What we put into our body doesn’t just reflect how we look on the outside, but how we feel on the inside. And for many clients who come to us seeking relief care initially, they don’t fully understand how poor nutrition can lead to body aches and inflammation. So, what exactly does it mean to suffer from internal inflammation? When a substance that your body doesn’t want is introduced, your immune system begins to attack it, causing inflammation that can manifest itself in a number of ways including swollen and painful joints, decreased range of motion, stress and anxiety and fatigue among others. If we’re constantly putting food into our bodies that it doesn’t want, inflammation can become a gateway to chronic disease. But before we get to foods that can help your body stay healthy and away from inflammation, let’s take a look at foods that are known to promote it. Typically, these are foods we wouldn’t consider “healthy” like:
- Shortening, lard or margarine
- Fried foods, fast food or take-out
- Refined carbs (pastries and bread)
- Soft drinks
- Red meat and animal fat
- Sugar and confectionary
Inflammation-Fighting Foods
Instead of heading to your local pharmacy to pick up medicine designed to reduce inflammation, consider swinging by your grocery store instead to incorporate the following into your diet:
- Almonds and chia seeds
- Salmon and other oily fish
- Fruits, including cherries and blueberries
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Vegetables, especially green leafy veggies like kale, spinach and bok choy
- Buckwheat flour
It’s also important to drink plenty of fresh water, limiting (if not avoiding) tea, coffee and alcohol.
Have questions about inflammatory foods and how to reduce their burden on your body? Ask us at your next visit.