Inflammation is a natural and automatic response of the human body. Although it isn’t a significant worry or direct threat to your health, it is a sign that you need to take extra measures to improve your general health.

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The only way to do this is to improve your lifestyle and dietary choices. With that being said, let’s develop a better understanding of what inflammation is and the best foods to help us reduce its symptoms. 

What are Inflammation and Its Causes?

Foods to Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation is a natural response of the immune systems way of managing injuries and infections. Inflammation is a signal where the immune system is in the process of healing and repairing damaged tissue and defending it from viruses and bacteria.

Without inflammation, the body would succumb to the damage of infections and viruses and result in fatality. Symptoms of inflammation include:

  • Redness on the skin of the affected area
  • Swelling in joints
  • Joint pains
  • Flu or fever symptoms such as headaches, cold, chills
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of joint function
  • Sore muscles
  • Pain when moving around
  • Stiffness in joints

Inflammation should be seen as a positive thing, and however, if inflammation persists after time and treatment, it can be something more serious. Chronic inflammation is a long term condition that can affect the whole body.

It is known for being persistent and steady in its symptoms. Although its symptoms can be at a low level, this type of inflammation can lead to health complications such as an autoimmune disorder, heart disease, stroke or rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, to name a few.

Foods that Can Reduce Inflammation

Foods to Reduce Inflammation

1. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are incredibly nutritious and are one of the best foods for inflammation. They are packed with vitamin C, potassium, and a strong anti-inflammatory antioxidant called lycopene. Multiple studies have shown that people with high intakes of lycopene reduced the severity of their inflammation and can also prevent certain types of cancer.

2. Berries

When trying to reduce the severity of inflammation, its essential to search for foods that are high in antioxidants. And when it comes to fruit, berries are some of the best. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and others are filled with antioxidants called anthocyanins that have anti-inflammatory effects.

3. Fish

Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, anchovies, and sardines are a great source of protein and healthy fats that can improve heart health and. Omega 3 fatty acids are known to reduce inflammation, heart disease, and kidney disease thanks to its EPA and DHA.

4. Turmeric

A strong spice that is also very versatile is turmeric powder. Turmeric powder is extremely popular because of its anti-inflammation properties thanks to a nutrient called curcumin. Turmeric powder is also popular for reducing swelling in the skin as well as avoiding health complications such as arthritis and diabetes.

5. Green tea

Also known as one of the healthiest beverages in the world, Green tea is loaded with antioxidants that can keep you far away from health complications. Its antioxidants levels can also reduce the severity of inflammation as well as helping you heal faster.

6. Broccoli

Broccoli is extremely nutritious and can benefit your health in any way. They are also known to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Its antioxidants content may also help with the reduction of inflammation.

7. Avocados

Avocados are one of the best sources of healthy fats in natural foods. They are packed with lots of antioxidants and fibres that are known to reduce inflammation in the skin cells.

8. Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidants that can reduce inflammation. The more cocoa content in the chocolate, the more antioxidants it will contain. Just be sure to stay away from sugary or heavily processed types of chocolate.

Other Ways to Reduce Inflammation

Foods to Reduce Inflammation
  • Medication – Over the counter medicine or a prescribed treatment from the doctor is also another option you can consider when suffering from inflammation. Improved diet and lifestyle can go a long way, but professional treatment and medicine can significantly address your inflammation issues.
  • Rest – Getting sufficient and quality rest is essential when you have inflammation, especially in joints. If you are feeling weak, tired or fatigued, make sure you are resting up and not pushing yourself as applying more pressure to affected areas can worsen your condition.
  • Lifestyle – An improved lifestyle is probably the most important factor to keep in mind when trying to prevent or reduce inflammation. This means having a balanced diet and getting sufficient physical activity while getting the rest and recovery your body needs. If you can cover all these things, you can keep inflammation to a minimum. 

When to See a Doctor

If you have a rich diet of the above foods, they may be able to help reduce inflammation but are no guarantee. If you notice that you suffer from inflammation and symptoms do not seem to improve with self-treatment, seek medical attention nice and early as it may be a sign of chronic inflammation that will require medical care.

Doctors can prescribe you with antibiotics and suggest treatments to help you out. They can also give you advice as to why your inflammation may be severe, difficult to overcome and identify other risk factors. 

Head over to the Okadoc app to immediately book an appointment with your health practitioner.