“Anti-Inflammatory”, you’ve seen this word several times. In most recipes, you’ll see it listed as a benefit of an ingredient or a property of a certain item. You’ve heard of anti-inflammatory medications and anti-inflammatory diets, but do you really know what inflammation is and why anti-inflammatory foods are so important?
INFLAMMATION IS…
The body’s response to external threats like stress, infection, or toxins. When our immune system senses one of these risks, it activates and inflames proteins intended to protect cells and tissues. But if immune cells start to overreact, that inflammation can be totally directed against u., creating harmful and chronic inflammation that can cause a number of issues.
INFLAMMATION CAN CAUSE…*
Allergies – cause an inflammatory response
Alzheimer’s -- chronic inflammation destroys brain cells
Anemia -- inflammatory proteins attack red blood cell production
Asthma -- inflammatory proteins cause autoimmune reactions against lung airway lining
Arthritis -- inflammatory proteins destroy joint cartilage
Eczema -- chronic inflammation of the gut and liver with poor detoxification
Heart Disease/Attack -- chronic inflammation contributes to heart muscle wasting and coronary atherosclerosis.
Kidney failure -- inflammatory proteins restrict circulation and damage the kidneys
Lupus -- inflammatory proteins induce an autoimmune attack against connective tissue
Psoriasis -- chronic inflammation of the gut and liver with poor detoxification
Stroke -- chronic inflammation promotes the formation and transporting of blood vessels in the bloodstream
So you can see why it’s very important to keep your inflammation in check. While it is essential for fighting off toxins and infections, too much of it can be extremely harmful.
To keep your inflammation down here are some foods that have amazing anti-inflammatory properties that you can easily incorporate into your lifestyle.
Green Leafy Vegetables
Bok Choy
Coconut Oil
Brocolli
Blueberries
Pineapples
Flaxseeds
Chia Seeds
Turmeric
Ginger
* source