There are many things that contribute to a “Pro Inflammatory” lifestyle, but let’s start with what that means. To be “Pro Inflammatory” means to promote inflammation. It means that so much of the food we eat and the lifestyle we lead promotes inflammation. Here’s why:
What Contributes to a “Pro Inflammatory” Lifestyle?
- High sugar foods - suppresses the immune system for 2-4 hours after ingesting. This includes alcohol (yes, even vodka). These high sugar foods and simple white carbs can promote bacterial overgrowth in the small bowel.
- High Fat Foods – Especially foods with arachidonic acid and saturated fat (animal fats). (don’t get me wrong, a steak here and there is okay, but not more than 2 times per week).
- Food Allergens – Allergens may form certain immune complexes that make you immune system work even harder than it normally does and that can lead to inflammation.
- Insufficient fiber – Fiber pulls toxins from the GI tract and acts like a broom to sweep them out. Without fiber our colons may become toxic.
- Insufficient Plant Nutrients - Plant nutrients, primarily found in fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds act as anti-inflammatories and antioxidants which will help calm inflammation.
- Exercise – Scientists have found that fat tissue is pro-inflammatory. Exercising muscle reduces inflammation and improves insulin sensitivity. (really!)
- Vitamin D Deficiency – Causes inflammation, promotes autoimmunity and expedites progression of osteoarthritis.
- Fatty Acid Imbalances such as low Omega-3 and 6 fats, along with too much saturated fat also leads to inflammation.
- Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies – is seen in 20-40% of most ‘industrializations which is why we have the Spectracell Micronutrient test to let us know if you have any deficiencies.
- “Franken Foods”, those foods that are jammed packed with fake chemicals, processed beyond recognition of whatever the original real food was are extremely high inflammatory.
- Emotional Stress and Toxic Relationships – Promote inflammation, impair wound healing and promote immunosuppression.
So the next time you are thinking of taking the easy way out, break out the fruits, veggies, organic grass-fed protein and healthy oils. You may just like how you feel!
LEARN ABOUT OUR NUTRITIONAL PROGRAMS
While there are many nutritional programs out there, LifeScape vets out the science, technology and efficacy of each one before prescribing them to any patient. Our doctors and nutritionist may work with you on any number of customized programs for healthy diet, weight management, resolving dietary deficiencies or addressing inflammatory foods that may be leading to chronic conditions or illness.
Through a series of appointments, we will learn how to best help you with your nutrition and healthy eating goals. There are so many factors that influence how we eat in today’s busy world and we will do our best to help you find the healthy habits may work best for you.