Anti-inflammatory Diet

Our immune system plays a vital role in recognizing anything that is foreign and potentially harmful to the body. Once activated, the immune system often causes inflammation as a byproduct of its actions. After an illness is dealt with, the immune system is supposed to calm down along with the inflammation it has caused. However, in certain instances the immune system becomes overactive and inflammation persists, and instead of warding off an enemy to the body, it sets off attacking the body itself. This chronic inflammation has been linked to many major diseases such as Alzheimer’s, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

One of the main tools we have to fight inflammation comes from our diet. Foods can either reduce inflammation or exacerbate it.

Foods linked with causing inflammation are listed below. It is best to try and avoid or limit the intake of the following foods.

1. Refined carbohydrates such as white bread

2. French fries and other fried foods (whereas a baked potato is good for you, potato chips and French fries, which are the refined fried foods are not)

3. Sugar sweetened beverages including sodas and alcohol

4. Red meat (burgers, steaks) and processed meats (cold cuts, sausages)

5. Margarine, shortening and lard

6. Dairy in the form of milk or cheese

Anti-inflammatory foods to consider

1. Whole grains

2. Green leafy vegetables

3. Fruits such as apples, berries and oranges

4. Nuts such as almonds and walnuts

5. Fatty fish like mackerel, salmon, sardines and tuna

6. Spices like turmeric when combined with black pepper have been shown to help reduce inflammation in the body as much as taking 400 mg of ibuprofen

In addition to lowering inflammation, a whole grain, primarily plant-based diet can also improve your emotional and physical health for an overall higher quality of life.