7 Foods That Reduce Inflammation Naturally

7 Foods That Reduce Inflammation Naturally - Do you or someone you love suffer from inflammation and the pain that comes with it? If so, I'm happy to share a little of what I have learned through my journey to healing my inflammation. I will share with you 7 foods that reduce inflammation naturally.

In my early 20s, I dealt with daily pain from inflammation in several body areas. So I know how painful and debilitating inflammation can be. When I could take the pain any longer, I decided to take matters into my own hands and find out how to get rid of my inflammation for good and in a natural way.

Before I share some of the secrets I have found, it is important to know about inflammation. So, what is inflammation?

Inflammation is part of the biological response of vascular tissues to harmful stimuli. These stimuli could be damaged cells, pathogens, or irritants. Inflammation is a protective attempt by your body to remove the detrimental stimuli and start the healing process.

Infections and wounds would never heal without inflammation. Symptoms of inflammation can include swelling, pain, redness, and restriction in movement.

Inflammation can be acute or chronic. Chronic inflammation is prolonged inflammation. It leads to a progressive shift in the type of cells existing at the site of inflammation. It is characterized by concurring destruction and healing of the tissue from the inflammatory process.

It can cause many diseases, such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, periodontitis, hay fever, cancer, inflammatory bowel diseases, hypersensitivities, diabetes, stroke, heart disease, acne, celiac disease, autoimmune diseases, asthma, etc. So for that reason, the body closely regulates inflammation.

It is important to reduce inflammation not just because of the pain it causes you but also because chronic inflammation is very detrimental to the body.

Unlike acute inflammation, where the immune system responds to injury or infection by activating inflammatory chemicals that fight abnormal substances, chronic inflammation isn't beneficial for the body.

The foods you choose to eat can help reduce and prevent inflammation. Foods reduce inflammation naturally, so if you want to get rid of your inflammation naturally, read on!

Below I will share with you 7 foods that reduce inflammation naturally. These foods are called anti-inflammatory foods.

Berries

Goji berries are one of the first foods I choose to eat to rid myself of my horrible inflammation pain, and I noticed a difference within weeks. Goji berries are very high in antioxidants, so they are a great anti-inflammatory and have other wonderful qualities.

Blueberries are full of antioxidants and high in phytonutrients. Phytonutrients give anti-inflammatory protection against many diseases. Other berries such as raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, and cranberries are also high in antioxidants.

Papaya

Papain is a protein-digesting enzyme found in papaya. Papain, along with other nutrients such as vitamin E and C, helps to reduce inflammation and improves digestion.

If you are interested in foods that reduce inflammation and you are a tropical fruit fan, then this is a perfect food for you to eat.

Pineapple

Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme that aids in the healing of indigestion, sports injury, trauma, and other kinds of swelling and inflammation. Extracts of bromelain are used in various natural anti-inflammatory supplements for arthritis.

Spices

Turmeric is a spice with high anti-inflammatory qualities. Add a teaspoon to your diet each day. Some ways to include turmeric into your diet would be to add it to soups, sprinkle it on scrambled eggs, and mix it into sauces or salad dressings. 

Ginger is a relative of turmeric that is also revered internationally for its anti-inflammatory qualities. If you want to reduce inflammation naturally, try incorporating these spices into your next meals.

Kelp

Kelp contains fucoidan, a kind of carbohydrate that is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative. Kombu, arame, and wakame are a few types of kelp that can be bought at the grocery store.

Kelp has high fiber content, so it also helps to make your feel full and promotes weight loss. Get organic kelp from unpolluted waters.

Spinach

Spinach is a dark green leafy vegetable that is a high source of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative flavonoids and carotenoids. It contains vitamins A, B, B, C, E, K, iron, magnesium, potassium, calcium, and folate. Make sure to buy organic spinach.

Non-organic spinach is sprayed with pesticides, and you don't want to be putting more toxins into your body because that will increase your inflammation. Vegetables, especially dark leafy vegetables, are great for decreasing inflammation. Choose dark green or brightly colored vegetables.

Broccoli

Broccoli contains anti-inflammatory phytonutrients that help the body get rid of carcinogenic compounds. It is also a highly nutritious vegetable. Cauliflower is a relative of broccoli, which contains similar components that aid the body's detoxification.

I hope you have found this list of foods that reduce inflammation helpful. Start eating some of these foods, and see what happens. If you already eat some of them, try eating more.

The more you eat these foods, the more you should see a reduction in your inflammation and the pain that goes with it. Here's to a new you... inflammation and pain-free!