supervices
When we say that health is on the plate, we do not think so well! There are indeed many anti-inflammatory foods that help soothe pain in rheumatism (joint pain, arthritis, osteoarthritis, etc.) or diseases (spondylitis, fibromyalgia, etc.). This is the case, for example, with green tea, red fruits, camelina oil, spinach, or even certain spices (cinnamon, turmeric, etc.). And on the contrary, other so-called “pro-inflammatory” or “inflammatogenic” foods can exacerbate inflammation. They can also promote the onset of chronic diseases over the long term. Thus, whether the pain is installed or not, taking care of your diet is very important to cope with it. Here are some types of foods that can make the pain worse if you eat less regularly.
1. Alcohol
It is sometimes consumed in the hope of forgetting everything, especially its pain. However, whether mentally or physically, it has the opposite effect! From the first drink, alcohol indeed promotes inflammation. Indeed, it increases the permeability of the intestine. In doing so, it allows molecules from bacteria to pass, which induces an inflammatory reaction in the intestines, then throughout the body. And unfortunately, sodas are in the same boat.
2. Sweets
Sugar is one of the foods that increase inflammation the most, and therefore, pain. Even without diabetes, it overloads the pancreas with work. However, when the pancreas is too stressed, it promotes inflammatory reactions. The problem is that sugar is everywhere in our food: candies, cakes, pastries, drinks, and jams. In the end, our consumption can be very high when we put these foods together. We must also limit the different sources of glucose (white sugar, cane sugar, sweeteners, etc.). Do not hesitate to look at the labels and limit the products where this component appears among the first ingredients.
3. Prepared meals
Ultra-processed industrial food contains high doses of sugar, salt, and fat. On their own, these elements already promote irritation. However, in addition to this, there are also and above all, many food additives such as colorings, preservatives, and emulsifiers. However, these additives stimulate pain receptors. This has the effect of causing, even more, suffering for people already suffering from chronic pain. By their ingredients, processed foods often induce dysbiosis, an imbalance that is more particularly visible in the human intestinal microbiota. It allows the proper functioning of the whole body. And if at the time, this imbalance only causes stomach aches (bloating, constipation, etc.), it can also, in the long term, promote the appearance of chronic diseases.
4. Dairy products
Dairy-based foods are, therefore, far from lifelong friendships for those who suffer from pain. Products made from cow’s milk, sheep’s milk, or goat’s milk (crème fraîche, yogurts, butter, etc.) indeed contain casein. Like gluten, this protein can cause some intolerance. This can be explained in several ways. Already, it is difficult to digest since its digestion mobilizes a lot of enzymes. And also, it promotes the hyperpermeability of the intestine. This, therefore, promotes the passage of novice substances that promote inflammation. Remember that in France, we consume many dairy products (sometimes at all meals in some). So limit your consumption and supplement with other foods rich in calcium to avoid deficiencies.
5. Meat cooked at high temperatures
Some meats, especially red meat and processed meats, can already cause inflammation. Foods such as cold meats, for example, contain a lot of sodium and saturated fat, which will insidiously worsen the pain. The way the meat is cooked also plays a key role. Indeed, cooking animal proteins at high temperatures (over 110 ° C) produces acrylamides (glycotoxins that are difficult to digest). However, in the short term, this can induce an imbalance of the intestinal microbiota and hyperpermeability of the intestine resulting in inflammation. And over the long term, it can promote the development of chronic inflammatory diseases. You will understand, in case of pain, it is better to limit these foods, or even follow a hypotoxic diet for some time.
6. Industrial wheat flour
Today, the wheat is very finely ground. In the past, the use of a stone grinding wheel allowed a less fine grinding. We did not contact the proteins present in the cell nucleus of wheat (alpha-gliadin). However, these proteins are difficult to digest. This poor digestion causes an increase in the intestines’ permeability, a multiplication of pathogenic bacteria, and an imbalance of the intestinal flora. As a result, they can cause stomach aches (bloating, intestinal pain, etc.) and inflammatory problems, even without a gluten intolerance. For better digestion, less pain, and to have real nutritional contributions (vitamins, minerals), replace white bread and foods made from refined flour with more whole grains. Otherwise, at least reduce your consumption.
7. Certain oils
Some oils contain more omega-6 than omega-3. However, as opposed to omega-3s, which are anti-inflammatory, these omega-6s are pro-inflammatory fatty acids. Cooked in our food, they can increase pain and inflammatory symptoms (arthritis, etc.). This is the reason why sunflowers, corn, or soybean oil should be limited. To replace them, use olive oil, flaxseed, cod, camelina, avocado, or even walnut oil.