Emily Skye

The other name for bloating

Ever felt like this? The cause is probably inflammation!

Mastocytes and Macrophages are cells sent out to get rid of the toxic intruder – to do this, they notify the body’s immune response to begin ingesting foreign elements and alerting the rest of the protective cells throughout your body. Hence, whenever you eat that same food (or foreign intruder) the body will react the same way and think it is a toxin, starting up the protective process and causing inflammation.

Unhealthy or indigestible food entering your system is like a virus that triggers your immune response to act, which is where the bloated and sore tummy comes from. Many people respond badly to things like gluten, dairy, or fat and sugar, and may even have intolerances to them.

Here are some of the foods you could steer clear from that could possibly cause an inflammatory effect:

• Sugar

• Processed and refined grains (white rice, white flour, white bread, pasta, crackers, biscuits)

• Artificial food additives (aspartame, MSG, food colourings)

• Common cooking oils (Polyunsaturated vegetable oils)

• Trans fats

• Alcohol

• Processed and feedlot-raised meat

While these foods can cause inflammation, thank goodness there’s some that help to reduce it! Try including more of the following foods into your diet, and see if it makes a difference to how you feel.

Turmeric – an amazing superfood known for its healing power for reducing inflammation in the body. You can add it to juices or smoothies, curries, or a seasoning for your chicken. I love a turmeric latte with coconut milk! And I also use it as a main ingredient in my warm apple cider drink in the mornings to prepare my digestive system before I eat. If you don’t like the flavour, there are capsules you could take instead.

Omega 3s – found in oily fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines. If you don’t eat fish, there are supplements you can take, including flaxseed oil that is high in omega 3 fats.

Whole Grains – Brown rice, oats, spelt, kamut or quinoa are all whole grains good for your body. Steer clear of refined and processed grain!

Dark Leafy Greens – Spinach and kale are both great to include in your diet, for not just their anti-inflammation properties, but their overall goodness! They are full of vitamin E which helps to fight the molecules responsible for inflammation.

*My digestive issues are specific to me and what I have found my body reacts to. I have been able to pinpoint what foods have a negative effect on me, so have learned to keep them out of my diet – and I’ve never felt better. If you think you may have digestive issues or intolerances, please seek professional help to get the best opinion for your circumstances. Otherwise, for a more energetic, less bloated pain-free body, try cutting out processed refined foods, and include an array of fresh good wholefoods.