It may seem sometimes like every time you go online, you see another new diet that you’ve never heard about until now. For some of you, this may be another one of those times. In this case, we’re referring to the anti-inflammatory diet, which is designed to prevent or reduce low levels of chronic inflammation.
The anti-inflammatory diet focuses heavily on fruits, vegetables, lean protein, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats. The goal of this diet is to reduce inflammation, which occurs when the body’s immune system releases chemicals intended to fight bacterial or viral infections and also injuries even if there is nothing actually there for the body to fight. A person’s nutrition can influence the levels of inflammation in their body, so the anti-inflammatory diet has the intent to help the body eliminate inflammation and can serve to prevent or treat the following conditions: arthritis, allergies, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and more.
What To Eat on The Anti-Inflammatory Diet
As mentioned already, the anti-inflammatory diet relies mainly on fruits, vegetables, lean protein, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats. The reason these types of foods are so key to the anti-inflammatory diet is due to the fact that they’re high in antioxidants, which has an anti-inflammatory effect. Some foods that are high in antioxidants include the following:
- Apples
- Berries
- Avocados
- Broccoli
- Beans (red, pinto, black)
- Nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds)
- Dark chocolate
- Whole grains (such as oats or brown rice)
Also, foods high in omega-3 such as soybeans, salmon, and flax seeds are good foods to include in an anti-inflammatory diet.
Foods to Avoid on An Anti-Inflammatory Diet
The main enemies of a good anti-inflammatory diet are foods that are high in fatty acids, which tends to increase the production of inflammation chemicals in the body. Fatty acids serve important roles in the body’s function such as maintaining bone health, promoting brain function, and regulating metabolism, so you shouldn’t completely eliminate them. However, it’s important to strike a good balance between omega-3 and fatty acids.
Some foods that should be consumed only in moderation include the following:
- Meats
- Dairy products
- Vegetable oils
- Any foods or drinks high in sugar
- Refined grains (such as those found in white bread)
The Benefits of The Anti-Inflammatory Diet
By utilizing an effective anti-inflammatory diet, you may be able to reduce your likelihood of excessive plaque buildup in the arteries and also your likelihood of developing heart disease. But addition to those crucial benefits, the anti-inflammatory diet can also lower your blood pressure and blood triglycerides. The diet also helps to promote overall good health, which allows the body to function as it was intended to function.
If you or someone you know are interested beginning an anti-inflammatory diet or simply want to make some changes to your diet, give Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab Inc. a call today at (330) 726-7404 to schedule a free consultation to see how we can help. We have been servicing the Youngstown and Mahoning Valley area since 2001 with convenient locations in Boardman, Hubbard, and Kinsman. At Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab Inc, we are a multi-disciplinary rehabilitation group that treats work comp injuries, whiplash, sports injuries and specializes in much more than just low back pain.