Inflammation can cause all kinds of problems. If you have acne your skin is likely inflamed. Arthritis causes inflamed joints. Inflammation can also affect organs like your liver or kidneys– which causes a whole range of symptoms. And all women know during that time-of-the-month anti inflammatory medications are your best friend.
If you want to get rid of inflammation for good, change your diet!
Here are 6 anti inflammatory foods for pain free health and also some foods you should probably avoid.
Olive Oil:
Olive oil has lots of healthy fats. One of those fats is oleic acid– a monounsaturated fat. Oleic acid is what gives olive oil it’s anti inflammatory quality. Oleic acid is also great for keeping your immune system balanced.
Think salmon, mackerel, herring, trout, and tuna– anything with high concentrations of omega 3 fatty acids. Not only are omega 3s one of many anti inflammatory foods, but they can help ward off diseases tied to inflammation like arthritis, lupus, and IBS. Omega 3s can even help treat mental health issues like bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety.
Nuts and Seeds:
Peanuts, sunflower seeds, and almonds are all excellent dietary sources of vitamin E. Although almonds have the highest concentrations. Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant which helps fight inflammation and rid your body of toxins.
Tomatoes:
Watch out for tomatoes because under the wrong circumstances they can actually contribute to arthritis symptoms. So if your inflammation isn’t arthritis related then go for it! Lycopene is a great anti inflammatory.
Leafy Greens:
Spinach, kale, and romaine lettuce are all high in antioxidants and polyphenols. This means they’re great anti inflammatory foods because they help rid your body of toxins.
Berries:
Berries like blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries also contain many powerful antioxidants like anthocyanins. But berries also help your immune system produce cells that tackle disease. They’re actually called Natural Killer Cells.
Other Powerful Honorable Mentions:
Turmeric, broccoli, avocados, green tea, mushrooms, peppers, grapes, and dark chocolate are also great anti inflammatory foo
Make sure to avoid…
Most foods that cause inflammation are already very unhealthy so you should not be consuming them anyway. Accordingly fried foods, lard, margarine, vegetable oil, refined carbs like white bread and sugar, salty foods, sodas, and processed meat should all be avoided.
What meals have you been eating that you did not know caused inflammation?