We have all heard the word before, inflammation. While some inflammation in our body is good, protecting us and allowing us to heal, the chronic inflammation going on needs to be reversed. It’s the cause of so many diseases and health problems in the world today – meaning foods that fight inflammation are all the more important.
So why are we so inflamed?
Lack of sleep
Sedentary lifestyle
Stress (!!!)
Gut health issues
Poor Diet (think gluten, dairy, refined sugar)
A healthy assortment of blueberries, salmon, beets, turmeric, cacao, and turmeric will keep you moving throughout the day!
So, I am sharing with you the best 10 foods to help fight inflammation. These foods should help battle health problems and maybe even alleviate them completely!
Green Leafy Vegetables
These guys have anti-inflammatory flavonoids and antioxidants that help to restore cells. They also have high amounts of vitamin A, C and K. My favorites are kale, dandelion greens, and swiss chard. Plus, you only need a cup a day!
Turmeric
The active part of turmeric is the curcumin, which has been shown to be more potent than Advil and Aspirin (crazy!). Plus it’s high in manganese and vitamin B6. Add ½-1 teaspoon into smoothies, stir-fries or rice dishes.
Leafy greens, turmeric, and blueberries are great aids to help reduce inflammation
Blueberries
These little guys are full of the flavonoid quercetin, to fight inflammation, but fight cancer too, double score! They also work to protect from oxidative stress. Toss ½ cup into salads, smoothies or have a handful as a snack.
Flax Seeds
These are packed with antioxidants and omega-3s that help to balance hormones and encourage cells to thrive. They also have a good dose of vitamin B1, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus. I love throwing in a tablespoon into my morning smoothie or even adding it while baking.
Salmon
A great source of good fats and omega-3s, which are powerful anti-inflammatories. It’s also high in vitamin B12, D, and selenium. Try to work it into your meals once a week, but make sure it is wild, not farmed.
Salmon and beets are great to keep inflammation tame
Beets
It is good ol’ betalain that gives these guys their color, and their anti-inflammatory abilities. They basically prevent the enzymes that trigger inflammation and are also high in folate, manganese, and potassium. I love them roasted in the oven or in beet hummus (it’s delicious).
Cacao
This is important, cacao, not cocoa, is what you want to go for here. Its unroasted (raw) and is high in magnesium, which really helps inflammatory conditions. So eat a square of 85% (or higher) dark chocolate or sprinkle raw cacao nibs on top of a smoothie bowl.
Bone Broth
The amazing thing about bone broth is that you can actually absorb all the calcium, magnesium, chondroitin and glucosamine in it. I love using this as a base for soups or even as its own soup. Plus it’s also super high in protein.
Ginger
Whether it’s fresh or dried, ginger is great for reducing inflammation. It’s also great at breaking down toxins in your body and helping with pain relief. I love making fresh ginger root tea or adding ginger to stir-fries, soup, and even smoothies.
Coconut Oil
This stuff is full of strong anti-inflammatories, so strong that it was found to be more effective in reducing inflammation than some medications. It also has tons of antioxidants in it. I like adding it to my coffee (bulletproof coffee) or using it for cooking, in place of other oils.
While these 10 can help reduce your inflammation, the most important thing to do is find the cause of inflammation. Treating at the source will always be the most effective solution!
Hope you found this helpful. Which one of these foods is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to sign up to our mailing list to stay up to date with the latest health trends and advice.