Chronic Inflammation

Natural Ways to Reduce Inflammation in the Body

Inflammation is the result of the body’s response to infection, disease, allergies, or other irritants. Chronic inflammation can lead to various illnesses and more serious problems if it continues over a long period of time.

Chronic inflammation has been linked to many diseases and disorders such as acid reflux, acne, allergies/sensitivities, asthma, Alzheimer’s Disease, artherosclerosis, bronchitis, cancer, Celiac Disease, chronic pain, Crohn’s Disease, carditis, cirrhosis, colitis, dementia, dermatitis, diabetes, dry eyes, edema, emphysema, eczema, fibromyalgia, gastroenteritis, gingivitis, heart disease, hepatitis, high blood pressure, insulin resistance, interstitial cystitis, joint pain/arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic syndrome (syndrome X), myositis, nephritis, obesity, osteopenia, osteoporosis, Parkinson’s Disease, periodontal disease, polyarteritis, polychondritis, psoriasis, scleroderma, sinusitis, Sjögren’s Syndrome, spastic colon, systemic candidiasis, tendonitis, urinary tract infections, vaginitis, and more.

Diet can have a serious impact on inflammation and there are many foods and herbs that have been proven to alleviate inflammation and help to restore and maintain balance in the system. Following are some of the best known anti-inflammatory food sources available. It is advised to eat organic, unprocessed, fresh foods that have no additives or preservatives, and as for vegetables and fruits, it is best to eat them fresh picked and uncooked when possible:

Herbs/Spices/Nuts/Seeds/Oils

There are many herbs that have a natural anti-inflammatory effect. Some of the best culinary herbs for their anti-inflammatory effect are basil, cayenne peppers/chili peppers, cinnamon, cloves, cocoa (at least 70% cocoa chocolate), mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme, ginger root, and turmeric.

Some of the best medicinal herbs to reduce inflammation are chamomile, goldenrod, cleavers, blue flag, licorice, white willow, St. John’s Wort, wild yam, wormwood, sweet violet, and feverfew.

The best nuts and seeds that can be used to reduce inflammation are almonds, flaxseed, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds and walnuts.

Oils such as extra virgin olive and avocado oil also have anti-inflammatory effects.

Green tea is also believed to have strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Vegetables

The vegetables with the greatest anti-inflammatory properties are bell peppers, bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, chard, collards, fennel, bulb garlic, green beans, green onions, kale, leeks, olives, spinach, sweet potatoes, and turnip greens.

Fruits

Cherries, apples, avocados, black currants, blueberries, fresh pineapple, guavas, kiwi, kumquats, lemons, limes, mulberries, oranges, papaya, raspberries, rhubarb, strawberries, and tomatoes have been proven to reduce inflammation.

Fish

Increasing omega 3 essential fatty acids (as found in cold water fish like salmon) is recommended to reduce inflammation. Other fish like cod, halibut, herring, oysters, rainbow trout, sardines, snapper, striped bass, tuna, and whitefish also help to reduce inflammation.

Foods to Avoid

Certain foods can contribute to or aggravate inflammation and should be avoided. Some of these are: margarine, vegetable shortening and all partially hydrogenated oils and trans-fatty acids, dairy products, wheat and processed grain products (except for whole-grains.) Processed food, in general, contains additives and preservatives that are thought to contribute to inflammation. Refined sugar and corn syrup is also believed to contribute to inflammation and should be eliminated. Soy, eggs, and certain types of nuts can cause allergic reactions in some people and can also contribute to inflammation.