It is now common knowledge that the way to live a long and high-quality life is to reduce inflammation; it’s the root of most aging and diseases including: heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s. Inflammation in general is a positive as it wards off infection and helps repair damaged tissue. However, low-grade chronic inflammation was not how the body was designed and does long-term damage to the body.
Foods To Avoid
Fried foods, soda, HFCS, sugar, processed oils, vegetable oils, GMO foods.
*Note: an important supplement that aids in reduction of inflammation is Serrapeptase, a naturally occurring proteolytic enzyme. Our enteric coated 80,000IU Serrapeptase is pharmaceutical grade
Anti-Inflammatory Foods
CELERY – We all know the body pH plays a role in inflammation. Celery is both an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory; consuming it helps reduce body acidity.
GARLIC & ONIONS – Onions contain quercetin, a flavonol known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic has been used by cultures for centuries if not millennia and contain sulfur compounds that help the immune system.
BERRIES – We list berries meaning all berries here, but the standout is blueberries. They contain high concentrations of anthocyanins, which are very powerful antioxidants and help reduce inflammation.
TART CHERRIES – Some studies have shown the anthocyanins contained in tart cherries have as comparable a pain relieving affect as aspirin, along with its other powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
GREENS – This includes spinach, kale and collards. All contain two very important anti-inflammatory phytonutrients: flavonoids and carotenoids. They also contain Vitamins A, C and K, which are very effective anti-inflammatory compounds in their own right.
PINEAPPLE – This fruit is particularly good at reducing inflammation in the gut as it contains the digestive enzyme bromelain. This is a strong anti-inflammatory and additionally contains vitamins and minerals that boost immune effectiveness.
TURMERIC – Contains curcumin, which is a very strong anti-inflammatory used in many cultures to increase overall health. It is very effective at inhibiting inflammatory enzymes and reducing inflammation especially in the liver.
GINGER – Ginger works very similar to turmeric and is particularly good at reducing the pain associated in arthritis. The anti-inflammatory compounds such as gingerols, shogaol, and paradols have also been shown to be a cancer fighting food according to The International Journal of Preventative Medicine. 1
TOMATOES – Most people are aware that tomatoes contain lycopene, which is beneficial for prostate health in men. But lycopene also decreases inflammation making it a good addition to this list and your diet.
OLIVE OIL – Containing omega-3s and oleocanthal, it is an excellent source for anti-inflammatory compounds and is especially helpful for joints. It should be noted that extra virgin oil should never be heated as it turns into a pro-oxidant, a toxic compound.
NUTS (almonds, cashews) – This relates to the increase in omega 3 in our diet. Both omega 3 and 6 are important but our diets typically have lots more omega 6 than 3 and when this is out of balance it creates inflammation. Bringing the proper balance back will reduce inflammation. We should also include chia seeds and flaxseeds for the same reason.
AVOCADO – High in carotenoids and monounsaturated fats, this food packs in the anti-inflammatory benefits.
FISH (salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines) – We are again adding foods that have omega 3 to bring back into balance the omega 3 and 6 in the body to reduce inflammation.