Foods That Reduce Inflammation

There is a diet growing in popularity these days called the anti inflammatory diet. Eating foods that reduce inflammation is the main point of this diet, and staying away from foods that stimulate the body's inflammation response. The diet supposes that all foods are either pro inflammatory or anti inflammatory and that what you eat can greatly affect your body's natural inflammation response. There is a lot of evidence to support this claim, and many foods which seem to really help in reducing the body's inflammation response. The Standard American Diet is full of foods that are very unnatural to man, historically speaking. Many foods we eat have been shown to put the body on the alert, and to increase inflammation and the pain that comes from it. So what are some foods that reduce inflammation?

• Anti Inflammatory Herbs -- Anti inflammatory herbs have been used for many years, mostly by eastern cultures, as ways of holistically treating a huge variety of ailments. Among the most popular anti inflammatory herbs are turmeric, ginger, licorice root, chamomile, black seed oil, cinnamon, red and black pepper, and many more. These foods can slowly reduce the body's inflammation response and can bring about a greater state of ease and comfort. You'll notice that things like chamomile were on the list, which is already well known for its calming effects.
• Healthy Fats and Oils -- There is a big difference in fats and oils. The modern diet has a very unhealthy imbalance toward unhealthy fats, which are primarily Omega 6 fatty acids. Most diets are very deficient in Omega 3 essential fatty acids, which are found primarily in fish. Eating less unhealthy fats and more fish, seeds, and nuts, should help to balance your fat intake and give you a better fat ratio. Also, when cooking, try to use olive oil or coconut oil.
• Lean Protein -- Lean protein is high on the list. Like we just talked about, overly fatty meat can add to the unhealthy ratio of Omega 6 fats that we eat. So eat lots of protein, by try and keep it lean protein like chicken and fish.
• Fresh Fruits and Raw Veggies -- Fresh fruits and vegetables are very important to eat. Some fruits that directly help reduce inflammation include Lemons, Limes, Blueberries, Mangosteen and pineapple. Some vegetables that reduce inflammation include bell peppers, garlic, cabbage, collard greens, green beans, and green onions.
• Green Powder Combinations -- Green powder combinations that are made from freeze dried fruit, vegetables, algae, and herbs are absolutely great in terms of reducing inflammation. Green powder combinations are loaded with key vitamins and minerals, and are also strong detoxifiers. Stored toxins are often a huge cause of inflammation, so having foods that reduce inflammation through detoxification can be powerful. Green powder formulas are also often loaded with fiber, which many people are lacking in their diets, a deficiency of which can also lead to increased inflammation response.

• Overly Processed Foods -- Overly processed foods can increase the body's inflammation response due to the fact that the body doesn't recognize a lot of the compounds they contain. Overly processed foods contain many artificial compounds, things like artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, preservatives, residual pesticides, heavy metals and other contaminants. These can cause the body to go on the alert, so to speak, and can boost the overall inflammation response.
• Sugar and Refined White Flour -- These can increase inflammation greatly in the body. Sugar and refined white flour can cause spikes in blood sugar, which can then result in the production of pro inflammatory chemicals in the body. There are a number of other secondary pro inflammation qualities about them as well, but suffice it to say that the average person consumes way more sugar and refined white flour than they should.

The body's inflammation response is designed to protect the body from danger. When you get stung by a bee, for instance, your body quickly goes to work by inflaming the affected area and containing the poison from spreading. In this way, it's easy to see why overly processed foods and refined sugar and white flour can cause the body to be on greater alert. Consuming a large quantity of artificial compounds keeps the body on the alert because it equates artificial with potentially dangerous.

In the same way, refined sugar can keep the body on the alert because of how easily it can cause blood sugar to spike. When you consume refined sugar, it immediately enters the blood stream and gives you a sugar rush. The body interprets this sudden spike as a potentially dangerous situation, and releases pro inflammatory compounds. The body doesn't know that you're only eating a piece of candy and that it isn't really an immediately dangerous situation.