Arthritis. Diabetes. Depression. Heart Disease. Alzheimer’s.
A slew of major diseases have been linked to chronic inflammation. So, if you’re looking to cut out inflammatory foods from your diet, you’re on the path to doing something wonderful for your health.
Turns out, the best way to stop chronic inflammation isn’t with a prescription or pill. You can reduce swelling fast by learning what foods cause inflammation — and which ones can cut down on swelling.
Here’s a quick list to help you figure it out.
What Foods Cause Inflammation?
When it comes to causing inflammation, the biggest offenders are:
- Fried foods
- Margarine, as well as shortening and lard
- Processed meats, such as lunchmeat and hot dogs
- Sugary beverages, such as soda
- Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries
- Red meat
As you can see, a lot of these foods are, in general, bad for our health. Eating them regularly can cause weight gain, which also contributes to inflammation. However, even in people who aren’t overweight, these foods can cause inflammation.
Experts think that this is down to factors aside from the high calorific content that these foods contain. So, if you want to side-step inflammation, then avoid processed, fried, sugary foods, as well as red meat.
What Foods Reduce Inflammation?
Now, you can skip inflammatory foods, but you may also want to figure out which foods can counteract increased swelling. You don’t just have to pass on high-calorie eats – try these foods, too.
1. Avocados
You might be thinking, how can a fatty food like avocado help with inflammation? That’s because avocados are actually full of healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which bolster your heart and provide protection against inflammation around this vital organ.
2. Berries
Grabbing a handful of strawberries or blueberries doesn’t just mean you’re about to have a delicious, sweet treat. These fruits also contain antioxidants, which protect your body’s cells against free radicals. You want that protection, as free radicals have links to causing cancer and heart disease.
3. Spices and Herbs
Studies have shown that people who ate a meal with added spices had lower inflammation markers than those participants who ate the same food sans spice. The most commonly recommended herbs for inflammation are ginger and turmeric, although these aren’t the only ones to try.
You can also add:
- Cinnamon
- Chili
- Sage
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Garlic
- Rosemary
4. …And Lots More
There’s a long list of foods that fight inflammation. Along with the above, try these foods to fight swelling and inflammation, too:
- Leafy greens
- Tomatoes
- Nuts, including walnuts and almonds
- Beans
- Fatty fish, such as sardines
- Olive oil
- Citrus fruits
- Pomegranates
- Fermented foods
- Pineapple
Get creative, and try anti-inflammatory recipes to get all of the goodness from these body-bettering foods.
Eat Food that Fights Inflammation
You know now what foods cause inflammation. So, stock up your fridge and pantry with the ones you find tastiest, and start eating what makes your body — and your tastebuds — happy.
Be sure to check back with us for the latest health advice and more.
