Better Health with Anti-Inflammatory Foods

 

 

New research shows that many health problems and diseases may be caused or worsened by inflammation. Many people are unaware that they are even suffering from inflammation. Some types of inflammation are difficult for doctors to diagnose effectively. Medical professionals may be quick to prescribe pharmaceuticals for actual or possible inflammation but some minor changes to your diet may be all you need to get your body back on track.

Causes of Inflammation

Before we look at the foods that can help prevent or reduce inflammation, where does it come from in the first place? Inflammation can occur in many parts of the body and for a variety of reasons, including trauma, stress, alcohol, radiation, foreign bodies like dirt or splinters, blunt trauma or other injury, toxins, burns, infection, chemicals, or even frostbite.

Acute Vs. Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation may be acute or chronic. Acute infections generally start quickly and do not last long. Chronic inflammation lasts for a longer period of time. Both acute and chronic inflammation may be minor or severe.

The Anti-Inflammation Diet

Certain foods have been shown to increase inflammation while others can help reduce or prevent it. Some of the foods with potential to cause inflammation include refined carbs and unhealthy fats, which are two groups of food you should be avoiding anyhow if you are serious about a healthy, happy body.

Anti-inflammation foods include oregano, green tea, turmeric, ginger, rosemary, garlic, dark leafy veggies, peppers, onions, flaxseed oil, avocado oil, and extra-virgin olive oil. When it comes to protein, grass-fed beef is better than grain-fed, and organic pasteurized eggs are better than factory-farmed eggs. 

An anti-inflammatory diet may help heal your body from acute injuries and inflammation and may also help decrease the occurrence of and severity of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, Alzheimer’s, allergies, some types of bowel disease, and even cancer.

Reducing inflammation can also help improve your general feelings of wellbeing and mood. An anti-inflammatory diet doesn’t mean you have to make major changes. Slight changes to what you’re already eating can make a big difference. 

Another great way to reduce inflammation? Reduce stress! Great ways to reduce stress include meditation, journaling, gardening, and simply taking a walk a little more often. For folks with more than their fair share of stress, more intense physical activities may be the answer. Running, spinning, and team sports can be great stress relief, especially when followed by a relaxing afternoon or day at the spa.