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Twenty-Five of the Most Inflammatory Substances Found in Common Foods

Remember: Chronic (long-term) Inflammation is One of the Biggest Causes of Weight Gain in Human Beings

Acrylamide

Fried and baked goods,coffee,potato chips

Increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species

Alcohol

Beer,wine,liquor

Disrupts gut barrier function promoting systemic inflammation

Artificial colors

FD&C colors,processed foods,candy

Possible immune system activation leading to inflammation

Artificial flavors

Processed foods,snack foods,soda

Possible immune system activation leading to inflammation

Artificial sweeteners

Aspartame,sucralose,saccharin

Interference with gut microbiota and immune function promoting inflammation

Artificial trans fats

Fried foods,margarine,processed snack foods,doughnuts

Endothelial dysfunction and increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines

Aspartame

Diet sodas,sugar-free products

Interference with gut microbiota and immune function promoting inflammation

Casein

Dairy products,milk,cheese,yogurt

Activates the immune system in susceptible individuals causing inflammation

Dairy products

Cheese,milk,yogurt,butter

Increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in susceptible individuals

Fried foods

French fries,fried chicken,onion rings

Creation of advanced glycation end products and increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

GMO corn,soy

Disruption of gut microbiota and immune function promoting inflammation

Gluten

Wheat-based products,breads,pasta,cereals

Activates the immune system in susceptible individuals causing inflammation

High fructose corn syrup

Soda,candy,processed foods

Increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and insulin resistance

Lectins

Legumes,nightshade vegetables,grains

Potential to disrupt gut barrier function promoting systemic inflammation

Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

Processed foods,snack foods,restaurant dishes

Neuroexcitatory and pro-inflammatory effects

Omega-6 fatty acids

Vegetable oils,mayonnaise,salad dressings

Imbalanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio leading to chronic inflammation

Pesticides

Non-organic fruits,vegetables

Disruption of gut microbiota and immune function promoting inflammation

Preservatives

BHA,BHT,sodium benzoate

Promote oxidative stress and inflammation

Preserved Meats

Sodium nitrite,sodium benzoate,sulfites

Promote oxidative stress and inflammation

Processed meats

Hot dogs,sausages,deli meats,bacon

Increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species

Red meat

Beef,pork,lamb

Increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species

Refined carbohydrates

White bread,pasta,pastries

Increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and insulin resistance

Refined sugar

Soda,candy,baked goods,processed foods

Increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species

Saturated fats

Butter,fatty meats,coconut oil

Increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines

Vegetable oils

Soybean oil,corn oil,sunflower oil

Imbalanced omega-6 to omega-3 ratio leading to chronic inflammation

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