10 Foods to Fight Inflammation

If you suffer from inflammation, you may experience discomfort, pain, digestive problems, limited mobility and much more. While there are medications that can help control some symptoms, individuals with persistent issues may benefit from a more holistic approach.

Fortunately, simple dietary tweaks can have a substantial impact. Check out this list for the top 10 foods with anti inflammatory properties.

• Leafy greens– Spinach, kale and other leafy green vegetables have natural antioxidants. This means they provide a natural anti inflammatory boost. As an added bonus, these vegetables are full of other nutrients that can only improve your health.
• Fish– Good fatty acids are crucial for soothing inflamed joints, muscles and organs. One of the best sources for these fatty acids is fish. Salmon, tuna and mackerel are especially good choices.
• Sweet potatoes– Sweet potatoes have high levels of vitamins C and E, which means these tubers are full of carotenoids. Carotenoids have many health benefits, and combating inflamed joints is certainly one of them.
• Tomatoes– Tomatoes are a versatile food choice. Tomatoes provide a concentrated dose of antioxidants with every bite. Tomatoes can easily be incorporated into many meals. You can add fresh tomato to your salads, or you can use natural tomato sauces with your pasta or pizza.
• Berries– Most berries are vibrant fruits that taste delicious. The good news is that they also have a lot of antioxidants that may minimize your pain. Blueberries and strawberries are particularly effective. Cherries and raisins may produce similar outcomes.
• Nuts– The healthiest types of fats come from plant sources. That is why nuts are a great addition to any diet. In addition to the many heart benefits of nuts, they can also help control the effects of your condition. Walnuts are especially good in this regard.
• Beets– Beets are not a common dietary staple, but if you suffer from pain, you should start eating them right away. Beets have an antioxidant called betalain, which has pronounced anti inflammatory properties. Beets also help repair cell damage with increased levels of potassium and magnesium.
• Olive oil– Another excellent source of fatty acids is olive oil. Unlike other oils, olive oil is rich with healthy fats. Better still, it is easy to incorporate olive oil into your cooking. This way, you can enjoy flavor while still helping the inflamed parts of your body.
• Tumeric– Certain spices like tumeric have been shown to be effective with inflammatory conditions. Curcumin, which is found in tumeric and curry powder, is one of nature’s proven antioxidants.
• Whole grains– While processed grains may trigger inflammation, whole grains have the opposite effect. Options like oatmeal, whole wheat bread and brown rice are rich with fiber, and some evidence suggests that fiber has properties that negate inflammatory conditions.

These foods are not quick fixes that will eliminate all your symptoms immediately. However, including these foods into your diet may help you limit the negative impact of inflammation on a daily basis.