You may not like the taste of some foods

What Are Anti-Inflammatory Foods?

Quite simply, anti-inflammatory foods are any type of natural foods that safely reduce the need for immune response in the body. In this way, they stop inflammation from ever being able to even send pain signals to the brain.*

They may also work to improve the overall health and/or function of various organs and joints.* Anti-inflammatory foods work by providing antioxidant support that can reduce the damage of free radical cells.*

They may also work by inhibiting inflammatory signals and preventing oxidative stress.* They may also promote healthy gut bacteria.*

Benefits of Including Anti-Inflammatory Foods in Your Diet

The benefits of getting more anti-inflammatory foods into your diet are far-reaching to say the least. Here are just some of the most important health benefits of these foods:

• Reduced Risk of Chronic Disease - Chronic inflammation can cause arthritis, cardiovascular disease, auto-immune illnesses, and more. Anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce your risk of developing these conditions.*
• Overall Health & Longevity - Many of these kinds of foods offer periphery health benefits like vision support, improved skin, increased flexibility, and can contribute to your overall longevity.*
• Immune Support - Many natural anti-inflammatory foods are high in vitamins that may help improve your immune response.*

Top Anti-Inflammatory Foods

The most effective anti-inflammatory foods will have multiple health benefits and fight inflammation in the joints, brain, organs, and more. Let’s take a look at the categories you should be including in your diet:

• Fruits - Fruits like berries, oranges, and cherries are rich in vitamin C which can support your immune system and prevent inflammation in the skin and other parts of the body.*
• Vegetables - Leafy greens like spinach and kale also have anti-inflammatory effects. Vegetables like peppers and carrots are also helpful.*
• Healthy Fats - Natural foods containing healthy fats may be especially beneficial for fighting joint inflammation. These foods include avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds.*
• Herbs & Spices - Herbs and spices like ginger, Turmeric, and ginger have potent antioxidant properties that help protect the body from oxidative stress*
• Omega-3 Rich Foods - Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for brain function and stymie bodily inflammation according to some studies.* Foods that offer these healthy fatty acids include salmon, sardines, chia seeds, and flaxseed.*

Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Arthritis

If you are looking for anti-inflammatory foods that are specifically helpful for managing your arthritis symptoms, you are in luck. There are actually a wide variety of foods that you can eat that will help you control the inflammation brought on by arthritis and may work to reduce joint pain*. These foods include:

• Beans - Many bean varieties are packed with dietary and phytonutrients that can help quell joint inflammation caused by arthritis.*
• Whole Grains - Whole grains not only help promote feelings of satiety which could help you maintain a healthy weight, they also appear to inhibit certain inflammatory markers.*
• Seeds - Seeds like chia and flaxseed are packed with monounsaturated fats that may stymie inflammation.* One study found that people who eat seeds regularly are significantly less likely to develop serious inflammatory diseases than people who don’t.*

Creating a Balanced Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Incorporating these foods into your diet may be easier than you think. For instance, you can add heart and joint-healthy avocados to any salad for an anti-inflammatory boost.*

Chia and flax seeds are also generally tasteless so you can easily add them to any meal or snack without changing the flavor.* Here are some recipe ideas for every meal of the day:

• Breakfast - Start the day with a bowl of yogurt topped with antioxidant rich blueberries and strawberries. You can also add some probiotic oats to prevent gut inflammation.
• Lunch - For lunch, try a loaded cucumber and avocado sandwich with ricotta cheese and a side of green leafy salad made from spring mix, arugula, kale, or romaine.
• Dinner - In the evening, dine on baked salmon topped with vitamin C-rich lemons and chopped garlic.

Natural Anti-Inflammatory Foods vs. Supplements

Of course, you always have the option of choosing a high-quality anti-inflammatory supplement to include in your diet as opposed to eating a bunch of anti-inflammatory foods. Still, there are pros and cons on each side:

Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons of Supplement

Anti-Inflammatory Foods Pros & Cons

Final Thoughts

The anti-inflammatory foods diet can help you live a healthier, more active lifestyle. Aside from reducing your risk of chronic inflammation and the complications that come with it, they can also provide antioxidant support, contribute to longevity, help you lose weight, and support the healthy function of your organs.*

In addition, anti-inflammatory foods can protect your joints from long-term damage that may seriously hinder your mobility as you get older. In this way, they may help improve your overall quality of life.*

The best thing about anti-inflammatory foods is that there are so many different kinds so you should be able to find ones you like eating and make them regular staples of your diet.*

Don’t be afraid to get creative as the more of these foods you add to your diet, the more health benefits you will reap.*