Inflammation is a process in which the body’s white blood cells work to fight off infection by foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. Common symptoms of inflammation include pain, swelling, redness and fever. The site of inflammation if often warm to the touch. Conditions such as arthritis are common illnesses in which a person may suffer from chronic inflammation. Luckily, there are natural ways to deal with inflammation. Certain foods have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the discomfort of inflammation.
Include onions and garlic in your diet. Onions and garlic can be used in the preparation of many different meals. They are excellent for adding flavor to foods and they are beneficial to your health as well. Garlic, in particular, has long been revered for its beneficial properties. It contains the antioxidant quercertin which helps to fight inflammation.
Eating fish such as cod can also help relieve inflammation. Cod, salmon and sardines all contain omega-3 fatty acids which boost the immune system and fight inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids can also be found in green, leafy vegetables and nuts such as walnuts and almonds. Canola, soybean, coconut and flaxseed oils are also excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Olive oil is a good source of oleic acid which helps fight inflammation. Extra Virgin olive oil offers the most benefits since it has undergone the least processing. Hemp oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and it contains gamma linoleic acid which also fights inflammation. The combination of these compounds makes hemp oil an especially powerful anti-inflammatory.
Adding more green, leafy vegetables such as cabbage, kale and cauliflower to your diet is an effective way to fight off inflammation. Consuming more spinach, in particular, can be beneficial in reducing inflammation. Spinach contains carotenoids, antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. Sweet potatoes are another good source of carotenoids.
Fruits are another good source of antioxidants that offer many health benefits. Blueberries are a tasty fruit that is loaded with antioxidants. The antioxidants in blueberries help boost the immune system and reduce inflammation by protecting against free radicals. Pineapple is another fruit that with anti-inflammatory properties. Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which decreases inflammation and boosts the immune system. Apples, grapefruit, acai, cranberries and other fruits can help to reduce inflammation also.
There are certain spices that act as anti-inflammatory agents. Ginger and turmeric are two of the most often used to fight inflammation. Turmeric contains circumin, a substance that naturally reduces inflammation. Basil, oregano, cinnamon, parsley, rosemary and thyme offer some natural anti-inflammatory relief as well.
Lowering your intake of certain foods can also help to reduce inflammation. Limit your intake of caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea and cola. Reduce consumption of sugar, white bread, pasta and processed foods. Avoid consuming processed snacks such as potato chips and pretzels. By choosing your food more carefully and replacing processed foods with healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables you can reduce inflammation and improve your overall health.
