Jakarta –
Inflammation or chronic inflammatory conditions in the body can trigger dangerous diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Prevent inflammation by limiting consumption of these daily favorite foods.
Inflammatory conditions are actually a natural response of the immune system when it is fighting disease due to viral/bacterial infections, injury, or when exposed to toxins. This condition can cause pain, redness of the skin, and even bruising.
Inflammation that occurs in a short period of time is called acute inflammation, but there is also something that lasts a long time and is serious enough to become chronic inflammation. This condition is associated with many dangerous diseases.
Chronic inflammation is triggered by unhealthy eating patterns. Health experts reveal that a number of favorite daily foods actually trigger inflammation, so their consumption needs to be limited.
These are 5 foods that trigger body inflammation:
1. White plain bread
The white bread that is often found on the market and consumed is a processed product with minimal fiber. Consuming it can trigger a spike in blood sugar. The effect is the same as when eating white rice or pasta.
Nutritionist Dr Federica Amati said, “Highly refined carbohydrates are rapidly absorbed into the liver and elicit a rapid insulin response from the pancreas. Our research shows that foods containing a high glycemic index produce a more pronounced post-meal inflammatory response.”
To reduce the inflammatory effects of consuming refined carbohydrates such as white bread, you can combine them with healthier foods such as natural peanut butter, fruit or vegetables. It would be even better if white bread was replaced with whole grain bread, white rice was replaced with brown rice, and wheat flour pasta was replaced with whole wheat flour pasta.
2. Sausage
Behind the delicious taste and practicality of processing it, sausage is a food that triggers inflammation in the body. Just like other processed meat products such as nuggets, bacon and ham.
Consuming it in large quantities has been linked to colon cancer. “Processed meat triggers inflammation in the gut and increases the risk of cancer,” says Dr Amati. This also includes red meat such as steak, which in some people’s consumption also triggers inflammation due to its high saturated fat content.
As a better choice, limit your consumption of processed meat and red meat. Try switching to low-fat chicken and fish.
3. French fries
The process of frying with lots of oil and for quite a long time means that consuming fried potatoes also triggers inflammation in the body. In this process, dangerous compounds are produced that encourage inflammation.
Apart from that, French fries or potato chips are also high in saturated fat, which makes them less healthy. Dr Sammie Gill, who is a nutritionist specializing in gastroenterology, revealed that saturated fat increases the amount of bad cholesterol in the body, which ultimately stimulates inflammation of fat tissue and the production of inflammation-causing compounds.
He suggests processing potatoes using cooking methods with minimal risk of inflammation, such as steaming, sautéing and boiling. Even if you still want to, make your own french fries using healthy ingredients and methods.
More details on the next page.
From Sausages to French Fries: The Delicious Foods That Could Be Your Doom!
Ah, inflammation. It’s like that uninvited guest who shows up at a party, eats all your food, and then starts chaos! The body’s natural response to injury and illness can turn into a persistent pain in the neck—or the gut, or wherever else it decides to target. And in the battle against chronic inflammation, it turns out your beloved comfort foods might be the sneaky culprits stirring the pot. Grab your forks, folks, and let’s dig into the five foods you might want to reconsider—before they reconsider you!
1. White Plain Bread
Ah, the fluffy, soft embrace of white bread. You know, the kind that reminds you of lazy Sunday mornings and endless sandwiches? Bad news: it’s about as helpful as a chocolate teapot. Packed with refined carbs and low on fiber, this stuff can spike your blood sugar faster than you can say “third slice, please!”
Dr. Federica Amati elegantly points out that high glycemic index goodness leads to more post-meal inflammation than a reality show reunion special! Swap your white loaf for whole grain and feel the love instead of the inflammation. After all, nobody wants to fight with food, especially not in their own gut!
2. Sausage
Who doesn’t love a good sausage? It’s the kind of food that brings people together—whether it’s a barbecue or a questionable late-night snack. But heed this, friends: those delightful links might also be linking you to a higher risk of colon cancer. Yikes!
Processed meats like sausages, nuggets, and bacon are inflammation’s best friends. As Dr. Amati warns, your gut may be throwing a tantrum after consuming these. So maybe it’s time to send those sausages packing and invite some lean chicken or fish to the table instead. Fish won’t judge you for your choices, unlike that sausage.
3. French Fries
Let’s talk about the crispy, golden-crusted miracle called the French fry. It’s undeniably delicious but frying has a secret: it can produce inflammatory compounds that are as welcome as a mosquito at a picnic. Plus, those saturated fats? They turn into the bad cholesterol as smoothly as your aunt telling you you’ve put on weight since last Christmas.
Nutritionist Dr. Sammie Gill suggests we try steaming or boiling our potatoes instead of deep-frying them to a golden-brown doom. Or, if you absolutely must indulge, make your own fries with heart-healthy oils. Because let’s face it, if we’re going to risk it, it might as well be with homemade goodness!
In conclusion, folks, while these foods may be deliciously tempting, they could also be setting the stage for some serious health repercussions. If you want to kick chronic inflammation to the curb, consider making some swaps. Remember, your body is like a car; put in 87 octane, and don’t be surprised when it runs like an old lawnmower! Keep it clean, folks!
**Interview with Dr. Federica Amati: Fighting Chronic Inflammation through Diet**
**Host:** Welcome to our health segment! Today, we have Dr. Federica Amati, a renowned nutritionist, here to discuss the connection between diet and chronic inflammation. Dr. Amati, thank you for joining us!
**Dr. Amati:** Thank you for having me! It’s great to be here.
**Host:** Let’s jump right in. Can you explain what chronic inflammation is and why it’s such a concern for our health?
**Dr. Amati:** Certainly! Chronic inflammation is a long-lasting inflammatory response that can be triggered by unhealthy eating habits, environmental factors, or lifestyle choices. Unlike acute inflammation, which is a vital part of our immune response to injury or infection, chronic inflammation can lead to serious health issues such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. It’s essentially the body’s “fire” that doesn’t turn off.
**Host:** Scary stuff! What are some everyday foods that people might not realize are contributing to this inflammation?
**Dr. Amati:** One common culprit is white bread. It’s made from highly refined carbohydrates, which can spike blood sugar levels and lead to inflammation. Instead, I recommend switching to whole grain options, which are much healthier and contain more fiber.
**Host:** That’s a great tip! Are there other foods we should be cautious about?
**Dr. Amati:** Yes, processed meats like sausages, hot dogs, and bacon are significant triggers as well. They contain compounds that can provoke inflammation in the gut, and regular consumption has been linked to an increased risk of cancer. I suggest opting for lean proteins such as chicken or fish instead.
**Host:** What about our love for fried foods, like french fries? Are they on the naughty list too?
**Dr. Amati:** Absolutely! Fried foods are typically high in saturated fats and can produce harmful compounds during cooking. This can lead to increased inflammation. I recommend trying healthier cooking methods such as steaming or baking, and if you must have fries, consider making them at home using healthier oils.
**Host:** These insights are incredibly helpful. For someone looking to make dietary changes for the sake of reducing inflammation, what are some steps they can start with?
**Dr. Amati:** First, incorporate more anti-inflammatory foods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fatty fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also important to stay hydrated and limit processed and sugary foods. Making small, gradual changes can lead to significant improvements in your overall health.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Amati, for your valuable advice on combating chronic inflammation through diet. It seems that being mindful of our food choices can play a pivotal role in maintaining our health.
**Dr. Amati:** Thank you for having me! Remember, prevention is always better than cure.
**Host:** Absolutely! And for our viewers, consider taking Dr. Amati’s tips to heart and make some healthier choices. Stay tuned for our next segment!