Inflammatory foods to avoid

Did you know that some foods create chronic inflammation in your body, leading to heart disease and common cancers.  While it is not realistic to stop eating all of the following foods or food groups, there are some substitutions and limitations to employ.  Here are 10 foods or groups of foods to watch for:

1) Refined sugar - substitute with honey
2) Saturated cooking oils - substitute with extra virgin olive oil
3) Trans fats - look for foods with no trans fats
4) Dairy products - choose unsweetened yogurt or soy milk
5) Feedlot raised meat - choose organic, free range meats
6) Red meat and processed meat - minimize red meat and choose poultry and fish
7) Alcohol - limit consumption
8) Refined/processed grains - choose whole grain
9) Artificial food additives (like aspartame and MSGs) - use herbs and spices for flavoring foods
10) Any food you find upsets your stomach - your sensitivity to that food is a sign to limit your consumption