Many of today’s popular diets contain similar trends. They focus on a balanced diet of whole food, mostly plants. Meat, unhealthy fats, fast food, and sugar are the boogeyman that people need to avoid, while fruits, vegetables, and whole grains get the spotlight for their health benefits.
Amidst all the noise of diet culture, the facts about why certain foods are good or bad for your health are difficult to see. In many cases, some foods are labeled “good” and others “bad” because of their influence on inflammation levels in the body.
Many experts recommend an anti-inflammatory diet as a baseline for preventing disease and managing chronic illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis. The link between meat and inflammation has been extensively researched. Red meat, in particular, is consistently considered harmful to your health because it increases inflammation.
Keep reading to learn more about the connection between the two, including one hidden link that ties them together.
Meat and Obesity
The Hidden Link
Some of the fats you eat are healthier than others. For example, the healthy fats found in avocados are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These types of fat reduce bad cholesterol levels, support a healthy heart, and help build strong muscles.
Others, like trans and saturated fats, lead to obesity and inflammation. Meat is a significant source of trans fats and saturated fats in the average diet.
A person who’s at a healthy weight, disease-free, active, and with a low body fat content could eat meat every day without a notable difference in their inflammation levels. But if the same person were slightly overweight with a chronic disease or sedentary lifestyle, their reaction to meat consumption would be entirely different.
The inflammation already present in the body due to excess fat, disease, and lack of movement are worsened by consuming fatty meats.
The Danger of Processed Meats
Processed meats are also adept at increasing systemic inflammation. In addition, they contain high levels of saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium, all of which increase your risk of dying when consumed in large quantities. Examples of processed meats include ham, sausage, hot dogs, pepperoni, and deli meats.
Saturated fats alter the gut microbiome in a way that mimics the gut of someone with obesity. They make the gut more permeable to the immunostimulant lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Immunostimulants like LPS activate the immune system in response to a threat, whether it’s a disease, virus, or harmful pathogen.
While LPS is helpful in small doses, a large amount of LPS increases your risk of insulin resistance and chronic inflammation.
Combat Meat-Induced Inflammation
Anti-inflammatory foods are often brightly colored and found at the edge of the grocery store, i.e., fruits and vegetables. Plants contain plenty of flavonoids and antioxidants, which counter inflammation and prevent oxidation. The fiber in plants and whole grains can also be anti-inflammatory because it helps you lose weight and supports smooth digestion.
If you’re going to eat meat, white meat is inherently better than red because it has a low-fat content. Examples of white meat include chicken, turkey, and fish. However, you can also seek healthier forms of red meat, including 90% lean ground beef, lean cuts of beef (like tenderloin), and pork loins and tenderloins.
Consume Responsibly
And if you’re dealing with pain from inflammation, remember to apply your Kailo Pain Patch and breathe a sigh of relief. Kailo is designed to relieve pain in seconds, and a recent clinical study showed a significant increase in quality of life when switching to Kailo from oral medication.
Disclaimer: Kailo should not be used if you have a pacemaker or if you are pregnant. Always consult your doctor or health care professional before using Kailo.
