Foods That Cause Inflammation

Are you aware of certain foods that sky-rocket inflammation, chop away your energy, and pack on the pounds? There are plenty. If there was a complete list of foods that cause inflammation, it would probably fill up a swimming pool. Unfortunately, there are hidden ingredients with every food corner you turn, thanks to the folks who like to see your food withstand a shelf life for 65 years.

Don’t get overwhelmed by my lovely swimming pool metaphor.

If there was a top ranked item on my foods that cause inflammation list, it would be Carrageenan. What in sassafras-ass is that?

Carrageenan is a polysaccharide (carbohydrate) that is extracted from red edible seaweed. It is extremely popular in our food industry; primarily used to act as a thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agent.

Now wait one gosh darn minute! Isn’t seaweed a nutritious food chocked full of minerals??

Seaweed may contain various nutrients and the commonly known element iodine, but that doesn’t mean you NEED to be eating it…especially when it comes in a processed and extracted additive form.

I am a lover of sushi. I certainly don’t pick out the seaweed in my nigiri, or when I enjoy a cup of miso here and there. I love the taste of seaweed while enjoying sushi! It reminds me of my travels to Japan, and my love for Japanese food. Plus, I don’t believe that the typical seaweed used in sushi restaurants is the same as the red seaweed used to extract Carrageenan from.

When it comes to inauthentic foods and other foods that cause inflammation, I choose ones that don’t contain the additive Carrageenan.

Carrageenan has been shown to cause serious inflammation, gut irritation, and immune system suppression. Take a peek at this PubMed article.

Should Carrageenan be on your list of foods to avoid? Yep!

Joanne K. Tobacman, M.D., associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine is one of the top researchers in the area of digestive health. She is quoted here on Dr. Andrew Weil’s website in his article on “Is Carrageenan Safe?”

The Cornicopa Institue has published a huge research paper. Check out their full report. And check out the shopping guide they have as well.

What commonly purchased items have Carrageenan? Most alternative milks (almond, soy, rice), various ice-creams, certain toothpastes (even Tom’s), most chocolate milks, many deli meats, and certain yogurts and dairy products. The list goes on, but don’t get too caught up in the food drama when you are contemplating which foods that cause inflammation. It will make you crazy.

If you’re heading out to pick up a tasty pint of ice-cream, consider buying a different brand. Most Haagen Daaz flavors don’t contain Carrageenan. Another clean and tasty one is Three Twins…mmmm. Explore a new toothpaste if you find out that yours has that slimy ingredient. Jason’s toothpaste is a healthy alternative. Of course we all consume unhealthy ingredients at times, so make peace with that fact.

With Carrageenan as the top item on my foods that cause inflammation list, start educating yourself about this slippery ingredient, and decide how much immune suppression and bum-blasting you think is appropriate for you.