What is inflammation? Inflammation is part of the complex biological response of the body tissues to harmful stimuli; such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. It is a protective response involving immune cells, blood vessels, and molecular mediators. The function of inflammation is to eliminate the initial cause of cell injury, clear out necrotic cells and tissue damage from the original injury, and initiate tissue repair.
What are the signs of inflammation? The classic signs of inflammation are heat, pain, redness, swelling, and loss of function around the area of injury.
A common condition that may be caused by inflammation includes eczema, asthma, arthritis, allergies, and others.
What can I do to help prevent it? A few natural remedies include omega-3s supplements, vitamin E, and other potent antioxidants. They also have the added benefit of reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and soothing the aches and pains associated with arthritis.
Believe it or not, I have roughly around 50 % of customers coming into the health food store asking for supplements to ease their arthritis pain. Although supplements are one option, there are a lot of ingredients you can incorporate in your cooking regimen to also help prevent inflammation.
Walnuts – These are one of the only foods that offer appreciable amounts of alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid that has heart-healthy benefits and reduces inflammation.
Spices – Natural healers, many spices contain anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric contains compounds called curcuminoids that may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, joint inflammation, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Nutmeg, peppercorns, ginger, and cinnamon are other potent spices that contain anti-inflammatory properties.
Herbs – Many herbs, including; rosemary, thyme, and oregano, offer strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, they possess antiviral, anti-fungal, and antimicrobial qualities, giving them an all-round exceptional nutritional value.
Papaya – Contains significant amounts of vitamins A, C, and E in this tropical fruit to reduce inflammation. The enzyme papain found in papayas also helps improve digestion.
Cold-Water Fish – Cold-water fish such as; black cod, salmon, sardines, and anchovies are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Wild salmon’s pink hue is the result of an abundance of carotenoids, which also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Shiitake Mushrooms – These Asian mushrooms are nutritional champions. Antioxidants thioproline and ergothioneine attack free radicals and reduce inflammation. The carbohydrate lentinan keeps the immune system strong.
Bok Choy – This variety of cabbage boasts a high concentration of beta-carotene and vitamin A, which have potent anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects.
Finding the root caused of inflammation will help improve eliminate symptoms in the long term. "Food Allergies Testing" is one way of determining certain foods that are causing inflammation.
Stay tuned for our next article about "Food Allergies Testing"!
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