Did you know you could eliminate many chronic pain issues (including arthritis) with the food you eat? Eating a regular anti-inflammatory diet is the way to better health and off regular OTC’s that you may be taking.
Chronic inflammation is at the root of many serious illnesses. These include heart disease, many cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease. Most people are familiar with the common, visible symptoms of inflammation on the surface of the body. This most often presents as redness, heat, swelling and pain. The body does this as a healing response, bringing more nourishment and more immune activity to a site of injury or infection. But when inflammation persists or serves no purpose, it damages the body and causes illness. Lack of exercise, stress, being genetically predisposed and exposure to toxins can all contribute to chronic inflammation, but dietary choices have a significant impact as well.
What foods aid in the reduction of chronic inflammation?
First and foremost, eat less processed food. If it came in a box or a bag think twice. This is a general rule of thumb, as it doesn’t apply to everything. Reduce your consumption of foods made with wheat flour and sugar, especially bread and most packaged snack foods. Sugar is a major player in producing inflammation within the body.
Spices- ginger, turmeric, curry, cinnamon, garlic (not necessarily a spice, but I add this to just about everything I cook:)
Omega 3 fatty acids- (Salmon, tuna, cod) or take a fish oil supplement. This ensures you’ll get enough on a daily basis. I take 2 every day.
Nuts- cashews, walnuts, almonds, etc.
Seeds– hemp, sunflower, flaxseed, chia, etc
H20- drink plenty of plain water! Not sugar bottled drinks
Carbs- sweet potatoes, winter squash, fresh beans
Treats- red wine, plain dark chocolate
References to check out:
Arthritis Foundation
14 Foods That Fight Inflammation
Web MD, Dr. Andrew Weil
bhinesinmotion.com 