Inflammation is associated with most diseases that plague society including arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, asthma, and bowel disease. Consuming foods with an anti-inflammatory effect can alleviate symptoms of these diseases and may cure them. For this reason, anti-inflammatory foods can have a profound effect on overall health.
Inflammation is a bodily response to being ill or injured. The immune system responds with white blood cell production and increased blood flow to the area. Inflammation is characterized by swelling, redness, heat, and pain or discomfort. In a healthy person, inflammation is a normal response that facilitates healing.
Sometimes the immune system may overreact and start attacking healthy tissues resulting in autoimmune disorders such as leaky gut, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, celiac, and irritable bowel disease. Not all inflammatory responses are related to autoimmune disorders. Inflammation is still part of the body’s attempt to heal tissue. Asthma is a result of inflamed airways and inflammation related to diabetes affects insulin resistance. The Standard American diet, ironically known as SAD promotes inflammation. The modern diet may protect against micro and macronutrient deficiencies, but may also increase inflammation, risk of cancer, allergic or autoinflammatory disease, and reduce infection control.
There is no doubt that eating a diet to decrease inflammation includes vegetables, fruits, wild meats, and sprouted seeds rich in omega 3 fatty-acids. Fruits and vegetables have antioxidants that restore cellular health and contain anti-inflammatory flavonoids. Green leafy vegetables are especially rich in these substances. Chinese cabbage or Bok choy is an excellent source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Recent studies show there are over seventy antioxidant substances in Bok choy. Celery includes both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities that improve high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and prevent heart disease. The antioxidant beta lain gives beets their color and is an excellent anti-inflammatory that repairs cells while adding high levels of the inflammation fighter’s potassium and magnesium. Broccoli is an excellent source of antioxidants with vitamins, flavonoids, and carotenoids. These works to reduce oxidative stress and battle inflammation and cancer. Blueberries contain a very strong anti-inflammatory called quercetin. Quercetin is a flavonoid that fights inflammation and cancer. Pineapple has a strong anti-inflammatory agent called bromelain which has immune response regulation and reduces blood clotting. This may be the natural way to replace that aspirin a day. Pineapple is also high in vitamin C, vitamin B1, potassium, and manganese. Salmon is a great source of essential fatty-acids especially omega 3 which are a potent anti-inflammatory substance that may lower the risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits of walnuts help protect against metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular issues, and type 2 diabetes. These are a few of the more common foods that help prevent inflammation. A few others are bone broth, coconut oil, chia seeds, flaxseeds, turmeric, and ginger. This list is not exhaustive but provides a few examples. Anyone who suffers from chronic disease due to inflammation could benefit greatly by eating the right foods to ease or cure the symptoms. Eat smart and please visit tpnperfectbodies.com or our blog at https://www.tpnperfectbodies.com/blog