8 Foods That Increase Inflammation

When you have arthritis, your body is in an inflammatory state, and what you eat may not only increase inflammation, it can also set you up for other chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Think twice about eating these eight inflammation food triggers:

1. Sugar and aspartame
2. Saturated fats (pizza and cheese are the biggest sources)
3. Trans fats (foods with partially hydrogenated oils)
4. Omega 6 fatty acids (found in corn oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, and various nuts and seeds)
5. Refined carbohydrates (white flour products)
6. Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
7. Gluten and casein (often found in dairy products)
8. Alcohol

The good news is that studies reinforce that eating chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is good for you. View this yummy recipe. Source: Arthritis Foundation, Arthritis Diet