Best inflammation-fighting food you should know of
What is inflammation?
Inflammation is the immune system’s response to an infection or damage. It is a good indicator that your body is trying to mend itself by sending in an army of repairing white blood cells in certain cases. Inflammation decreases when the damage heals or the disease is brought under control.
Inflammation can sometimes occur when you’re under a lot of stress, have an autoimmune condition, or are obese.
Chronic inflammation has been linked to almost every health issue known to man: from gastrointestinal problems to hormone imbalances, heart and autoimmune disorders, mood swings, and skin, hair, and nail concerns. Inflammation is either fought or fed by the foods we eat. Add these foods to your diet to fight inflammation.
1. Oily Fish
Healthy fats are necessary for hormone balance, cognitive function, and inflammation control. Healthy omega-3 fats abound in wild-caught fish. Some examples include salmon, sardines, mackerel, and anchovies. These types of fish all contain the active forms DHA and EPA omega-3s.
2. Seeds and nuts
Almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, chia seeds, flaxseed, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, sunflower seeds, and walnuts are just a few examples. Full of healthy ALA omega-3s and antioxidants like vitamin E, this is a fantastic addition to any salad.
3. Fruits and vegetables
Brightly colored fruit is high in polyphenols, which help reduce inflammation and have a positive influence on our gut flora. It is also high in folate and phytochemicals, which have extra antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Leafy greens, blueberries, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower, and red and yellow capsicums are all excellent starting points.
Additional tip: Switch out sugar for honey
Excessive consumption of added sugar and processed carbs has been related to increased inflammation, insulin resistance, and weight gain. Instead, use honey to sweeten your hot cocoa or in home baking.
Honey is a delicious natural sugar that helps to boost the immune system and maintain a healthy level of inflammation.
Additional tip: Switch out that can of coke for green tea
Try a cup of green tea instead of a fizzy beverage. Catechins, a flavanol found in green tea, are considered to help fight inflammation. (Just make sure you don’t overfill your cup with sugar.)
The bottom-line
When we fuel our bodies with nutritious, anti-inflammatory foods, we feel better, have more energy, sleep better, and our resilience improves, as does our mood, skin, thinking, and gut health! Small changes may make a huge effect.