Inflammation is how your body responds to an injury, allergen, or infection. It’s why a sprained ankle doubles in size and why you run a fever when your body is fighting a virus. But in today’s world, your body is constantly exposed to things that turn on the inflammation response — even when it’s not needed. And in the U.S., many of the common foods in our diet have become potential sources of that inflammation.
Key takeaways
- There are many sources of inflammation in our lifestyle — from stress to diet. Chronic inflammation can put you at risk for long-term health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
- Inflammatory foods tend to be processed items that are high in sugar, trans fats, and refined carbohydrates.
- You don’t need to eliminate all inflammatory foods from your diet. Small swaps and changes each day can make a big difference over time.
It’s impossible to avoid inflammatory foods all the time. But if you eat them regularly, they can increase your risk of various conditions like heart disease or diabetes. To protect your long-term health, it helps to know which foods are more likely to cause inflammation.
7 Foods That Cause Inflammation — and Simple Swaps to Try Instead
The following are seven of the top foods that cause inflammation.
1. Refined grains
When grains are refined, the fiber, vitamins, and minerals that would otherwise make them anti-inflammatory are removed.
Examples of foods that contain refined grains include:
- White bread
- White rice
- Cereals
- White flour
Refined grains contribute to inflammation in a couple of ways. First, since they are carbohydrates that break down quickly, they spike blood sugar levels. This blood sugar spike leads to an inflammatory response. Second, refined grains are a highly processed food (more on this in a minute), which is another way they can lead to inflammation.
2. Refined sugar
Eating foods that contain added refined sugar is linked with diabetes and weight gain. Sugary beverages, in particular, are a major source of added sugar in the diets of people in the U.S. It’s possible that refined sugars increase inflammation, while naturally occurring sugars, like those found in fruit and milk, don’t.
3. Sodium
High sodium (salt) intake affects your body in several ways. You may have heard about how it can increase blood pressure. But it can also increase inflammation. And this can contribute to conditions like stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease.
4. Red and processed meat
Red meat is high in saturated fat. A diet high in red meat is linked to high levels of “bad” cholesterol and chronic inflammation. Processed red meats are even worse for inflammation since they tend to also be high in salt. Examples of processed red meats include:
- Jerky
- Hot dogs
- Cold cuts
- Bacon
5. Trans fats
The worst type of fat, known as trans fat, causes inflammation by raising bad cholesterol (low-density lipoproteins or LDL) without increasing good cholesterol (high-density lipoproteins or HDL).
Trans fats make foods more shelf-stable, so they’re generally found in packaged foods. If you’re looking at food labels, try to avoid “hydrogenated” or “partially hydrogenated” fats.
6. Ultra-processed foods
Eating ultra-processed foods can lead to inflammation because they often contain added sugars, trans fats, and/or refined grains. They also contain preservatives and additives that prolong shelf life but may contribute to chronic inflammation.
7. Alcoholic beverages
Researchers are learning more about the ways that alcohol is connected to chronic inflammation — in addition to a variety of other health problems. Alcohol interrupts regular gut and liver function and can even cause the pancreas to become inflamed. The popular belief that alcohol is anti-inflammatory continues to be debunked by evidence of its negative effects on your body.
Common misconceptions about inflammatory foods
Many people consider common food allergens — like dairy and gluten — to be inflammatory. But even though some people have allergies or sensitivities to these foods, they aren’t necessarily inflammatory for everyone.
Does dairy cause inflammation?
Dairy, including cheese and milk, can cause an inflammatory response in people with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. But research hasn’t shown that dairy products have inflammatory effects in people who don’t have a dairy sensitivity.
Does gluten cause inflammation?
Most research seems to indicate that consuming gluten may lead to inflammation in people with a gluten sensitivity or certain health conditions, like celiac disease. But eating foods with gluten hasn’t been linked to inflammation in people who don’t have a sensitivity.
Gluten is found in many whole grains, which are rich in nutrients. But it’s also found in refined carbohydrates and processed foods — such as white bread, bagels, tortillas, and pasta — which may be sources of inflammation.
Do eggs cause inflammation?
There’s no strong evidence that eating eggs contributes to inflammation in your body. On one hand, eggs contain some substances — like omega-6 fatty acids — that have been linked to inflammation if consumed in excess. But eggs also contain other nutrients — like vitamin D — that can help lower inflammation.
One review of several studies looked at whether eggs increased inflammatory substances in the blood. Researchers didn’t find any evidence that eggs increased these markers of inflammation. And eggs are a common ingredient in diets that have been shown to lower inflammation, which we review below.
Does chicken cause inflammation?
Chicken follows a similar controversy to eggs. It contains substances that have been linked to inflammation in your body. But one study looked at inflammatory markers in women diagnosed with “obesity” (a BMI over 30). It found that those who ate a diet high in chicken had lower markers of inflammation.
Chicken may also be a better option than other meats — like red or processed meat — when it comes to animal protein.
Does sunflower oil cause inflammation?
The research here is mixed.
On the one hand, sunflower oil contains omega-6 fats. Omega-6 fats provide multiple health benefits for your body. For example, they may reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. But a few studies suggest that eating a lot of omega-6 fatty acids may increase inflammation in your body. Other research suggests that you can balance out this risk by eating more foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish, beans, and avocados.
If you’re concerned, consider choosing oils with a higher omega-3 content, or those that have lots of monounsaturated fatty acids — such as olive oil or avocado oil.
How do inflammatory foods affect the body in the long run?
It’s hard to avoid inflammatory foods all the time. And there’s no problem with eating packaged foods every now and then or enjoying an occasional meal at your local diner. No single meal will lead to chronic inflammation — especially if you have a generally balanced diet and active lifestyle.
But it could be a problem if your diet is mostly made up of highly processed or ultra-processed foods. A diet that consistently includes inflammatory foods can eventually harm your body’s cells and organs.
Chronic inflammation can contribute to:
- Insulin resistance and diabetes
- A BMI over 30
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Heart disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic pain, especially joint pain
- Crohn’s disease
- Certain types of cancer
- Neurological diseases
Just as certain foods can increase inflammation, other foods can help lower inflammation in your body.
Are there any anti-inflammatory diets?
In general, diets that are mostly made up of whole, unprocessed foods can help fight inflammation. Common anti-inflammatory nutrients include:
- Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, nuts, and plant oils
- Antioxidants, found in leafy green vegetables and berries
- Fiber, found in plant-based foods like whole grains, beans, and fruits
- Spices like turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon
Below, we go through some eating patterns that generally include anti-inflammatory foods.
Mediterranean diet
The Mediterranean diet is a way of eating that focuses on whole foods that contain healthy fats and proteins. It’s rich in:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Legumes
- Lean protein
- Nuts
- Whole grains
- Olive oil
Dairy, fish, and red wine are also common in this diet, but they’re consumed in moderation. Red and processed meats are rarely consumed.
DASH diet
The DASH diet is short for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It focuses on limiting salt, a common contributor to inflammation.
The DASH diet focuses on heart-healthy foods, such as:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Lean protein
Nordic diet
The Nordic diet comes from the foods that are common in Northern Europe. This means it’s rich in fruits, vegetables, and cold-water seafood. This diet is also low in common inflammatory foods like added sugar, processed meat, and alcohol.
Washoku diet
The Washoku diet comes from Japan. It emphasizes seasonal plant-based foods, including seaweed, soy, and green tea. It also incorporates fish. It’s low in sugar, animal proteins, and fats.
Simple dietary swaps to help lower chronic inflammation
You don’t have to overhaul your diet to cut back on highly inflammatory foods. Small changes and swaps can make a difference. Here are five tips you can try.
1. Choose more nutritious whole grains
In place of refined grains, try adding whole grains like:
- Oatmeal
- Brown rice
- Whole-grain tortillas, bread, and pasta
- Millet
- Couscous
- Farro
2. Lean into lean proteins
Look for opportunities to incorporate proteins that are less likely to be inflammatory. Experiment with:
- Ground turkey or lentils in place of ground beef
- Eggs instead of traditional breakfast meats
- Beans and legumes
- Nuts and seeds
- Cold-water fish, like salmon and trout
As you can see, lean doesn’t necessarily mean low-fat. For example, fish and nuts may have a higher fat content. But they’re high in nutritious, heart-healthy fats.
3. Have a cup of tea
Tea contains antioxidants and polyphenols that help reduce inflammation. In particular, unsweetened green tea is thought to help fight inflammation, boost immunity, and promote heart health.
4. Incorporate veggies where you can
Vegetables contain fiber, which helps decrease the body’s insulin response. This can help lower inflammation. Look for opportunities to add veggies to your meal, like:
- Turning your meal into a salad: Taco salads are a fun and hearty option.
- Choosing fiber-rich options instead of flour: Try swapping pasta and rice with zucchini noodles and cauliflower rice.
- Adding vegetables to meals like casseroles and quiches: Chop up some of your favorites and mix them in.
- Eating vegetables with your favorite sauces and dips: When you eat hummus, use carrots, cucumbers, or bell pepper slices instead of crackers. Or try drizzling buffalo sauce on roasted cauliflower pieces.
5. Dish up desserts
Consider taking a smaller portion size of your favorite dessert and pair it with some fruit. That way, you get to enjoy your sweets while adding fiber and other nutrients to your diet. If you’re baking, try swapping out regular sugar with natural sweeteners like:
- Coconut sugar
- Dates
- Bananas
- Honey
- Maple syrup
Frequently asked questions
Is peanut butter inflammatory?
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Peanut butter isn’t an inflammatory food. Research suggests it has anti-inflammatory properties. Peanut butter contains magnesium and vitamin E, both of which are anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Peanuts also contain linoleic acid, which is thought to be anti-inflammatory if consumed in moderation. You can try peanut butter with fruit or veggie slices, like:
- Carrots
- Celery
- Apples
- Banana
The bottom line
Processed meat, added sugar, and refined grains are considered inflammatory foods. When you eat these foods regularly, they can contribute to chronic inflammation. This can damage your body’s tissues and organs and lead to health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, plant-based proteins, and whole grains can help reduce your risk of inflammation and long-term health conditions.
By Candace Nelson, MS, CN, is an award-winning journalist specializing in health and condition care. She is passionate about preventing chronic conditions.
