Chronic inflammation is extremely common in modern society. And, it’s usually a symptom of prolonged stress. While its root cause is still unknown, the solution often calls for major lifestyle changes. Reducing stress and tension in the body involves more hydration, higher-quality sleep, an exercise routine, and a supportive diet. 

To prevent and reduce inflammation through juicing, let’s first examine what foods you should avoid.

What Are Some Foods That Cause Inflammation?

If you’re looking to reduce inflammation, juicing or a healthy diet can make all the difference. But first, you must stay away from foods that cause inflammation in the body, such as:

Fried Foods

Fried foods are proven culprits for causing dysregulation in the digestive system, thus increasing inflammation. Think french fries, churros, mozzarella sticks, egg rolls, and doughnuts. Because fried foods use high-heat cooking methods with oils, there’s a rise in harmful compounds like advanced glycation end products (AGES). This can cause several chronic inflammatory diseases.

Processed or Refined Foods

Other foods to stay away from are processed or refined foods. Refined foods endure a process that removes one or more edible components. In other words, it is no longer wholesome or natural, it’s been altered. Therefore, it’s left with less nutritional content than before. Refined or processed foods include candy, some bread, pastries, cereals, sugary drinks, cakes, and pasta. In addition, food that has added flour or sugar is also processed or refined.

Sugar

In addition, sugar can also exacerbate inflammation in the body. Of course, not all sugar is made equal, and not all sugar is harmful. However, white table sugar (sucrose) and high fructose corn syrup are big contributors to inflammation. 

A study published by The Journal of Clinical Investigation tested the effects of increased sugar consumption. The results showed that high amounts of sugar are also linked to diabetes, fatty liver disease, all kinds of cancer, insulin resistance, and chronic kidney disease.

Meat Cooked In High Heat

As we learned with fried foods, a high-temperature cooking method leads to the production of harmful inflammatory compounds like AGEs. With meat, processed or unprocessed, there is a higher chance of developing inflammation and even cancer. Large amounts of fried, grilled, barbecued, roasted, toasted, or seared meat may contribute to inflammation. 

How Juicing Can Help Reduce Inflammation

An effective way to prevent and reduce inflammation is to consume foods with anti-inflammatory properties regularly. One of the easiest ways to do so is by juicing first thing in the morning. And juicing for inflammation is made easy and tasty with Z.E.N. Foods’ Supreme Green Cold-Pressed Juice. The key ingredients include pineapple, lemon, ginger, celery, cucumber, and spinach. Let’s review why each plays an important role in reducing inflammation.

Pineapple

Pineapple contains bromelain which is easily absorbed by the body and contributes to the reduction of osteoarthritis pain, diarrhea, and cardiovascular disorders.

Lemon

Lemon contains high amounts of vitamin C and folate which enhances the immune system by increasing natural killer cells, T-cells, and B-cells. Research shows that lemons contain anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, analgesic, and antibacterial properties.

Ginger

Ginger has long been used by cultures all around the world against all kinds of ailments and illnesses. Research shows its rich phytochemistry makes for an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effect that serves to keep the body functioning in optimal health.

Celery

Celery contains apigenin and luteolin, two helpful antioxidants which may help treat inflammation directly. It is also known for being rich in minerals and vitamins. Although the taste can be bitter in juice, when combined with the right mixture of other healing anti-inflammatory foods, the taste is spectacular. 

Cucumbers

Cucumbers contain various phytonutrients like beta carotene and flavonoids which induce anti-inflammatory processes in the body. Also, they are made up of 95% water. Therefore, cucumbers are hydrating and full of antioxidants and minerals like lignans, potassium, and magnesium.

Spinach

Spinach contains the antioxidant quercetin in high amounts. This makes it one of the richest dietary sources to prevent and lessen inflammation. Spinach also enforces pancreatic concentration of lipase and amylase.

Juicing For Inflammation: Z.E.N. Foods Can Help

At Z.E.N. Foods, we pride ourselves on creating the perfect blend to ward off inflammation with delicious cold-pressed juices. We are dedicated to providing simple and healthy food options for people on the go. To try our cold-pressed juice Supreme Green and learn how to integrate it into your daily meal plan, contact us at (310) 205-9368.