Inflammation is our body’s natural response as discussed in previous post – What are food – inflammatories?
Here, we will talk about the best foods that fight inflammation.
Whether you are an endo-sufferer or simply health-conscious, you will get some helpful recommendations in this post.
Nowadays, people get sick easily and there more cases of cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Also known as modern-day metabolic diseases. My grandmother rarely falls ill because in their time they’re taught to eat veggies and fish.
Stress, environmental toxins, pandemic lack of sleep, unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle can all contribute to inflammation.
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of good nutrition.
Even the bible have spoken a lot about it. “He gives food to every creature, His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:25
As promised here are the best anti-inflammatory foods;
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green leafy vegetables
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fruits like anti-oxidant rich berries
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herbs and spices including turmeric, cinnamon, etc.
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spirulina
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fish
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whole grains
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nuts
*Broccoli is an example of cruciferous vegetables. It is highly nutritious and is rich in sulforaphane – an anti oxidant and anti-inflammatory that fights inflammation by reducing levels of cytokines and NF-kb. Sulforaphane is a sulfur-containing compound that gives it a bitter bite. Another superfood is spinach. No wonder it’s the favorite of popeye 🙂 Spinach is packed with anti-inflammatory carotenoids – pigments that give them it’s color (1,2)
*Fruits like berries are packed with anti-oxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Berries have anthocyanins which are effective anti-inflammatories and improve immunity. Polyphenols reduce the risk of chronic metabolical diseases and give the fruit its beautiful bright colors. (3)
*Fish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, EPA & DHA. Great choices are wild salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel and anchovies. Omega-3 is mentioned in what to do when you have both endometriosis & adenomyosis (4)
*Whole grains are considered whole foods. Our stomach digest grains slowly, thereby minimising sudden spikes in blood sugar that promote inflammation. They are also a good source of magnesium. (5)
*Amino acid tryptophan on nuts lower pain sensitivity and examples of nuts are almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts and so on. High in omega-3 fatty acids, some of the phytonutrients in walnuts are hard to find in other foods. (6)
Spirulina, turmeric and other herbals will be separately discussed in future post.
This type of assortment is very similar to a Mediterranean diet, while others call it Paleo diet. According to Harvard studies, chronic inflammation has been strongly linked to cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression and Alzheimer’s.
Best way to fight inflammation is with a healthy diet.
Articles:
https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/health-topics/nutrition
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/healthy-eating.htm
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18541602
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