Foods to Fight Inflammation

The subject of inflammation has been around for many years. Focusing on our diet can help reduce chronic inflammation and help us stay healthy. A anti-inflammatory diet can also help slow down aging and reduce the risk of diabetes, dementia, autoimmune diseases and the risk of heart disease.

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is a natural part of your body's immune response, in particular to a perceived injury or infection. It's a process in which the body's white blood cells protect you from infection from bacteria and viruses or harm. It's the body's way to signalling the immune system to heal and defend itself.

Inflammation can be red or swollen, but not all inflammation is visible as it may be happening deep inside your body.

What we eat, affects how our body performs and reacts. The food we choose to put in our body can either fight against inflammation or trigger inflammatory responses.

By including a variety of antioxidant-rich foods, you can keep inflammation in check.

Here is a list of foods to include in your diet to help with inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory plant-based foods

• turmeric

• ginger

• garlic

• tomatoes

• green leafy vegetables, such as kale and spinach

• broccoli

• pineapple

• green tea

• peppers

• mushrooms

• extra virgin olive oil

• berries such as blueberries and strawberries

• dark chocolate & cacao

• almonds and walnuts

• peppers

• whole grains

Examples of foods that can increase levels of inflammation are:

• refined carbohydrates such as white bread, biscuits and pasta

• fried foods

• junk foods

• processed meats

• sugar sweetened drinks, such as energy drinks, sport drinks, sweetened coffee and sodas

• trans fats such as margarine and packaged desserts

• alcohol, try to limit or eliminate alcohol to keep the inflammation down.

• food with additives, dyes and preservatives

Try to avoid these foods to help your body fight against inflammation.

Finally let's not forget to move the body, as exercise could affect inflammation too. Certain exercises can improve antioxidants in the body while also decreasing inflammation.

So let's gets moving and be aware of the foods we consume to help inflammation.