Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet and limiting your intake of pro-inflammatory foods may help to reduce inflammation in the body and boost overall health.
What is inflammation?
When the body is threatened in some way (by an accident, illness, or other type of stress), it responds by triggering a natural process known as inflammation. Inflammation involves a complicated chain of events that result in the body ridding itself of dead or damaged cells and tissues, so it can start recovering.
While acute inflammation is generally a good thing, prolonged inflammation has the opposite effect on the body. It can cause serious health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.
Lifestyle choices, environmental circumstances, and nutritional deficiencies can all contribute to persistent inflammation.
The link between diet and inflammation
While the link is multi-faceted, there is evidence that certain eating patterns may lead to chronic inflammation in some people.
Fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fatty fish have, for example, have been shown to help reduce inflammation. However, highly processed and refined meals, sugary beverages, and those high in trans fats and saturated fats have been shown to induce it.
But, everyone’s physical make-up is unique, so what triggers inflammation in one person might have no effect on another.
If you’re having persistent inflammation, it’s recommended that you see a healthcare professional to determine the root reason and create an efficient and tailored treatment plan.
Potentially anti-inflammatory foods
Researchers have shown that consuming certain meals can help lower inflammation. Examples of such foods are:
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Fruits and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables have anti-inflammatory properties because they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Eat a rainbow every day by loading up on berries, greens, and cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower. These meals also tend to be high in fibre, which helps with digestion and soothes the stomach.
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Omega-3 fatty acids
This beneficial fat has been shown to help reduce inflammation throughout the body. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in abundance in fatty fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
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Grains
Grain products like whole wheat and other whole grains are a great way to get the anti-inflammatory benefits of whole foods without sacrificing any of the deliciousness. It is recommended that refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pasta, be replaced with whole grains to promote good digestion and reduce inflammation.
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Herbs and spices
Turmeric, ginger, and garlic are just a few examples of spices and herbs that have anti-inflammatory characteristics. Soups, stews, and stir-fries, for example, can all benefit from the addition of these spices and herbs, which also contribute to a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet.
Possible inflammatory foods
There is evidence that some foods can promote inflammation. Examples are:
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Refined sugars and harmful fats
The inflammation-inducing refined sugars and harmful fats found in processed foods like chips, cookies, and sugary drinks.
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Saturated fat
Saturated fat, which is abundant in red meat, is a known inflammatory. When trying to lower inflammation in the body, it’s recommended to swap out some of the red meat in your diet for leaner forms of protein like chicken, fish, and legumes.
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Fried foods
Inflammation-inducing fried foods include, but are not limited to, French fries, chicken wings, and doughnuts. Rather than frying your meals, try baking or grilling them to cut down on the amount of bad fats you consume.
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Alcohol
Consuming large quantities of alcohol is associated with increased inflammation throughout the body. Limit alcohol consumption and drink lower alcohol beverages, like wine or beer.
Lifestyle modifications
In addition to modifying your food, try these four adjustments to your daily routine:
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Exercise
Inflammation can be reduced by the positive effects of regular exercise on the circulatory system, nervous system, and immune system. Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity on most days of the week.
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Lower stress
An anti-inflammatory way of living should include trying to lower stress levels, as this is a known aggravating component in the body’s inflammatory response. If you’re looking for a way to relax and de-stress, try out yoga, deep breathing exercises, or meditation.
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Get enough sleep
The immune system must be kept in good working order, and systemic inflammation must be kept to a minimum, both of which are greatly aided by getting a good night’s sleep. To better your overall health, you should aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
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Quit smoking
Stopping smoking can have numerous positive effects on health. Giving up cigarettes is a fantastic beginning to living a healthier, less inflammatory life.
* This article is attributed to Affinity Health.