You’ve likely heard a lot about inflammation, but do you understand what kinds of foods cause it, and what effects it has on the body?
Migraine sufferers don’t always realize how inflammation plays a role in their pain but today, let’s shed a little light on this.
Inflammation is your body’s response to invaders, and it shows that your body’s white blood cells are working hard to fight for you. For example, when it comes to arthritis, your immune system is trying to fight off invaders that don’t really exist. As a result, your body starts to attack itself, and the inflammation ensues.
Inflammation can be caused by a variety of factors, such as an insect bite or an autoimmune disorder. However, it can also be caused by the foods that you eat, and eating these foods regularly can have some poor outcomes in your body.
So, what are these effects?
We know that inflamed blood vessels are a factor when it comes to triggering migraines.
Foods can be a trigger for inflammation, which is the worst kind, as it often has to deal with your blood vessels. When blood vessels become inflamed continuously, this can cause damage to the vessels, which is then used by the fats in your bloodstream as a means to accumulate.
This fat, otherwise known as LDL Cholesterol, simply grows more and more over time, and as years pass by, can cause a blockage in your arteries. This is something we absolutely want to avoid. So, knowing that food-caused inflammation is something we should seek to avoid — what foods cause it, and which can help combat it?
Deep down, I am sure we all kind of know which foods cause inflammation. For instance, foods such as French Fries, Soda, Red Meat, Processed Meat, Junk Foods, Refined Carbohydrates, etc. These are foods that are overly processed, and we are keenly aware that we should keep off of our plates anyway.
The same can be said for foods that fight inflammation. Load up on these healthy foods that help you combat inflammation and keep your body running smoothly:
These include:
• Tomatoes
• Leafy Greens
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Fish
• Fruit
Do you see a trend yet? Healthy, plant-based whole foods will help to reduce and even combat inflammation. Meanwhile, overly processed, high-fat junk foods will cause your inflammation to flare up.
So to help reduce the symptoms and lower your risk for health issues, you are going to want to eat a lot more whole plant-based foods.
What causes inflammation for you?
Is there something you eat that you noticeably feel bloated, achy, and generally unwell after? Maybe there are some foods you eat that you know cause migraines for you.
For me, inflammation comes on after I eat processed foods, which is why I typically try to stick to a plant-based diet. The more I am aware of the foods that cause inflammation and pain in my body (or even migraines), the more likely I am to cross them off my list of foods.
Comment below and let me know what you’ve noticed causes you inflammation.
Inflammation Fighting Recipes – Oatmeal with Berries
Oats with berries delivers high doses of prebiotics, antioxidants, and fiber. Oats are high in a type of fiber called beta-glucans. Prebiotics help the healthy gut bacteria to flourish, which can help reduce inflammation. Berries are high in antioxidants, and blueberries are especially high in anti-inflammatory polyphenols called anthocyanins.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup steel cut or rolled oats (look for certified gluten-free if you have a gluten intolerance)
3 cups water
Fresh or frozen fruit / berries
A handful of sliced almonds, hemp seeds, or other nut/seed
Drizzle of maple syrup, raw honey or a few drops of natural, organic stevia, to taste
The oats will thicken up as they cool — if you prefer them a bit more porridgy, add a splash more water, or some dairy-free alternative.
Serve with berries, nuts/seeds, a splash of almond milk and sweetener you like, to taste.
Dietary Tip: Traditional rolled and steel cut oats are higher in fiber than quick oats.
Pro Tip: Double or triple what you are cooking and save in small mason jars to have this ready through the week. Add your toppings to a small tupperware or other PBA-free container and store separately to thrown onto you oatmeal).
Check out my book: “Conquering Migraines: Your Guide To Life Without Pain.” Lots of natural remedies, lots of migraine-safe recipes and lots of tips that can cut down on your inflammation. Available on my Website for pdf download or you can also purchase it there from Amazon (for e-readers or printed copy). Click on the picture below.
