The Importance of Anti-Inflammatory Foods!

The anti-inflammatory diet is meant to prevent or reduce chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation can become a risk factor for some major diseases and a multitude of health issues. This diet is not a cure-all to medical issues associated with chronic inflammation but it does improve your lifestyle and aids your body in running more smoothly according to health experts.

Chronic inflammation often occurs when the immune system triggers chemicals to fight infections, even when there are no infections to fight. Certain foods such as nuts, vegetables, fruits, lean proteins can help affect to level of inflammation our bodies experience. We have assembled the following tips on incorporating more anti-inflammatory foods into your diet:

1. Stop reaching for processed foods

We’ve probably been hearing this since we were children. The reality is, our bodies are much more prone to inflammation as we get older. Avoiding highly processed foods can help us cut down on the trans fats, corn starch, and sugar often included in this so-called “junk foods.”

We’ll still probably reach for that bag of Doritos after a long night of work or studying, but the more we cut down on these cravings, the better our bodies will feel in the long term.

2. Prioritize a colorful assortment of foods

Research shows that eating greens such as spinach, kale, and broccoli can help with inflammation because they are high in necessary nutrients and vitamins such as vitamin-K. Similarly, fruits get their pigment from nutrients that can also address inflammation. Specifically, berries, apples, and cherries come highly recommended on the anti-inflammatory diet.

Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t have a few sweets every so often. Dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) is allowed on this diet in small amounts to satisfy your sweets craving!

3. Incorporate more spices into your food and try to eliminate coffee

Eliminating coffee is a common thread in PracticePro’s Wellness Wednesdays. Coffee has an unfortunate way of reducing your nutrient intake and it can have disastrous effects on your sleep cycle.

Try to prioritize herbal teas to ingest helpful herbs like Chamomile or Turmeric. If you’re having a tough time moving away from coffee, try your best to incorporate herbs and spices into your meals as they can have powerful anti-inflammatory effects and can make your meals more flavorful.

4. Listen to your body

There is no “one size fits all” diet. If you switch over to an anti-inflammatory diet and start feeling worse, make sure to consult a professional and get advice on how to best achieve your goal. Everyone’s body reacts differently so make sure to listen to yourself and adjust your meal plans to your health concerns.