that either release or cause Pro-Inflammatory substances in the body:
Sugar – Unfortunately, is on top of the list of foods that increase muscle and joint inflammation. Opt for natural sugars and sweeteners instead like organic fruits and dates, local honey – not cooked as it will go rancid – add only into warm liquids (also great for hay fever sufferers), organic maple syrup, brown rice, coconut nectar and agave syrup, and dark chocolate with high cacao content.
Omega 6 Fatty Acids – Necessary for normal body growth and development, however avoid over-consumption. Found in corn, peanut, soy and vegetable oils, mayonnaise and salad dressings, and fried and snack foods all have a large concentration of this type of fatty acid.
Gluten – Millions of people are sensitive to gluten, the proteins found in grains such as wheat, rye and barley. Gluten is proven to be Pro-Inflammatory in the small intestines, and research indicates that it can affect other organs and tissues including the joints.
Many people suffering from pain and inflammation have made the decision to go gluten free and have experienced positive results. Gluten is also sprayed with herbicides and pesticides like Glyfosate, so we recommend trying organic gluten products to see if they provide better outcomes for you.
Alcohol – Studies show that alcohol consumption contributes to systemic inflammation by disrupting normal gut functions, and sustained inflammation can extend to organs and tissue outside the gut. Your body perceives alcohol as a threat every time it enters your body, so alcohol in moderation is recommended for everybody, but especially those experiencing pain.
Saturated Fats – A diet high in saturated fats will not only increase inflammation but also increase your risk for heart disease. Grain and butter based desserts like biscuits, cakes and pastries, meat products including cured and processed meats and full-fat dairy foods like ice-cream and sour cream are high in saturated fat. Opt for full fat milk (raw if possible), ghee and raw cheeses, and coconut oil in moderation only.
Healthy Tip – If you aren’t buying organic, soaking and washing fruit and veggies in Apple Cider vinegar for >20 mins will remove nasty sprays which irritate the gut, and cause inflammation.
And check out our Nutritional Coach, Chrissy Freer’s range of cookbooks, including our favourite; ‘The Anti-inflammatory Cookbook’.
The Anti-inflammatory diet is a way of eating for life rather than a ‘diet’. Quite simply it aims to increase the foods which have an anti-inflammatory effect, such as omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fibre, polyphenols and antioxidants and reduce those with an inflammatory effect such as processed carbs, sugars and saturated fats. There is also a strong plant based focus, and is the way we should all be eating.