Six Anti Inflammatory Foods to Add to Your Diet
Do you suffer from chronic pain? It might be time for you to look into anti inflammatory foods, and how they can help.
Inflammation can be tricky, as it can be both good and bad for our bodies. On one hand, this is one of the ways that your body defends itself from infection and injury - but on the flip side, chronic inflammation can lead to weight gain, increased levels of pain and diseases. The good news is that doctors are increasingly looking to the grocery store as opposed to the pharmacy for ways to combat it.
What Is Inflammation And What Causes It
Inflammation occurs when your immune system is activated, usually when your body recognises anything that’s considered to be foreign or not “normal”. While this can range from an invading microbe, plant pollen or chemical, the reaction can also be triggered by an injury or even blood sugar imbalances.
While short bouts of inflammation directed at legitimate threats to your body ultimately protect your overall health, chronic occurrences can do more harm than good. Many major diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer's and even depression have been linked to chronic inflammation, so it’s important to address it and get it under control.
While many foods have been proven to exacerbate inflammation, such as refined carbohydrates, soft drinks and red meat, the good news is that there are many others that have shown to actually help the issue and possess natural anti inflammatory properties.
Six Anti Inflammatory Foods To Try At Home
If you’re trying to keep sudden or chronic inflammation under control, then it’s worth heading to your nearest farmers market instead of the pharmacy.
Tumeric - Used in India for thousands of years as a medicinal herb, turmeric contains curcumin - a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. For best results, used turmeric extracts that are standardized to include large amounts of curcumin.
Berries - Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, berries also provide antioxidants known as anthocyanins. These compounds not only help to reduce inflammation, but also boost immunity levels and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Bone Broth - Adding a bowl of hearty bone broth to your meal plan for the week can help to reduce intestinal inflammation, strengthen your digestive system, support your immune function and ultimately boost detoxification.
Marine Collagen - Taking a marine collagen supplement has been shown to reduce inflammation and stimulate collagen synthesis in the body, and helps to promote pain relief among people with joint disorders like osteoarthritis.
Salmon - Fatty fish like salmon is a great source of protein, along with Omega-3 fatty acids like EPA and DHA. Your body metabolizes these fatty acids into compounds called resolvins and protectins, which have anti-inflammatory effects.
Leafy Greens - Green, leafy vegetables are packed full of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients that help to reduce inflammation - think brussels sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, kale, spinach, bok choy and even cauliflower.
Want To Learn More About Natural Alternatives?
If you are looking to improve your overall health without the need for pharmaceuticals and are looking for assistance in regards to what to consume, then knowledge is power.
Anita Flego is a Transformational Health Coach, who has over twenty years experience in the health and natural therapies industry. Originally from Switzerland and a firm believer in natural health education and empowerment, these days you’ll find Anita based in Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast.
Passionate about natural and alternative medicine, Anita and her team at Live Young Clinic offer a wide range of products, treatments and services for those looking to kickstart their wellness journey. To book in your free ten minute phone consultation, get in touch with Anita today.