There are many factors that can promote inflammation in the body, and although many people consider it negative, inflammation can actually be a good sign. It indicates that the body has detected a problem and that the immune system is sending T cells, white blood cells and lymphatic fluid to fight it. The antibodies cause increased circulation, swelling and pain in order to fight the inflammation. However, not all types of inflammation are a good sign – chronic inflammation can be caused by some foods and is highly dangerous for your health.
Chronic inflammation damages tissues and organs and robs them of nutrients. If your diet is rich in inflammatory foods they won’t allow the body to heal, which is why you should stay away from starches, sugars, trans fats, processed meats, hydrogenated oils and other foods. Besides causing inflammation, these foods can impair the function of the regulators of the fat hormones and cause many new problems. Chronic inflammation can also cause oxidation of the “bad” (LDL) cholesterol and increases the risk of heart disease. Even if you’re consuming a healthy diet, your body may be allergic to some foods which can result in digestive problems.
According to nutritionists, potatoes, tomatoes, chili and eggplant can all cause chronic inflammation due to the presence of an alkaloid called solanine which can cause joint pain in people suffering from arthritis. If you’re already suffering from joint or body pain, you should avoid these foods. pH imbalance is another cause of inflammation, which is why you need to create an alkaline environment in your body. To do this, you should avoid drinking coffee, fruit juice, sugar and alcohol, and also reduce the intake of meat, dairy products, grains and fruit.
To fight the inflammation, increase the consumption of all types of vegetables as well as lemon. Luckily, nature has many remedies against inflammation, and you can see some of them below:
- Pepper
Hot peppers contain a compound called capsaicin that inhibits the COX-2 enzyme that is related to arthritis and other types of inflammation diseases.
- Apple and onions
Both ingredients contain quercetin, a natural histamine inhibitor that can help the body fight environmental allergies that cause inflammation. The quercetin is located in the apple peel, so make sure to eat the fruit whole.
- Pineapple
Pineapple contains bromelain, a compound that fights inflammation and pain in the body and reduces swelling. However, make sure to eat fresh and raw pineapple, as bromelain loses the anti-inflammatory properties when it’s cooked.
- Green leafy vegetables
These vegetables contain alpha-linoleic acid, an omega-3 acid which has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
- Nuts, seeds and flaxseeds
These ingredients are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, but you should consume them raw as high temperatures destroy them. For a crispier texture, soak them in water overnight they dehydrate them.
- Salmon, mackerel and sardines
All these types of fish are rich in omega-3, which reduces the production of pro-inflammatory compounds in the body. When picking the fish, go for wild or Alaskan salmon that has been raised organically. Keep in mind that these fish have some brown fat close to the skin which can be removed simply with a fork.
- Extra-virgin olive oil
Olive oil contains oleic acid and some fatty acids which help the omega-3 fatty acids to do their job. Always buy cold-pressed and extra virgin olive oil and make sure to consume it raw.