Has your gut health felt a little bit out of whack? Are you interested in preventing chronic disease and feeling better overall? A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods may be just what you need!
Inflammation isn't always bad. In fact, it's our body's response to repairing itself. Every time you stub your toe, get the flu or cut your finger, you experience the healing effects of acute inflammation, as the white blood cells rush to heal the infection.
But if your body is in a constant state of chronic inflammation, it could mean that there may be some underlying issues, like too many toxins or fatty tissue. Too much inflammation can then lead to conditions like heart disease or stroke.
The good news is that we already have the tools you need to reduce inflammation and improve our health! By improving our diets, we can alter the bacteria that live in our gut. If we improve our gut bacteria, we can trigger our immune system to reduce the causes of chronic inflammation.
*Of course, if you're experiencing prolonged or intense inflammation, talk to a doctor and/or dietitian.
When combined with exercise and good sleep, an anti-inflammatory diet can help maintain a healthy weight. But there are so many other health benefits of eating these high-quality foods that go way beyond numbers on a scale.
With a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, you can lower the risk of other health problems. These include heart disease, IBD (irritable bowel disorder), arthritis, obesity, and psoriasis. It may also prove to boost your immune system.
What are some of the best foods to eat that will decrease inflammation? Here are a few great options:
When you're on an anti-inflammatory diet, reducing or eliminating these foods might benefit your overall health:
Overall, lifestyle and dietary changes are the most effective remedy when it comes to reducing inflammation. But sometimes, the key to sticking with it is finding recipes that keep the food tasty and interesting! Here's one of our favorite recipes filled with anti-inflammatory foods that will keep you full.
A tasty smoothie filled with lots of vitamins, minerals, and fiber to keep your gut healthy and reduce inflammation
PREP TIME
4 mins
COOK TIME
a few seconds
TOTAL TIME
4 mins
COURSE
Breakfast
CUISINE
American
SERVINGS
1 people
CALORIES
250.0 kcal
1
cup
baby kale
1/2
small beet
chopped
1/2 cup
cup
water or 100% juice
1/2
orange
peeled
1
cup
frozen berries
1
cup
mango
1
tsp
fresh ginger
grated
1
tsp
coconut oil
Anti-inflammatory Smoothie
Place baby kale, beet, juice (or water), and orange into a blender and pulse until smooth.
Add the remaining ingredients and blend again until smooth.
Calcium:
94.0 mg
Calories:
250.0 kcal
Carbohydrates:
52.0 g
Fat:
6.0 g
Iron:
1.6 mg
Protein:
4.0 g
Serving Amount:
16
Serving Unit:
oz
Sodium:
56.0 mg
Sugar:
35.0 g
Our culture has trained us to look for a set list of foods to eat and avoid. Sometimes the idea of a meal plan can provide a sense of structure and comfort. But the truth is that it's so much simpler. To fight inflammation, eat more plant-based foods with lots of colors, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Incorporating more of these every day will prove to be the most effective and sustainable way to reduce inflammation. You'll feel better and reap the most health benefits.