Part Two: Eating to Reduce Inflammation

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This is part two in a two-part series examining the link between food and inflammation. Read Part One here.

Inflammation & Your Health

Inflammation can cause a number of health issues – from arthritis to cancer, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. A healthcare provider may recommend a diet that aims to reduce inflammation. This diet should include a large portion of fruits and vegetables as discussed in the first part of this series.

In addition, replacing refined carbohydrate foods such as white bread, rice, crackers or pasta, with whole grains, beans, soy beans, and lentils, can keep inflammation at bay. One step to improving health and reducing inflammation can be taking a look at what you are eating and replacing some of the refined or processed foods with more whole foods, such as those mentioned below.

Fiber

The fiber in whole grains as well as fruits and vegetables reduces a blood marker of inflammation called high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP has been linked with an enhanced risk of stroke and heart attack. Stock up on healthy, high-fiber whole grains, brown and wild rice, quinoa, whole wheat couscous, bulgur, barley, kasha, millet, oats, amaranth, and teff. Consume whole grain (strive for 100 percent whole grain when looking at nutrition labels) breads, pitas, flours tortillas, pastas and cereals.

Reducing Omega-6, Increasing Omega-3

Eating too many foods with Omega-6 fatty acids increases the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. Foods high in Omega-6 fatty acids include red meat, dairy products, margarine, processed foods, and some vegetable oils (corn, soy, sunflower, safflower, grapeseed). The saturated fats found in red meat, whole dairy foods, coconut oil, palm oil, and cocoa butter fuel inflammation. Trans-fatty acids are found in partially hydrogenated oils, fast foods, and processed food and are pro-inflammatory. Eat healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts, and seeds.

Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids leads to a decreased production of inflammatory prostaglandins. Fatty fish such as wild caught salmon, sardines, mackerel, and herring should be eaten at least two times per week. Smaller amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids are found in walnuts, ground flaxseed, enriched eggs, and grass-fed meats.

Probiotics

Probiotic foods which contain beneficial bacteria and prebiotics which are indigestible fiber reduce inflammation. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and kombucha tea are probiotic. Inulin is a prebiotic and is found in asparagus, garlic, and onions.

Enjoy Spices

Many spices and herbs contain antioxidants and are anti-inflammatory:

• Basil
• Black Pepper
• Cayenne And Chili Peppers
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Curry
• Ginger
• Mustard
• Nutmeg
• Oregano
• Paprika
• Parsley
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Thyme
• Turmeric

If you are overweight, losing 5 percent of your body weight can lower inflammation markers in your blood.

Always consult with your Physician or health care provider before making any dietary/nutrition changes or commencing or changing your physical activity.