Foods That Are Natural Anti Inflammatories
May 2, 2011 by Eric
Filed under Natural Pain Relief
Pain is one of the primary signals our bodies send to let us know that something is wrong. Joint inflammation is one such condition and is accompanied by pain and swelling. How much stress we put our bodies through, the kind of lives we lead, how active we are, how much rest we get, as well as the amount and quality of the food we eat, are all factors that researchers indicate have an impact on how much joint inflammation we experience.
Generally speaking, when inflammation occurs in the body, it is an indication that the immune system has been activated and is sending out cells designed to fight invading germs. On the other hand, instead of attacking foreign invaders, the immune systems of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers attack and destroy the joints, doing the exact opposite of what they are supposed to do.Severe inflammation results when the pain signals that the body sends out are ignored over and over again. Despite the fact that it is difficult to control many of the factors that contribute to inflammation, we definitely have the power to take control of what we eat. And while treating inflammation with prescription drugs and steroids has its place, eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet is a more natural way to treat this condition. It is also less costly and doesn’t produce the harmful side effects these other methods are known for.
The body’s ability to function effectively is determined to a large extent by what we put into it; Foods high in sugar, saturated fats, and salt are often the ones that taste the best; they are also easy to obtain and convenient to make. Unfortunately, as you know they are also the least healthy foods we should be eating. Inflammation, as well as obesity and other health problems, can all be linked to the consumption of processed foods. And it is obvious that the heavier we are, the more weight our joints are required to support, and this excess weight can lead to inflamed joints.
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are among the best “inflammation fighters” available. Cold-water fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and cod are superior sources of these “good” fats that have been shown to ease joint inflammation. Consuming just two servings of fish a week, which equals seven ounces of fish per week, is recommended. Supplementation with flax-seed oil if you prefer not to consume fish is also an excellent way to get the omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce joint inflammation. Another source of these inflammation-fighting fats is olive oil. A considerable lessening of joint pain can occur when three and a half tablespoons of olive oil are consumed every day.
Taken in combination, as opposed to by themselves, the following foods are also known to be natural anti inflammatories:
- Turmeric
- Black or green tea
- Pomegranates
- Cherries.
Combining these foods may even help reduce or eliminate the need to take medication (but always check with your health-care provider before making any changes in your medication). It makes sense to include foods that have anti-inflammatory properties in our diets to decrease the chance of suffering from joint pain, inflammation, and swelling. When the body signals us through pain that something is wrong, we need to listen to what it’s trying to tell us and take whatever actions are needed to eliminate the problem.
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- Eric
