This is the basic inflammatory reaction. Some people even understand that redness around a cut is also a form of inflammation that the immune system uses to heal the injury. What is not commonly known is the fact that inflammation occurs inside the body as well. When the body exists in an inflammatory state, risk of illness, cancer and heart conditions can increase. An anti-inflammatory diet is an easy way to combat this aftereffect and reduce risk today.
Green leafy vegetables are a great way to start. Greens are rich in iron, fiber, protein, vitamin K, lutein, and folate. Not to mention they have a lot of vitamin C. Other types of vegetables include Nightshade varieties, Cruciferous, Allium, Gourds, Morning glory and a host of others. Varieties of fruit include Pepo, True berries, Hesperidium, Aggregate, Accessory and Multiple fruit.
Generally we want about 4 servings of vegetables per day, and 2-3 servings of fruit. We always want to buy organic when possible. Organic fruits and vegetables are usually a bit more expensive, but the increased cost is well worth keeping harmful chemicals and pesticides out of our bodies.
When fat cells grow, they take up the free space around the organs. Blood flow can be constricted and the body often feels as though it needs to fight to function normally. When the body feels threatened, inflammation occurs as a natural, healing response. Unfortunately, unlike the small cut that will heal in a few, short days. Obesity takes time to correct and the longer the body lives inflamed, the greater the risk of long term effects.
Examples of whole grains include whole wheat, bulgur, rolled oats, quinoa, millet, spelt and many others. We typically want about 3 servings of whole grains in a given day. For those with gluten allergies or intolerance, options like quinoa, amaranth, and millet are acceptable.
There are molecules in the body called prostaglandins which play an important role in inflammation. It has been found that of the three main types of prostaglandins, two of them (PG-E1 and PG-E3) have an anti-inflammatory effect, while the third type (PG-E2) actually promotes inflammation.
There are many illnesses and conditions caused by inflammation. These include asthma, arthritis, inflammatory bowel syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, diabetes, COPD, Psoriasis, Colitis, and Lupus - just to name a few. All-in-all, there are nearly 40 autoimmune conditions currently accepted by the medical community that are affected by inflammation.
Wild caught fish have a more diversified diet and so has a far better nutrient content. Due to the pollution in our oceans many of our fish are contaminated with heavy metals such as mercury. For this reason pregnant mothers and children under the age of 6 years old should keep their servings to only 2 per week. High levels of mercury in adults can cause neurological dysfunction and kidney damage.
Lean meats, skin-less poultry, eggs, cheeses and other proteins should be utilized sparingly. I typically recommend only 2 servings per week. We want to make sure any meats are from grass-fed organic animals. The egg products and poultry we consume should come from free range chickens and if possible be fortified with omega 3 fatty acids.
Changing to an anti-inflammatory diet does not have to be in reaction to a disease or illness. Prevention is the best choice and the anti-inflammatory diet can reduce the risk of contracting many of the listed illnesses. When the body feels as though it needs to fight for survival, inflammation occurs, so offering healthy foods that have an inflammatory effect is a great choice for all people including those who are young, healthy and feel they do not need an anti-inflammatory diet.
Green leafy vegetables are a great way to start. Greens are rich in iron, fiber, protein, vitamin K, lutein, and folate. Not to mention they have a lot of vitamin C. Other types of vegetables include Nightshade varieties, Cruciferous, Allium, Gourds, Morning glory and a host of others. Varieties of fruit include Pepo, True berries, Hesperidium, Aggregate, Accessory and Multiple fruit.
Generally we want about 4 servings of vegetables per day, and 2-3 servings of fruit. We always want to buy organic when possible. Organic fruits and vegetables are usually a bit more expensive, but the increased cost is well worth keeping harmful chemicals and pesticides out of our bodies.
When fat cells grow, they take up the free space around the organs. Blood flow can be constricted and the body often feels as though it needs to fight to function normally. When the body feels threatened, inflammation occurs as a natural, healing response. Unfortunately, unlike the small cut that will heal in a few, short days. Obesity takes time to correct and the longer the body lives inflamed, the greater the risk of long term effects.
Examples of whole grains include whole wheat, bulgur, rolled oats, quinoa, millet, spelt and many others. We typically want about 3 servings of whole grains in a given day. For those with gluten allergies or intolerance, options like quinoa, amaranth, and millet are acceptable.
There are molecules in the body called prostaglandins which play an important role in inflammation. It has been found that of the three main types of prostaglandins, two of them (PG-E1 and PG-E3) have an anti-inflammatory effect, while the third type (PG-E2) actually promotes inflammation.
There are many illnesses and conditions caused by inflammation. These include asthma, arthritis, inflammatory bowel syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, diabetes, COPD, Psoriasis, Colitis, and Lupus - just to name a few. All-in-all, there are nearly 40 autoimmune conditions currently accepted by the medical community that are affected by inflammation.
Wild caught fish have a more diversified diet and so has a far better nutrient content. Due to the pollution in our oceans many of our fish are contaminated with heavy metals such as mercury. For this reason pregnant mothers and children under the age of 6 years old should keep their servings to only 2 per week. High levels of mercury in adults can cause neurological dysfunction and kidney damage.
Lean meats, skin-less poultry, eggs, cheeses and other proteins should be utilized sparingly. I typically recommend only 2 servings per week. We want to make sure any meats are from grass-fed organic animals. The egg products and poultry we consume should come from free range chickens and if possible be fortified with omega 3 fatty acids.
Changing to an anti-inflammatory diet does not have to be in reaction to a disease or illness. Prevention is the best choice and the anti-inflammatory diet can reduce the risk of contracting many of the listed illnesses. When the body feels as though it needs to fight for survival, inflammation occurs, so offering healthy foods that have an inflammatory effect is a great choice for all people including those who are young, healthy and feel they do not need an anti-inflammatory diet.
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