Advice on inflammation diet

Diet for inflammation
(November 8, 2010)

Inflammation Diet

An anti-inflammatory diet is one that helps in the treatment of any internal inflammation that you may have. These foods not only heal any inflammation you have but also improve your general well being and how you feel. Any localized reaction to injury, infection, or general irritation, is usually known as inflammation. The symptoms of inflammation in the body usually include pain, swelling, and different coloration of the skin or the tissues. Inflammation, such as in the case of arthritis, can result in a debilitating condition.


There are many chronic diseases, such as a stroke or a heart condition, which can also cause inflammation in the body.

The first principle of inflammation diet is to avoid any foods that may increase the inflammation. Foods that increase inflammation may not only cause pain but may also lower your immunity to increase the susceptibility to diseases. People who have a diet consisting of junk food, red meats which are high in fats, fast food, and sugars are usually more prone to developing inflammatory conditions because they are consuming a pro-inflammation diet. An anti-inflammation diet would essentially be devoid of all these things that may increase the inflammation in the body. There are certain meats, such as lunch meats, sausages, and other such processed foods, which may increase the inflammation in the body. It is best, therefore, to avoid these kinds of foods. Other meats that may contain nitrites and other associated chemicals, should also largely be avoided.

There are saturated fats that are contained in eggs, dairy products, and meats. Although these foods are important sources of essential nutrients, they can also promote inflammation within the body. You do not need extra saturated fat, so choose alternative products that are low on saturated fats and therefore are anti-inflammatory. An inflammation diet will also ideally contain a very low amount of sugars, as these are also associated with inflammation. Choose low fat milk, sugar less drinks, and lean cuts of meats, especially if you have an inflammatory condition. The nightshade family of plants also promote inflammation in the body and therefore, should be avoided. You can get an inflammation diet book to find out the exact food products and recipes that can help you contain the inflammatory condition. Vegetables like eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes, for instance, can worsen the inflammation.

To get more benefits from your inflammation diet, try and add foods that reduce inflammation. Oils that contain omega 3 fatty acids, such as fish oils, flaxseed oil, pumpkin seeds, and canola oil, are all good for health and are also anti-inflammatory. Cooking foods in olive oil can also improve the nutritional value as well as lower the risk of inflammation. Good sources of proteins, such as lean cuts of meats, grape seed oil, and rice bran oil are some of the other foods that should be a part of an inflammation diet. The best source of proteins is lean cuts from grass fed animals. However, if you are a vegetarian, try and add soy milk, soybeans, and tofu to your diet.

Most of the carbohydrates that you consume should come from complex carbohydrates. Whole grains, vegetables, and fruits are the ideal sources of complex carbohydrates. If you include breads, cereals, and pastas in your diet, try and get these in the whole wheat variety. Also, choose only green leafy vegetables, fruits, and other foods that are rich sources of fiber. These can help in the removal of toxins so that there is no chance of increase in the inflammation.

You can consult a diet book to find out the specific foods that can help lower your inflammatory condition. Such books also usually contain inflammation diet recipes.

Advice on inflammation diet

Inflammation and Diet – Inflammation is a common condition that affects the tissues either due to infection or injury. The most common symptoms of inflammation are swelling accompanied by pain and over-sensitivity and reddening of the affected area. Inflammation can hamper day to day function and can have a negative impact of quality of life. Furthermore, inflammation can also be a symptom of an underlying chronic condition like heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and so on. Therefore it is important to seek immediate medical attention when suffering from inflammation.

There are a number of ways to deal with inflammation. These include anti-inflammatory medication, rest, regular exercise and a balanced anti inflammation diet. Now, while medication has an immediate impact on inflammation, this is a short term solution that may also cause side effects. For a natural and long term solution consider adopting an anti inflammation diet. It is well known that certain foods have medicinal properties. By consuming foods that naturally counter inflammation, you empower the body to heal itself.

Diet to Reduce Inflammation – Anti inflammation diets are full of foods that help reduce inflammation and inflammation triggered discomfort. In addition to reversing symptoms of inflammation, these foods also help develop a healthier body; they ensure the skin looks healthier, fresher and younger. These foods also improve over all energy levels as well as mental functions. Common anti inflammation diet foods include:

•   Fruits and Vegetables – these are rich in nutrients (proteins, vitamin, minerals, fibers and antioxidants) that the body     needs for healthy function. To derive maximum benefits eat fruits fresh and vegetables steamed or baked.
•   Unsaturated Fats – While consuming some amount of fats is important for a balanced diet, it is essential that you consume     unsaturated fat, the better of the two types of fat. This includes lean meats, omega 3 rich fish like salmon and     mackerel, canola and olive oils, avocadoes, and nuts and seeds.
•   Water – It is important to stay hydrated at all times, especially when fighting inflammation. Drink at least 8 glasses of     water per day and also include lots of fresh fruit and vegetable juices as well as green tea in your anti inflammation     diet.

Food to avoid when suffering from Inflammation – When pursuing an anti inflammation diet, certain foods should be avoid. These foods are known to further inflame the condition, causing more pain and discomfort. These foods include junk foods, red meats, processed sugars and treats.

In addition to the healthy anti inflammation diet, be sure to pursue other healthy lifestyle habits such as exercising regularly, reducing stress and getting enough rest. Also be sure to get regular medical checkups.

Inflammation can be definitely reduced by consuming anti-inflammatory foods.

Junk food, high fat meals, fast foods and sugar are pro-inflammatory foods that causes increased inflammation in the body. Processed foods, processed meats, hot dogs, sausages contains substances called nitrites that aggravates pain.

Choose foods that reduce inflammation (anti-inflammatory foods) like low fat milk, cheese, lean meat, fish, poultry, whole cereals, whole wheat and wheat products, Omega-3 fatty acids, olive oil, rice bran oil, dark green leafy vegetables, bright colored vegetables, whole fruits, berries, soy, tofu, herbal teas and vegetable juices.

For a detailed diet plan according to your daily requirement consult a registered dietician.