Inflammation Continued

If the inflammatory process continues beyond when it is helpful, then we can develop things such an increase in pain in the area. In joints this process may result in loss of cartilage. Remember that I have mentioned previously that heart disease specifically is often related to inflammation.

While we tend to think of injuries as being the cause of inflammation, there are other triggers such as poor diet and lack of exercise. The goal always is to relieve the pain and slow the progression.

So the first thing to look at is your diet. Avoid foods that tend to promote inflammation. These are foods that contain omega-6 fatty acids such as red meat and high-fructose corn syrup. Other prime candidates in this list are processed sugars and saturated fats. Most of these types are foods if present in the diet have also lead to an increase in weight, which further stresses joints and exacerbates the inflammatory process.

Reducing Inflammation

I've had a lot of questions about arthritis and treatment options. I want to take a few minutes to address this as it seems to be a big issue for many people.

First and foremost if you are having arthritic pain, look at your diet. Certain foods will tend to increase inflammation and hence you experience more pain. Foods that are high in Omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation. These are foods that have high-fructose corn syrup, red meats, and foods with processed sugars and saturated fats. You may want to go back and review the entries on fats. If you click on fats you will go to the first posting on this topic.

If you think about the foods high in Omega-6 fatty acids, these are the same foods which contribute greatly to being overweight or obese. Extra weight adds stress to joints and further exacerbates inflammation. More tomorrow

Is Natural the same as Organic?

I was confused at first with the labeling natural. What does that mean and is it the same as organic. The answer is, it is not the same as something labeled organic. A company who wants to use the natural food label does not have to go through the rigorous verification that a farmer who is growing organic food must go through.

Be sure to read the label thoroughly. You may be surprised to see partially hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup in the ingredients. If you don't remember the problems with these ingredients got back and read my post on October 13, 08. You also might want to review my posting on September 6, 08 about hydrogenated oil.

Remember that high fructose corn syrup is a chemically processed dextrose from corn. It isn't just pressed out of the corn.

My words are to use care and read the label of foods marked as "Natural."