Kerin Jones
Chief Writer: Nutrition & Diet
Discover the Top Foods That Get Rid of Inflammation
Inflammation is connected to most major illnesses, including cancer, arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. It may even increase the signs of aging.
I have found many great foods that get rid of inflammation. The following foods contain antioxidants that protect the molecules and cells in the body, boosting the immune system and the natural ability to fight inflammation.
Besides helping to fight inflammation, I also think that many of these foods taste great.
Drinking Lemon Juice May Help You Fight Inflammation
Lemons are a great source of antioxidants. I can easily add freshly squeezed lemon to my water in the morning. This supplies my body with antioxidants that help cleanse the bloodstream.
Drinking lemon juice also provides the advantage of helping to cleanse the liver. Detoxing the liver can also have a positive effect on the immune system and the ability to prevent additional inflammation.
Drinking Beet Juice May Lower Your Blood Pressure
Beets are another wonderful source of beneficial antioxidants, along with fiber and folate. Besides helping to reduce inflammation, beets are known to help lower blood pressure and boost energy levels.
The deep red color of beets is an indication of its abundance of antioxidants. Typically, fruit and vegetables with deep red, blue, or purple colors are more likely to contain plenty of the antioxidants needed to improve the immune system.
Beets are the one food in this list that I do not enjoy. Instead of eating beets, I purchase beet juice and combine it with other dark fruit and vegetables in a blender. Within minutes I have my very own antioxidant power shake.
Eat More Blueberries for Beneficial Phytonutrients
Blueberries are one of my favorite foods to snack on. They are known to help fight against cancer, heart disease, and high blood pressure. These dark berries are also loaded with phytonutrients, which are nutrients found only in plants.
Many of the nutrients contained in the berries possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. With each serving, the body also gets a healthy dose of fiber and folate.
Blueberries taste great on their own. I sometimes freeze them, add them to shakes, or use them in a whole grain blueberry muffin recipe.
The Fiber in Whole Grains Can Help Fight Inflammation
Refined grains and sugars found in white bread, pasta, and cereal can increase the risk of inflammation. Reducing the intake of these foods eliminates one of the leading causes of inflammation and obesity.
Whole grains provide a healthier alternative to refined grains. They contain a lot more fiber than refined grains, which helps to reduce the levels of C-reactive protein in the bloodstream.
This protein is produced in the liver and is used as a marker for inflammation in the bloodstream.
Keep in mind that not all foods are properly labeled. Just because a food is labeled as whole grain does not mean that it is healthy.
When purchasing whole grain foods, I always look at the nutritional information. True whole grain products should contain much more grams of fiber than carbohydrates.
Turmeric Contains Powerful Anti-Inflammatory Properties
While the foods discussed may help fight inflammation, turmeric is one of the most powerful foods for helping in this fight.
In fact, several studies have found that turmeric is more useful for treating inflammation than the use of anti-inflammatory medications.
Turmeric is a spice that is commonly used in curry. The main active compound in the spice is called curcumin and is responsible for providing a wide range of health benefits.
Adding fresh turmeric to meals or taking a turmeric pill may lower the risk of heart disease, obesity, and cancer.
Besides providing the body with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-bacterial compounds, consuming turmeric can improve the body’s natural production of antioxidant enzymes.
Turmeric is easy to add to meals and I like the little bit of spice it can bring. However, I sometimes find it easier to purchase turmeric supplements.
Start Eating Healthy Foods to Strengthen Your Immune System
To get rid of inflammation, the body needs more antioxidants. Here are a few of the main reasons why antioxidants are so important for fighting inflammation:
- Antioxidants help remove free radicals from the bloodstream
- Removing toxins from the bloodstream boosts the immune system
- Antioxidants protect cells from mutations that weaken the immune system
- Consuming antioxidants can improve the natural antioxidant production
Getting more of these antioxidants should not be a struggle. I simply started eating more dark fruits and vegetables, such as beets and blueberries.
Of course, do not forget the power of turmeric. Include this spice in your daily diet to maximize your ability to minimize inflammation.
Inflammation can be a major threat to your health. If you want to arm yourself in the fight against inflammation, I suggest that you start eating these foods.
Many of the items listed are easily added to shakes or make great snacks.
