The Pro-Inflammatory Diet: 5 Ultraprocessed Foods and How They Contribute to Inflammation In The Body
A Pro-Inflammatory Diet Consisting of Ultraprocessed Foods Increases Inflammation in the Body
Just when you thought food couldn’t be any more processed, watch out, there’s now a new category of food called “ultraprocessed foods,” and they are staples of a pro-inflammatory diet. Ultra processed foods have at least 5 characteristics, which include:
- Ready-to-eat food
- Pre-packaged food
- Food high in sugar, sodium and saturated or trans-fatty acids
- Food low in fiber
- Food low in vitamins and minerals
5 ULTRAPROCESSED FOODS
When you think of a pro-inflammatory diet, ultraprocessed foods fall into several categories, mostly breakfast or snack foods. Here are 5 ultraprocessed foods that we think most people probably eat in their daily diet:
- Breakfast cereals: think Rice Nippies and Corn Snakes
- Potato chips and pretzels: any kind
- Crackers: any snack cracker that is made with white flour
- Frozen pizza: enough said
- Breakfast bars: think Pop Farts
These ultraprocessed foods increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular, Type II diabetes, and yes even mental health disturbances. These foods are dissimilar to whole foods like fruits, vegetables, chicken, and even red meat.
The processing of these mostly high-starch foods (e.g., white flour, potatoes, corn) through baking, frying, or heating, as well as the additives used (i.e., preservatives, red/yellow/blue/any color dyes) creates an ultra-processed food that is a far cry from whole food.
ULTRAPROCESSED FOODS INCREASE INFLAMMATION
And it is one reason scientists believe ultraprocessed foods may cause the body to view them as an invader, similar to a bacteria or virus. Think back to your high school biology class where you learned that bacteria and viruses that enter the body cause an increase in white blood cells, resulting in inflammation (e.g., fevers, congestion).
Well, a recent study found that those who ate ultraprocessed foods in high amounts had an increase in white blood cells, one marker of inflammation. They also had an increase in C-reactive protein (CRP), another marker of inflammation [1].
Swap out ultrprocessed food for foods in the anti-inflammatory diet today!
Ultraprocessed food – frozen pizza
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FREE RESOURCES
Have more cancer prevention questions? We may have the answers in our free resources. Read or download them now:
1. Download the FREE eBook “HEALTHY FOOD SWAPS” if you’re ready to ditch processed and ultra-processed foods (which are linked to chronic inflammation) with healthier snack options. You’ll also get a list of healthy snacks according to weight and health goals (heart, brain focus, energy)
2. READ about the 10 foods that prevent cancer and our article on 6 Foods for Cancer Prevention
3. Read the article 4 Tips to Improve Breast Cancer Survival along with The Breast Cancer Diet that Increases Survival, then DOWNLOAD the FREE breast cancer survival kit that includes questions to ask your doctor, 8 tips to help lower your risk of a new or recurring breast cancer diagnosis, and 3 days of easy plant-based recipes.
4. Read the article Prevent a Colon Cancer Recurrence and The Optimal Colon Cancer Diet
ABOUT THE CANCER DETOX
Hi! I am Dee Grace Ph.D., scientist, author, and health coach based in Atlanta, Georgia. The Cancer Detox helps cancer patients, survivors, and those wanting to stay ahead of the curve prevent a new or recurring cancer with science-based health coaching.
Is the fear of cancer keeping you up at night? Is what you’re eating putting you at risk for cancer? What if you’re doing everything wrong and don’t even know it? Schedule a complimentary 15-min call with me to get clear on what modern, science-based prevention looks like.
Purchase my book “Cancer Prevention: Diet and Lifestyle Factors that Reduce Your Risk” on Amazon. Pulling from over 100 science-based studies, I provide the case for why cancer isn’t always random and often preventable. You’ll get 24 Prevention Habits that hold you accountable for implementing a cancer prevention lifestyle. along with over 40 cancer prevention guidelines for fighting breast, lung, colon, and prostate cancers.
DISCLAIMER
The information in this article is for educational purposes and is not meant to treat, diagnose, or prescribe medications or herbs. For questions on the information contained in this article, please consult with your healthcare provider. This information is intended for educational purposes only, and you should consult with your healthcare provider and a licensed dietician or certified nutritionist for additional information related to the content of this article.
