All pain is based on inflammation and the inflammatory response. Chronic inflammation plays a huge role heart disease, arthritis, asthma, cancer, and dementias.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By controlling inflammation, we should be able to control our pain and lessen chances of developing diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Did you know that foods can increase inflammation? Sugar and white flour are huge culprits. The good news is that foods can also decrease inflammation, chronic inflammation, and fight cancers and other diseases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best news is that all these foods taste good! And they are easy to add to your diet. Except number 2, if you are a werewolf. Everyone will enjoy sipping on number 4 and number 9 may remind you that mom is always right!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s one very healthy fat found in a lot of sources. Omega-3 rich foods are known to fight inflammation. In fact, studies show that mice fed extra virgin olive oil have stopped arthritis development and reduces joint swelling. Inflammatory markers decreased between 1\/3 and \u00bd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best place to get omega-3s are fatty fish like salmon, tuna, trout, and mackerel. Chia seeds, walnuts, omega-3 rich eggs, and nuts are also high in omega-3s. You may see a decrease in pain as well as dozens of other benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Garlic, onions, and leeks contain an antioxidant, quercetin, that may relieve inflammation. Garlic is particularly effective. You can take about 4 cloves of raw garlic or used powdered or an aged supplement. Since that much raw garlic can upset your stomach, most experts recommend aged garlic<\/a>. You\u2019ll get the benefits without breathing and sweating garlic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Garlic is also a cancer fighter and may lower the risk of heart disease and dementia. You can\u2019t go wrong eating garlic!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking for a drink that won\u2019t increase inflammation like soft drinks will? Try tart cherry juice. Tart cherries contain an antioxidant, anthocyanin, that is a known anti-inflammatory. Research suggests that tart cherries appear to be as effective as, and far safer than, taking NSAIDS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Eight ounces of Montmorency cherry juice a day may improve pain<\/a> and stiffness. Just don\u2019t ruin the health benefits by adding sugar or artificial sweeteners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also snack on strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries for some anthocyanins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Green tea is an anti-inflammatory super food. It is so good for every part of your body that you should drink it even if you aren\u2019t in pain! Green tea contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation. And other healthy properties include preventing cancer, melting belly fat, helping hangovers, and lessening depression.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It doesn\u2019t have a lot of caffeine so you can drink it in the afternoon or evening without upsetting your sleep cycle. Don\u2019t add sweeteners and destroy the benefits!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whole grains and beans fight inflammation, while their cousins, white flour and white rice, may increase chronic inflammation. Foods like oatmeal, chia seeds, oatmeal, and brown or wild rice lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). These proteins are \u201cmarkers\u201d for inflammation associated with heart disease, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fiber is also very important in keeping your bowels healthy, in weight loss, fighting heart disease, and lowering blood pressure. Choose your fiber wisely and don\u2019t smother it with butter, cheese, and other inflammation-increasing foods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tur<\/a>meric<\/a> is a spice with a long history in folk medicine for warding off inflammatory diseases. There is now research to back up the claims. Turmeric is high in curcumin, an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since you probably can\u2019t eat enough turmeric to get the benefit, take supplements with a pinch of black pepper or enjoy turmeric tea. Add one teaspoon of ground turmeric to boiling water, simmer for 10 minutes. Add a bit of lemon juice and a pinch of black pepper and enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage might not be everyone\u2019s favorite foods, but they are really healthy. These cruciferous vegetables are rich in antioxidants that protect cells from free radicals<\/a> suspected in the development of chronic inflammation. It\u2019s easy to add broccoli to stir fries and salads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you like fermented foods<\/a> like sauerkraut, you are in luck. There is a strong link between fermented food and decrease in chronic inflammation. Fermented foods also fight depression, allowing you to feel better overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another spice, ginger, is a powerful anti-inflammatory. You can enjoy it as a tea, in food, or snack sparingly on candied ginger. One study found that ginger extract helped 63% of participants with osteoarthritis knee pain. Two grams of ginger a day has been shown to reduce muscle pain. If you\u2019ve overdone a workout, ginger may just help you feel better.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTart Cherries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Green Tea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Whole Grains and Beans<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Turmeric<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ginger<\/h3>\n\n\n\n