Inflammation is the immune system’s natural response to fight off injury or infection. In short bouts, this process is beneficial and imperative to keeping the body healthy, but inflammation can be harmful if it persists for long stretches of time. Inflammation can linger for days, weeks or even years. Over time, if not treated, it can start to cause cellular damage and increase the risk for health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s and even depression.
Many factors influence inflammation: genetics, pollen, microbes, food allergies, and bodily injuries to name a few. The effects of inflammation are as wide spread as the causes. As individuals look for ways to reduce the burden of inflammation, medications and doctor’s visits can really add up; which is why the best place to start looking for relief may be at the grocery store. Although a change in diet may not be a cure all for inflammation related diseases, it may help reduce the number of flare ups in untreatable conditions like rheumatoid arthritis as well as provide other general positive health benefits. The top foods that have been documented to fight the effects of inflammation are:
- Omega 3 Fatty Acid rich foods such as Olive Oil, Fatty Fish, Walnuts, and Flax Seed
- Vitamin E rich foods such as spinach, collards, kale and other leafy greens
- Foods high in Vitamin C like berries, oranges, tomatoes, broccoli, and bell peppers
- Prebiotic Foods such as onions, garlic, whole grains, asparagus
- Probiotic foods like yogurt, kefir, and kimchi
Even more important than what we eat is what we don’t eat. Fried foods, soda, lard, red meat, processed meats and refined carbs are some of the top culprits in causing inflammation and other linked diseases. In general stay away from Trans Fats and Saturated Fats and stay out of the fast food drive thru line!
Instead, try some of anti-inflammatory dishes like our delicious Fresh Fruit and Spinach Salad, with Walnuts, Berries and Homemade Berry Delicious Dressing made from Extra Virgin Olive Oil. With dishes like our Fresh Fruit and Spinach Salad, Wild-Caught Chilled Salmon, and Veggie Quinoa Hummus Wrap, the Cuisine for Healing new Spring Menu is a recipe for anti-inflammation success!
Sources:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation
