The standard American diet (appropriately called SAD), can lead to diseases that affect millions nationwide. We are referring to diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, high blood pressure, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), among others. A medical practitioner may say that lifestyle changes are needed to improve one’s health, but what changes need to be made?
Most people don’t realize that the common denominator of the aforementioned diseases is inflammation. Now, inflammation is a natural bodily response and isn’t terrible in some cases. It helps in the process of healing, for example, if you have a cut, sprain, or other injury. If inflammation occurs when the body isn’t hurt, the inflammation becomes the thing that is ultimately hurting the body.
A dietary intervention is very easy because there are great anti-inflammatory foods that can help heal the body. It’s best to rid the body of chemical-ridden foods like dairy products, meat, processed foods, or added sugars. Incorporate these anti-inflammatory foods into your diet to reduce inflammation in the body.
#1: Green Leafy Vegetables
If you struggle to get green leafy veggies like spinach, chard, or kale in your diet, add them to smoothies or juices to reap their benefits. They all have vitamin K, which supports bone health and fights free radicals in the body.
#2: Chia Seeds
These powerful seeds are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower cholesterol. They also lower blood pressure and regulate inflammation, making them great for supporting heart health.
#3: Blueberries
These little berries pack a huge antioxidant punch. The active antioxidant, which can help fight inflammation and even cancer, is called quercetin. This promotes healthy gut flora and supports colon health.
#4: Pineapple
Pineapples are known for promoting digestive health. Bromelain, the miracle worker in pineapples, helps regulate immune responses. This means that it wards off unwanted or unnecessary inflammation.
#5: Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the best anti-inflammatory foods out there. The active anti-inflammatory ingredient is curcumin, and it is even more potent than Advil or ibuprofen. It’s great for people with arthritis because it helps with joint health!
#6: Fermented Vegetables
A healthy gut is needed for a healthy immune system. Most inflammatory diseases actually originate in the gut or colon, so optimizing gut flora with fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut is beneficial.
#7: Broccoli
This green veggie is full of antioxidants that help lower oxidative stress in the body. The vitamins, flavonoids, and carotenoids all work in harmony to battle chronic inflammation and can lower a person’s risk for developing cancer.
