Doctors are finding that one of the best ways to reduce inflammation is with proper nutrition, the opposite of which can contribute to inflammation.
Chronic inflammation occurs for many reasons, some of which are out of our control but others we can influence. Experts believe that a range of factors may contribute to chronic inflammation, such as:
- smoking
- obesity
- alcohol
- chronic stress
- poor nutrition**
Besides joint pain and muscle aches, chronic inflammation has been linked to the development of several diseases, including:
- cancer
- heart disease
- rheumatoid arthritis
- type 2 diabetes
- obesity
- asthma
- neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease
The items on this list (some I don’t even want to call “food”) can contribute to chronic inflammation:
- Trans fats, found in fried foods and processed foods (partially hydrogenated vegetable oil)
- Alcohol in excess
- Sugar and refined carbohydrates
- Red and processed meats
- Artificial food additives
- Dairy, for many people
Excellent food choices to fight inflammation:
- tomatoes
- olive oil
- green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards
- nuts like almonds and walnuts
- fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines
- fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges
Eating an anti-inflammatory diet will not only help you hurt less but also help you lose weight!
We know it’s hard to eliminate things from your diet all at once, so we recommend you remove one item a week from your pro-inflammation list and add one a week to your anti-inflammation list. Over time, we promise you will have fewer aches and pains and less weight to carry around!
Marty Musikant
