Inflammation in your body is a natural response that helps protect you from injury and infection. However, if inflammation is chronic or excessive, it can lead to a host of health problems such as arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.

While we know that certain foods like sugar and processed foods can cause inflammation, there are also some healthy foods that can trigger inflammation. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the surprising healthy foods that trigger inflammation.

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are considered a healthy food, full of vitamins and antioxidants. However, they also contain solanine and lectin, two compounds that can trigger inflammation.

Solanine is more concentrated in the leaves and stems of the tomato plant and in unripe green tomatoes. Lectin, on the other hand, is found in the seeds and skin of the tomato. If you’re sensitive to these compounds, try peeling and deseeding your tomatoes before consuming them.

2. Dairy

Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are a great source of calcium and protein. However, they can also trigger inflammation in certain people.

Dairy contains a protein called casein, which can be difficult to digest and can cause inflammation in some individuals. Additionally, many dairy products contain added sugars, which can also cause inflammation. If you suspect that dairy is causing inflammation in your body, try eliminating it from your diet for a few weeks and see if your symptoms improve.

3. Grains

Grains like wheat, rye, and barley contain gluten, a protein that can cause inflammation in sensitive individuals. Gluten triggers an immune response in the body, leading to inflammation and potentially causing damage to the gut lining.

Additionally, many grains are high in carbohydrates, which can also contribute to inflammation. If you suspect that grains are causing inflammation in your body, try eliminating them from your diet and see if your symptoms improve.

4. Soy

Soy is a popular plant-based protein source, and is often used to replace meat and dairy in vegetarian and vegan diets. However, soy also contains phytoestrogens, which can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body and can cause inflammation.

Additionally, many soy products are heavily processed, which can also contribute to inflammation. If you’re sensitive to soy, try limiting your intake or eliminating it from your diet altogether.

5. Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits are packed with vitamin C and other antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation. However, some people find that citrus fruits trigger inflammation in their bodies.

Citrus fruits are high in histamines, which can cause an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. Additionally, the acid in citrus fruits can irritate the digestive system and cause inflammation. If you suspect that citrus fruits are causing inflammation in your body, try eliminating them from your diet and see if your symptoms improve.

6. Red Meat

Red meat is a great source of protein and heme iron, but it can also cause inflammation in the body. Red meat is high in arachidonic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid that can trigger inflammation.

Additionally, cooking red meat at high temperatures can produce advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can also contribute to inflammation. If you’re concerned about the inflammation caused by red meat, try replacing it with leaner sources of protein like chicken, fish, and plant-based proteins.

7. Nightshade Vegetables

Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and potatoes are all part of the nightshade family. Nightshade vegetables contain solanine, a compound that can trigger inflammation in sensitive individuals.

Additionally, they contain lectins, which can also cause inflammation. If you find that nightshade vegetables cause inflammation in your body, try eliminating them from your diet and see if your symptoms improve.

8. Vegetable Oils

Vegetable oils like canola, corn, and soybean oil are often touted as healthy alternatives to animal-based fats. However, these oils are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can contribute to inflammation in the body.

Omega-6 fatty acids are necessary for our health, but an imbalance of omega-6s to omega-3s can cause inflammation. If you’re concerned about inflammation caused by vegetable oils, try replacing them with healthier fats like olive oil, coconut oil, and avocado oil.

9. Alcohol

Alcohol consumption can cause inflammation in the body. When we consume alcohol, our liver has to work overtime to break it down and detoxify our system. This process can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation.

Additionally, alcohol can damage the lining of our gut, leading to inflammation and gut-related issues. If you’re concerned about inflammation caused by alcohol, try limiting your consumption or eliminating it from your diet altogether.

10. Processed Foods

Processed foods like chips, candy, and soda are well-known to cause inflammation. They are typically high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats, all of which can contribute to inflammation in the body.

If you’re concerned about inflammation caused by processed foods, try eliminating them from your diet and focusing on whole, unprocessed foods instead.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s body is different, and what triggers inflammation in one person may not be an issue for another.

If you suspect that certain healthy foods are triggering inflammation in your body, try eliminating them from your diet for a few weeks and see if your symptoms improve. Additionally, it’s a good idea to work with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to ensure that you’re getting all the nutrients you need while avoiding inflaming foods.