Inflammation!! There are different kinds of inflammation – one of them is what happens when we hurt ourselves or get sick and the other kind is what causes illness in our body. When you get a cold your body responds with inflammation in the form of a fever that helps you heal. The inflammation does its job, gets rid of the virus, and disappears. But if your immunity is compromised and your body is constantly stressed, you might experience chronic low-grade inflammation that leaves you more susceptible to illness and disease.
If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, bacterial or viral infections, osteoporosis, arthritis, acid reflux, candidiasis, or acne, then you could also have chronic, low-grade inflammation. In fact, if you have other chronic diseases, it’s likely they’ve been caused by low-grade inflammation. If you want to get, or remain healthy, you definitely want to reduce inflammations’ damaging effects.
You can help your body fight inflammation by reducing stress, eliminating sugar and processed foods and getting enough sunshine. Diet and supplementation are the key elements to fighting the inflammation in your body – there are many foods that can help lower inflammation in your body.
- Fermented foods and liquids – Fermented foods and liquids are loaded with probiotics – these help to build your immune system and control infections. Some of these are Miso, Kimchi, Kombucha, Yogurt, Kefir, Sauerkraut, etc.
- Broccoli – Broccoli is loaded with vitamin C and calcium. Lightly steam your broccoli for better digestion
- Hemp oil – Oils rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation – hemp oil is a good source of GLA which is an anti-inflammatory. Fish oil is also known to reduce inflammation – some of the fish oil on the market is not of good quality, make sure if you purchase fish oil you are purchasing a high quality one that has Vitamin E in it to keep it from getting rancid.
- Wild-caught salmon – Eating wild-caught salmon is another way to get beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Other fatty fish such as Cod, Haddock, or Sardines are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids.
- Tart cherries – These reduce inflammation ten times better than aspirin, Advil, Tylenol, etc. These also reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Soaked walnuts make a delicious and inflammation-fighting snack because of vitamin E and more heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Soak your walnuts and other nuts before you eat them to remove the enzyme inhibitor. This makes them easier to digest.
- Onions and garlic. Onions not only provide a sweet taste to your savory meals, but also, they have lots of quercetin, a potent antioxidant that can help your body fight inflammation. Try onions with your grain dishes, or prepare with eggs and greens. Garlic has long been a folk remedy for colds and illness, and its anti-inflammatory properties are amazing! Garlic contains sulfur compounds that stimulate your immune system to fight disease.
- Pineapple It has bromelain, an antioxidant that boosts your immunity naturally.
- Spinach has plenty of carotenoids, one kind of inflammation-reducing antioxidant and it also contains vitamin E. Make sure to steam your spinach for ultimate digestion.
- Spices: Ginger and turmeric. Turmeric is a spice used extensively in other cultures, and for good reason. It contains curcumin, a substance that actively reduces inflammation. Ginger works in a way similar to turmeric to lower inflammation and in some studies has been shown to reduce pain associated with arthritis.
Keep in mind that eating a diet that is high in these foods will keep you healthier by helping to make and keep your immune system as strong as it can be. Remember that all diseases have their roots in inflammation, so if you can reduce inflammation, you will be healthier. In addition, there are many supplements that will help lower inflammation. Some of these supplements are Pycnogenol (OPC-3), Bromelain (Bromelain Plus), Curcumin (Curcumin Plus), Vitamin E, or Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Each of these supplements will help to reduce inflammation in your body.
Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns, I am always here to help you.