“Yogurt is associated with decreased inflammation, decreased insulin resistance and it may prevent type 2 diabetes,” Dr. Hu says.
Unless you have a milk allergy, research suggests that dairy is not the root cause of low-grade inflammation in the body. In fact, consuming foods like yogurt may actually help to reduce inflammation.
One systematic review published in 2019 found that dairy did not have a pro-inflammatory effect in healthy adults or in adults with metabolic syndrome, obesity, and/or type 2 diabetes. Interestingly, there was a weak anti-inflammatory effect observed with certain fermented dairy products, such as kefir.
4. Certain Types of Dairy. Yes, some types of dairy contain gut-friendly probiotics; however, eating certain types of dairy actually promotes inflammation. Individuals with chronic pain should watch their consumption of processed dairy products, such as whole milk, sugar-loaded yogurts, and processed cheeses.
Another study, published in Nutrients, found that yogurt consumption was associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers, and as the study authors note, “may be an important part of a healthy diet, designed to mitigate systemic inflammation.” Cohen recommends plain Greek yogurt, which has more protein than other ...
Milk, cheese, and yogurt are good sources of nutrition, but they contain a protein that may irritate tissues around your joints. Foods to consider as non-inflammatory substitutes include spinach, nut butter, tofu, beans, lentils, and quinoa.
High-Fat Dairy
Milk, yogurt, and other dairy products can be bad for arthritis, but it depends on the amount of fat and sugar a particular product contains. If you suspect you are sensitive to or intolerant of dairy, eliminate dairy for a brief period of time.
Active principles in plant-based foods, especially staple fruits, such as bananas and plantains, possess inter-related anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, antioxidative, and neuromodulatory activities.
Oatmeal has anti-Inflammatory properties.
Not only do oats have protein and fiber, they are full of other powerful vitamins and minerals. Oats boast 24 phenolic compounds — plant compounds that have antioxidant properties.
Any mainstream nutrition expert would encourage you to eat anti-inflammatory foods. They include lots of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, plant-based proteins (like beans and nuts), fatty fish, and fresh herbs and spices.
If you notice bloating, changes in bowel movements, or any other type of digestive upset after eating dairy, this could be a red flag that dairy causes inflammation for you. Then, note other symptoms, like increased mucus production.
According to nutritionist Kejal Sheth, “Yogurt contains probiotics, which is beneficial for a healthy gut. A healthy gut will definitely help reduce inflammation. For an added benefit, you can eat yogurt with muesli, nuts, seeds and fruits or blend it up as breakfast smoothie.”
When you don't have enough of this enzyme to digest lactose, you can experience abdominal discomfort and digestive issues after eating dairy products like milk, ice cream, yogurt, and cheese. This is known as lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is not the same as a lactose allergy.
Dairy contains a high level of protein casein. This type of protein triggers inflammation and pain in the joints, and may even contribute to irritation around the joints. Some dairy products, such as butter, contain a high amount of saturated fat. This can also contribute to inflammation and joint pain.
1. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids , which are abundant in fatty fish such as salmon or tuna, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements. These supplements may help fight several types of inflammation, including vascular inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory Foods
One form of these powerful inflammation fighters is found in fatty fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, tuna, striped bass and anchovies. “You can get the benefit from eating the fish or by taking fish oil [supplements],” Snead says. Vegetarians and vegans have options, too.