"Inflammation inside the body damaging blood vessels"... What is the worst eating habit?

Damage to major blood vessels such as the aorta (the large artery that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body) can originate from inflammation of small blood vessels. It is easy to understand if you imagine a dam with tiny holes gradually enlarging over time, eventually causing the dam to collapse. How can we detect and prevent hidden internal inflammation that shows no symptoms or outward signs at an early stage?

 

 

If inflammation of small blood vessels worsens... even large blood vessels become narrowed and blocked.

 

The carotid artery branches off from the aorta and passes through the neck to supply blood to the face and head. Keeping this blood vessel healthy is essential to prevent strokes (ischemic or hemorrhagic), which can cause paralysis and speech difficulties. If inflammation of the blood vessels worsens, the arteries can become narrowed or blocked, leading to a stroke.

 

It is the primary cause of fatal brain injuries. When vascular inflammation without symptoms persists and becomes chronic, treatment becomes difficult. It can develop into vascular diseases such as arteriosclerosis, heart disease (angina, myocardial infarction), and stroke. Inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis are also related to this.

"Even in middle age, maintaining the eating habits of people in their 20s and 30s"... Which foods increase the risk of inflammation?

 

After the age of 40, vascular aging also accelerates. Just like presbyopia that requires reading glasses, the body's aging has begun, yet dietary habits remain the same as in the 20s and 30s. As blood vessels lose elasticity, people still favor foods that can cause inflammation. They cannot resist high-carbohydrate temptations such as bread, noodles, and sweet foods. They still enjoy foods high in saturated fats, such as pork fat, processed meats (bacon, sausages, ham).

 

Processed foods containing various artificial additives should also be reduced. Eating them occasionally is one thing, but frequent consumption can trigger inflammation. Take a look at the ingredient labels of processed foods. Many contain unfamiliar chemical components. They are excessively high in salt and sugar, and saturated fats and trans fats are abundant. This poses a high risk of causing inflammation in the intestines and blood vessels. As you age, it is safer to eat natural, unprocessed foods.

 

Foods in their natural state... "Eat plenty of nutrients that reduce inflammation"

 

Nutrients that fight inflammation are abundant in vegetables and fruits. Coincidentally, these are the foods that have recently seen a surge in prices.

 

It contains many antioxidant components that reduce body oxidation (damage-aging), contributing to inflammation healing.

The lycopene content in tomatoes and cherry tomatoes helps prevent oxidation and inflammation of cells in the body, and aids in the prevention of prostate cancer, lung cancer, and breast cancer. Lycopene becomes more active and is better absorbed by the body when heated.

 

The quercetin component in onions helps with cell inflammation and wound healing, and inhibits the accumulation of triglycerides and cholesterol in blood vessels. The chromium component contributes to post-meal carbohydrate (glucose) metabolism, resulting in blood sugar regulation.

 

Allicin component helps prevent arteriosclerosis by preventing blood vessels from hardening.

 

The beta-carotene component that gives old pumpkin its yellow color prevents blood clots from forming and reduces the risk of myocardial infarction.

 

After middle age, it is important to reduce flour-based foods and white rice, and to frequently consume whole wheat and mixed grains.

 

It is good to regularly eat legumes, nuts, fish, and seaweed. All of these are foods that promote blood health and reduce inflammation.

 

 

Reporter Kim Yong (ecok@kormedi.com)