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There are two types of inflammation:
Acute inflammation is short-lived and a beneficial tool that helps return your body to its healthiest state. Chronic inflammation occurs over time and is linked to autoimmune conditions, prolonged stress, and debilitating disease.
The chronic disease stems from chronic inflammation within the body. There is sufficient evidence to show that this prolonged immune response can influence heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and obesity. Addressing the root cause, we adopt a holistic, preventative approach to healthcare. One of the best ways we know how to remedy and reduce inflammation in the body is with proper nutrition and using the medicinal properties of food.
As a Doctor of Chiropractic, I am a big advocate of teaching others to adopt a holistic, preventative approach to healthcare, which is why we want to make sure any inflammation you experience doesn't turn into a long-term problem.
In addition to getting your six primary zones balanced regularly, the following are five great foods that can assist in keeping balance in your body.
The five best foods to fight inflammation:
1. Tumeric
Tumeric is one of the most potent anti-inflammatories in our diet. Curcumin, a compound found in the root, is responsible for the vibrant (often staining) yellow pigment we've all come to associate with tumeric.
2. Fatty Fish & Flaxseeds (Omega-3s)
In addition to brain and heart health, Omega- 3s fats are crucial for good health and can reduce the production of molecules and substances linked to inflammation, such as inflammatory eicosanoids and cytokines.
Plant-based Tip: Flaxseed or linseed oil is an alternative to fatty fish that's easy to use in everything from daily smoothies to salad dressings. It's quite fragrant, so start small, and you'll be all over the rewards in no time.
3. Green Leafy Vegetables
We know that leafy greens are ideal for alkalizing and detoxifying the body, but they also offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Greens like kale, arugula, silverbeet, spinach, chard, and collard greens, to name a few, provide a wide variety.
4. Extra-Virgin Cold-Pressed Olive Oil
Cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil is the first extraction from the olive, done without any heat or chemicals that destroy the integrity of this amazing plant. Extra virgin olive oil has widespread health benefits, including improving heart health, promoting brain function, potential anti-cancer benefits, and it can also handle moderately high temperatures without oxidating. The best thing about olive oil is that most of these incredible benefits come from the anti-inflammatory properties of the food.
5. Blueberries & Pomegranates
Blueberries are a natural source of antioxidants. The major antioxidant, anthocyanin, is what gives this berry it’s deep blue color and is largely thought to be responsible for the anti-inflammatory capabilities, along with the high fiber and vitamins A, C, and E content. Pomegranates are also rich with antioxidants. One of these antioxidants, punicalagin, has potent anti-inflammatory properties with studies showing that they can reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, as well as in breast and colon cancer cells.
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