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Acute inflammation is the body’s natural response to protect itself from infection.
But when that response is prolonged, it leads to chronic inflammation, a sign that the immune system is stuck in overdrive. Some common causes of this condition are:- Stress
- Environmental toxins
- Lack of sleep
- Poor digestive health
There is no definitive test to diagnose chronic inflammation, but Dr. Frank Lipmanrecommends testing the levels of C-reactive protein (a pro-inflammatory marker released by the liver into the bloodstream) in your blood to distinguish if inflammation might be your issue. Aside from going to the doctor for a blood test, there are some everyday warning signs that might indicate chronic inflammation, like:
- Frequent hot flashes
- Red, itchy skin
- Acne
- Allergies
- Weight gain
- Bloat
- Digestive issues
- Joint pain
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Neurological disorders (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, dementia)
- Autoimmune diseases (Type I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis)
If you never address the issue and live with chronic inflammation, you’re more likely to experience health issues and diseases including:
- Accelerated aging
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Dementia
- Cancer
There’s a lot that can be done to prevent these issues from taking over your body. Diet plays a huge role. It starts with the gut, which is designed to fight viruses and bacteria in food before they can infect the body. Fast food, unfortunately a big part of the standard American diet, is one of the most inflammatory food groups. The best way to offset the damage and cool inflammation on a cellular level is to eat a diet of anti-inflammatory foods.
Some nutritionists and health experts tout the Mediterranean diet, which centers around fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils—the types of foods people eat in Crete, Greece, and southern Italy. The region is notable for super low rates of chronic diseases and long life expectancy compared to the rest of the world, despite minimal access to medical care.
Regional diets aside, plain and simple, an anti-inflammatory diet is basically comprised of foods that are widely regarded as good for you, including those high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and phytonutrients. Here’s a comprehensive list of the foods that just might keep inflammation in check, giving you high energy and glowing skin in the process.
To meet this need, eat a variety of fiber-rich colorful fruits and vegetables, sea vegetables, seeds, legumes, and whole grains. Here are some that fit the bill.
Fruits and vegetables
- Papaya
- Pineapple
- Peaches
- Nectarines
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
- Plums
- Pomegranates
- Apples
- Cantaloupe
- Apricots
- Sweet Potato
Seeds and legumes
- Flaxseeds
- Chia seeds
- Black beans
- Black-eyed peas
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
Grains
- Brown rice
- Buckwheat
- Barley
- Quinoa
- Steel-cut oats
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3s are essential fatty acids, but since the body can’t produce them on its own, you have to get them through food sources. Highly anti-inflammatory, omega fatty acids have also been proven to reduce the activity of autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and lupus. Fatty fish are a great source of omega-3s—reach for any of the following for a protein-filled anti-inflammatory meal:al:
But you don’t have to load up on seafood to get maximum omega-3s. There are vegan and vegetarian sources like nuts and seeds, too. What’s more, foods with a high concentration of plant-based omega-3s may also contain antioxidant phytonutrients and polyphenols that are anti-inflammatory, according to Bloxsom. Here are some veggie-friendly sources:
- Walnuts
- Walnut oil
- Pistachio oil
- Macadamia nut oil
- Extra virgin olive oil
- MCT oil
- Chia seeds
- Flaxseeds
- Hempseeds
One caveat: Not all omegas are created equal. While omega-6s (found in grape seed oils, sunflower seeds, and mayonnaise, to name a few) do play a role in brain function and normal growth and development, if they highly outnumber omega-3s in a diet, they can actuallyincrease inflammation. Try to maintain balance by consuming plenty of omega-3s.
Herbs and spices
“Herbs and spices are also potent antioxidants,” says Bloxsom “Many of them have been used for their anti-inflammatory benefits for centuries in cultures around the world, and science is starting to back up what folklore has long suggested.” Ginger, revered as a healing ingredient for ages, has been proven to have anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is believed to be as effective as hydrocortisone in fighting inflammation, thanks to its magic compound curcumin. And scientific evidence also supports garlic’s positive effects on inflammation and immune response.
Here are some amazing herbs and spices to transform your diet and your meals—they boost the flavor of any dish naturally. No excess sodium here!
- Ginger
- Basil
- Mint
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Turmeric
- Curry powder
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Raw garlic
- Cayenne pepper
- Chili peppers
Leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables
When mom told you to eat your veggies, she was on to something—and the greener the better. So rich in antioxidants, including vitamin E, which can protect the body from inflammatory cytokines, dark leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables also boast high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Here are some anti-inflammatory superfood veggies that never, ever get old.
- Kale
- Spinach
- Collared greens
- Swiss chard
- Cabbage
- Bok choy
- Brussels sprouts
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
Berries
They say never judge a book by its cover. But in the case of berries, their vibrant hues belie the incredible antioxidants inside. They’re rich in flavonoids and polyphenol compounds, particularly anthocyanins, which give them their stunning colors. These antioxidants have been shown to reduce markers of inflammation. For extra free radical–fighting power, choose a rainbow of fruits like these:
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
- Tart cherries
- Cranberries
- Strawberries
- Golden berries
- Goji berries
Fermented foods
When the gut microbiome is off, it can result in inflammatory responses such as bloating, diarrhea or constipation, gas, pain, heartburn, or acid reflux. One of the keys to fighting this inflammation of the digestive tract is to treat it with gut-healing foods.The following fermented foods are loaded with probiotics that can help increase the healthy bacteria in the belly:
- Kefir
- Kimchi
- Miso
- Tempeh
- Pickles
- Sauerkraut
- Olives
Other anti-inflammatory foods
Outside of the categories above, green tea contains flavonoids that are naturally anti-inflammatory and reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Bone broth can rebuild healthy joint tissue, improving the body’s recovery time and helping to decrease pain.
Shiitake mushrooms contain compounds that may lower cholesterol, boost immune function, and fight cancer. Just don’t go breading and frying them.
Inflammatory foods
Now you’ve got plenty of good reasons to eat a more anti-inflammatory diet—and you don’t want to hamper your efforts by loading up on a bunch of foods that actually causeinflammation. One of the biggest culprits is refined sugar found in processed foods. Trans fats should be avoided too—they breed bad cholesterol (LDL), inflame arteries, and welcome free radicals into the body.
To get the most out of an anti-inflammatory diet, it might be best to avoid:
Supplements
If you’re not able to get in all of your anti-inflammatory foods on the daily, these supplements can help:
Anti-inflammatory diet for dogsogs can benefit from an anti-inflammatory diet, too! Select foods that contain some of the following:
- Sweet potatoes
- Butternut squash
- Fish oil
- Berries
- Apples
- Carrots
- Peas
- Broccoli
- Salmon
- Grassfed beef
Avoid foods that contain:
- Wheat flour
- Sugar
- Corn syrup
- Artificial colors
- Artificial flavors
If your pet needs some joint pain relief, thanks to a lifetime of spirited walks and runs, try an all-natural alternative to painkillers in the form of a chewable vitamin with glucosamine, chondroitin, herbs, and antioxidants. Of course, consult your veterinarian for the best anti-inflammatory medications and foods for your dog.
For a healthy digestive system, increased odds of longevity, and not to mention beauty benefits, giving an anti-inflammatory diet a go is a no-brainer. The bottom-line mission is to eat as many natural real foods as you can. And since you’ll be taking in a wide spectrum of colorful ingredients and flavorful herbs and spices, you’ll definitely satisfy your taste buds.
https://thrivemarket.com/blog/natural-anti-inflammatory-foods
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