It’s a well-known fact that inflammation in the body leads to negative results. From pain to stiffness and fatigue, inflammation can decrease the quality of life for anyone in a hurry. But, what about the role of foods in causing inflammation? There may be more of a link than you’ve previously considered.
Inflammation’s general warning sign is pain. Whether it arises from an injury or tissue trauma or from something else entirely, it’s never positive. In fact, inflammation plays a key role in the pain associated with arthritis, back injuries and pain, digestive disorders and headaches. It’s even been shown to increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers and dementia. The bottom line? Decreasing inflammation can increase overall health.
Avoiding certain foods while increasing the intake of others may be helpful in this area.
Foods to avoid because of their role in promoting inflammation include:
- High sugar foods (white breads, pastas, etc). Instead, focus on eating whole grains.
- Processed foods with ingredients (usually artificial colors and preservatives) that you cannot pronounce or identify.
- Trans fats.
- Red meat.
- Alcohol.
- Dairy.
- Wheat.
This can be difficult, especially with the foods readily available here in the United States. But, by taking a look at the foods you eat, and making an effort – one step at a time – to make changes, you could begin to see progress.
Foods that help reduce inflammation include:
- Ginger.
- Omega 3 Fatty Acids (think avocados, fish, walnuts, cashews, chia seeds, sesame seads and more).
- Fruits and veggies.
- Turmeric.
Look for ways to incorporate a few of these into your diet today!
If you’re interested in learning about other options for decreasing inflammation, it may be time to talk to a professional. The team at LeVan Chiropractic can assess your health needs and create a plan to help you achieve optimal health starting today. Contact us to get started.