Inflammation is the body’s natural response to safeguard against foreign bacteria, viruses, and infection. When it senses a threat, the body will trigger the release of chemicals and white blood cells (our body’s germ fighters). However, with certain inflammatory conditions, or autoimmune diseases—such as rheumatoid or osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and multiple sclerosis—the immune system’s response is inflammatory even when there is no threat. The result damages internal tissues, causes high blood pressure, painfully swollen and stiff joints, and encourages the growth of abnormal cells (i.e., cancer cells).
However avoiding these 8 foods may greatly reduce and soothe the inflammatory response…
1. Cow’s Dairy
It’s no surprise that more than half of the world’s population suffers from cow milk intolerance or milk allergy, which is an allergy to casein (or milk protein). In fact, cow’s milk and cream cheese has been deemed a highly inflammatory food for the amount of stomach upset, constipation and diarrhea, hives, and breathing issues it causes.
If you suffer a milk intolerance or allergy, luckily there are a number of milk alternatives available. For instance, try swapping animal milk for almond milk, hemp milk, rice milk, or organic soy milk instead. All of these milk alternatives blend nicely with coffee, in baking, in sauces, in smoothies, and on cereal. And many, including soy milk, contain similar amounts of protein per serving.