4. Highly Refined Flour
Flour that has been highly refined should be avoided if you are trying to reduce inflammation. Highly refined flour is found in most white flour products such as crackers, rolls, and bread, french fries, white instant potatoes, as well as many different bowls of cereal. Processed carbohydrates not only cause inflammation, but they are one of the main drivers of higher rates of obesity as well as other chronic conditions.
The refined flours in products simply pass through the digestive system at a quicker rate. When digestion occurs quickly it creates a quick rise of insulin and sugar levels in the body. The body’s response to this rise in blood sugar levels and insulin levels is inflammation. In addition, these foods also fuel the production of AGE, which stimulates inflammation as well. PAI-1 is the main inflammatory marker that is found in refined flour. Lowering the number of refined flours consumed in your diet can greatly reduce inflammation.