Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Inflammation in the body is a healthy immune response. However, some foods increase inflammation in the body. Check out my post on Foods That Cause Inflammation in the Body. I found that my love for sweets and bread may be causing the inflammation I’ve been experiencing. So, in addition to cutting back on added sugars and refined carbs, I decided to add some anti-inflammatory foods to my diet.
Inflammation is a natural immune response that can be increased by certain foods. Antioxidants are found in foods like vitamin E, selenium, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, and they can prevent cell damage and inflammation. When we exercise or digest food, free radicals can cause cell damage. Antioxidant-rich foods can trigger an anti-inflammatory response, but excessive consumption can be harmful. Consult with a professional dietitian or doctor before starting any new diet plan. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are good sources of antioxidants.
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For the most part, my diet consists of natural whole foods. I try to keep away from processed foods. But I gravitate towards high sugary snacks and refined carbs like bread. So I cut down the added sugars and swapped bread containing refined carbs for those with whole grains.
Disclaimer: I am not a professional dietitian or a doctor. These are just my own experiences and research about inflammatory foods. If you are experiencing any symptoms of concern, you should consult a professional dietitian or a doctor before starting any new diet plans.
Antioxidant-Rich foods
Antioxidants are compounds naturally found in foods that can prevent cell damage and inflammation. Many antioxidants include vitamin E, selenium, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. When you exercise and when food is digested, unstable molecules called free radicals are formed. These unstable molecules can cause cell damage and inflammation with oxidative stress. This process can trigger symptoms of a variety of diseases. By consuming antioxidant-rich foods, you can create an anti-inflammatory response in the body. (1)
note: as with any food, an excessive amount of antioxidants can cause harm to the body and have the potential to react with any other medications you may be taking. If you are experiencing any symptoms of concern, you should consult a professional dietitian or a doctor before starting any new diet plans.
Fruit
Vegetables
Whole Grains
This is an excerpt from My Active Life, LLC Members, where I post blog posts for nutrition and fitness tips, workout videos, and programs. Click here to join My Active Life, LLC Members, and read the full post!
Chronic inflammation can cause many problems, such as weight gain and disease. Eating foods with anti-inflammatory properties can reduce symptoms of chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Not only that, but it may help prevent inflammatory diseases. In addition, cutting out foods that cause inflammation is recommended. What are your experiences with inflammation? Comment below!
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