It’s All in the Diet! Foods that can Fight Inflammation

What is inflammation? When your body encounters anything it does not immediately recognize, your immune system will attack it. Foreign things such as invading microbes, plant pollen, or chemicals can be under attack by your immune system, which is a process commonly known as Inflammation.

Inflammation is not a bad thing- its an essential process for the body to protect itself from further injury or illness. When the inflammation becomes long standing or rather chronic, it can lead to a multitude of illnesses. Chronic inflammation can cause rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, psoriasis, colitis, obesity, heart disease, lupus, asthma, alzheimer’s and more.

What causes chronic inflammation? Chronic Inflammation is most commonly caused by the modern diet and lifestyle we have all grown accustomed to. Certain things like processed foods, sugar, hydrogenated and trans fats, stress, malnutrition, obesity, pollution, heavy metals, and even excessive exercise can cause chronic inflammation. The immune system overreacts to these things because it can lead to joint pain, fatigue, and damage to the blood vessels.

Which foods should I avoid? Foods that are generally bad for your health are generally the culprits that cause chronic inflammation. Soda, refined carbohydrates, and processed meats are just a few to name. Here are some foods you should consider avoiding:

• Refined Carbs such as white rice, white bread, pastries, pastas and flour.
•  Fried foods such as French fries.
•  Red meat like burgers and steaks and processed meat such as hotdogs and deli meat.
• desserts, such as cookies, candy and ice cream
• Alcohol and sugary drinks, such as soda

So what should I eat? Anti-inflammatory diets promote a reduction in inflammation. A person may be able to reduce their body’s inflammatory response by implementing these healthful dietary changes. 

• Cold water fish, including salmon and sardines.
• Dark leafy greens, including spinach and kale
• Walnuts, pistachios, pine nuts and almonds
• Avocado and coconut
• Blueberries, blackberries, cherries and dark red grapes.
• beans and lentils
• Spices, such as garlic, onion turmeric and cinnamon

Visiting ProSpine Orlando can get you on the right track to a better, healthier life. Call (407) 250-7391 today to see how we can help you with proper nutrition and exercise tips!