by Mario Carini

Created on: June 26, 2009

Diet, stress, environmental toxins and lack of exercise all promote inflammation. But it's primarily the food we eat that is the primary cause of inflammation. The body is not meant to sustain itself on a high carbohydrate diet consisting mostly of highly processed foods. The typical diet of many people consists mostly of easily digested food that has little to no nutritional value. Inflammatory foods lead to major rises in blood sugar which requires rapid production of insulin. The chemical additives in many foods find their way into the bloodstream that puts undue stress of the liver and kidneys as they try to get rid of the toxic load. Refined white bread, baked potatoes, pasta, pastries, sweetened juices, chips, fries and colas all promote an inflammatory response.

No one is immune to inflammation. It can strike both young and old. Even if the symptoms are not evident during the younger years, inflammation still occurs though the body is able to handle it. But years of the wrong diet ultimately leads to chronic pain and the ill effects of major diseases. Cancer, heart diseases and diabetes are linked to inflammation.

Inflammation is a natural response of the body. It signals us that something is not right and the body responds by increasing temperature as it tries to eliminate the causes. In healthy people inflammation eventually dissipates as the virus or disease is eliminated. Unfortunately, today's diet simply overwhelms the body. It is constantly fighting the toxins that are added on a daily basis. Inflammation is the only method the body has to fight disease and restore balance. Unfortunately the wrong diet means chronic pain.

Chronic inflammation creates free radicals that eventually damage the major organs of the body. Free radical damage ages the body faster. In order to prevent inflammation, it's necessary to get back to the right kind of diet, a diet of low fat, low carbohydrates and high fiber foods such as whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables. Fish is not well liked, but should be on the plate of many households. Fresh fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring are excellent sources of heart-healthy omega-3 oils which are severely lacking in most diets.

Unfortunately, most foods consumed today are those on this list:

* Fried foods

* Canned foods with high sugar and sodium

* Marbled meats. Luncheon meats with their nitrites and nitrates

* Fast foods

* Alcohol

* Caffeine

* Sugary and salty snacks, cakes

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