A lot has been said about inflammation in recent years. Those trying to avoid pain and long-term health problems have been warned about the effects of this condition. Increased levels of inflammation, if ignored, can lead to cancer, heart disease, and other health problems. Because inflammation can cause a myriad of problems, but educating yourself on how to prevent it can make a big difference. Let’s start with
Certain foods, such as preserved meats, fried foods, sweet treats, and other refined carbohydrates, can trigger worse markers of chronic inflammation, according to the Cleveland Clinic. While it’s often said that food in general causes inflammation, it’s true that drinks can also lead to this condition. Consistently drinking sugary beverages such as sodas, fruit drinks, and sugary coffee can cause inflammation in the body.
If you need to reduce inflammation in your body, limit or occasionally drink the following beverages: Then check out the worst breakfast habits for inflammation.
1
sugar latte
“Studies show that coffee itself contains plant compounds and polyphenols, which may have beneficial effects on inflammation, but what you put in it may counteract those effects. Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LDthe author of sports nutrition playbook and our members Medical Expert Committee. “Many coffee and mock coffee drinks contain sugar from syrups, sauces, whips, and drizzles. Fun Flavors Is one latte a week bad for you? No, but you can consistently consume added sugar in your beverages.
2018 review published in nutrients We concluded that there is an association between a diet high in refined sugars and inflammation. More specifically, they found that people with higher amounts of added sugar had higher levels of inflammatory markers in their blood.
So instead of reaching for a super-sugar coffee drink, Goodson says, “I’ll be content with keeping the sweetness down, adding flavor in one pump, skipping the whipping and drizzling, and just using milk foam.” I suggest trying that.
You’ll save extra sugar, calories, and maybe even dollars!” she adds.
If you really want to fight inflammation with caffeine, check out the best coffee habits for inflammation to give your morning latte an edge.
2
flavored oat milk
You might think that choosing dairy-free milk is automatically a healthy choice, but this isn’t always the case. Some people don’t realize
“When it comes to dairy-free milk, not all brands and varieties are created equal,” he says. Trista Best, RD With Balance One Supplement. “Making oat milk with flavorings and added sugar can cause irritation. Even unflavored options can contain about 7 grams of sugar per serving. People with gluten allergies or intolerances.” For some, this can exacerbate the inflammatory response. Although some are naturally gluten-free, they are processed in facilities that manufacture ingredients that contain gluten, so cross-contamination can occur.
If you want to get the best oak milk for your money, pay attention to the Best & Worst Oat Milk Brands to Buy.
3
sweet tea
If you’re from the South, you’ll be familiar with sweet teas that are deliciously refreshing. Unfortunately the name says it all. I mean, these drinks are full of sugar.
“Sugar-sweetened drinks like sweet tea should be limited as much as possible,” says Goodson.. “Over time, excessive intake of added sugar can contribute to chronic inflammation, and many sugar-sweetened beverages have little nutritional value, so they actually provide sugar and calories.” Just do it.
According to a study published in nutrition researchfound that people who consumed less sugary drinks had lower levels of inflammatory markers in their blood.
So if you’re monitoring inflammation, try replacing these drinks with water, lightly flavored water, or water flavored with fresh fruit.
Instead, grab one of these 7 best teas to support your immune system today.
Four
store-bought smoothies
“Smoothies are a great option for meal replacement and post-workout recovery, but many of the smoothies you buy at the smoothie store actually have added sugar in a word you may not know called turbinado,” he says. Goodson says, “Adding turbinado and fruit juices can quickly increase the sugar content of your smoothie. This added sugar, as it is consumed over time, will become more noticeable, especially in other sugary drinks.” drinking may cause inflammation.”
But when it comes to nutritional value, not all smoothies are the same. Some are full of healthy ingredients and no added sugar. If you have the time and resources, you can also try making smoothies at home.
“You can make smoothies at home with fresh fruit, milk, and yogurt, but if you buy them at the store, check the ingredient list and nutrition facts,” says Goodson. Cutting back on your carbs might mean getting a leaner, leaner, or lighter smoothie, depending on the store’s label, and, of course, making sure your smoothie has the right carb-to-protein ratio. Make sure you don’t spike your blood sugar.”
Five
soda water
If the sugar in smoothies doesn’t cause inflammation, the sugar in sodas can.
“Sugar Soda Increases Inflammation” To tell Dr. Lisa Young, RDNthe author of Full at the end, slim at the end and our members Medical Expert Committee. “Chronic inflammation can develop over time from regular consumption of sugar-laden beverages, and soda is a major source of sugar in diets.
“Consuming a diet high in sugar can increase inflammation, which can lead to illness, so drinking water or sparkling water instead is recommended,” adds Young. You can also add lemon or a little juice for flavor.”
Don’t feel like you have to give up soda cold turkey. That way, you don’t have to consistently consume extra sugar while enjoying your favorite beverage.
Correction Note: A previous version of this article identified dairy as a trigger for inflammation in the body, which was incorrect. review has not yet observed pro-inflammatory effects from dairy consumption in human study participants.
This story was originally published on March 4, 2022 and was updated in January 2023. In addition to fact-checking and related corrections, the article has been revised to include additional copy and proofreading revisions, further research, and updated contextual links.
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