Inflammation can be good for your body, but a lot of the time it isn’t. If you get injured or infected, inflammation can be a friend. It’s a sign of your body repairing itself.
But you really only want that response when you need it. Chronic inflammation happens when your body gets confused. You’re either doing things that are causing it – like consuming foods and beverages that prompt your body into defense mode – or are suffering a condition that has the immune system triggered regularly.
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Heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and a host of other conditions are all linked by chronic inflammation.
Added sugars are major contributor to chronic inflammation, heart disease, type-2 diabetes, and weight gain. They are also loaded into several popular beverages that you may not suspect.
Further, other non-sugary drinks can promote inflammation, too. Let’s look at some popular beverages that could be sabotaging your health.
Soda: This should not come as a big surprise. Soda’s dangers have been in the public eye for close to a decade, as various municipalities have removed them from schools, levied taxes, and taken other measures to limit consumption.
Not as well known is that sugar-free diet options aren’t much better. The artificial sweeteners used are believed to have negative effects on gut bacteria that can contribute to inflammation.
Specialty Coffees: Specialty coffees served up by baristas and others can be major contributors to inflammation. Frappuccino’s, sugary syrups, toppings, whipped cream, and more can all overload you with sugar. Try cinnamon or a little milk if you don’t like your coffee black.
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Energy Drinks: Energy drinks are also loaded with sugar that can contribute to inflammation, weight gain, and type-2 diabetes. Like soda, even sugar-free options promote inflammation.
Alcohol: Alcohol can have an inflammatory effect when consumed regularly – this goes for virtually any type. Drinks mixed with soda, or sugary cocktails loaded with juice, sugar, and syrups are even worse!
Fruit Juice: Even your favorite fruit juice is high in added sugars. Orange and apple juice – virtually every variety – is high in sugar and should be consumed moderately at most. It’s best to just eat the fruit so you get the taste plus the fiber.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
