An anti-inflammatory diet is exactly what it sounds like -- a diet that incorporates foods that either eliminate inflammation or prevent it with anti-inflammatory properties. Eating the wrong food is one of the most common culprits of inflammation.
In fact, many Americans are likely suffering from symptoms of acute or chronic inflammation without fully realizing it. In addition, certain symptoms caused by inflammation can easily mimic other health problems, symptoms like fatigue, diarrhea, swelling, mental fog, and loss of function are some of the most common.
While speaking with your doctor first is important, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle can still be a powerful approach to avoiding or controlling your symptoms and living a healthier life. Even those who don't currently suffer from inflammation can increase their longevity simply by adopting a more nutritious diet and lifestyle.
Here's how the anti-inflammatory diet works:
Phytochemicals and Antioxidants
Fruit and vegetables are the primary source of calories on the anti-inflammatory diet. These foods are packed full of essential nutrients such as phytochemicals and antioxidants that help to prevent and control inflammation. In addition, these properties fight against free radicals. These cells don't have electrons; when they enter the body, they steal other electrons from healthy cells, causing damage and harm, leading to inflammation.
Limited Processed Foods and Sugar
Did you know processed foods and refined sugars can negatively alter the bacteria that live in your gut? This simple change can wreck the immune system, eventually increasing inflammation.
Less Unhealthy Fats
Saturated and trans fats commonly found in red meat, fried, and processed foods can quickly increase inflammation. These unhealthy fats cause inflammation by helping to translocate microbial products into the bloodstream. Microbial products can be bacteria or other harmful things such as free radicals that alter your DNA and proteins. This alteration can promote diseases and cancer.
More Movement and Proper Hydration
Poor exercise and hydration can also promote inflammation. You can't live a sedentary lifestyle and constantly be dehydrated and think you will stay healthy. A healthy diet can take you so far into health. While you will still see benefits with diet alone, daily movement of at least twenty minutes a day and proper hydration are also two vital parts of the anti-inflammatory diet. These two are essential to help flush out harmful toxins and decrease stress.
As you can see, the anti-inflammatory diet is a powerful way to reduce and control inflammation. But unfortunately, inflammation is the cause of many major and life-threatening diseases. This is why it is essential to eat a diet full of phytochemicals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that help rebuild your immune system, improve your mental and physical health, and repair your body from the inside out.
