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While inflammation is a healthy and natural response in the body, its chronic presence can cause major health problems. Inflammation is the body’s attempt to protect the body from damaged cells, irritants, and pathogens, all if which can lead to health problems.
In the beginning that inflammation is beneficial because it heals wounds and is a part of our natural immune system. However, continual and chronic inflammation instigates more inflammation in the body, leading to a dangerous domino effect that ends with pain and suffering. More studies than ever prove that chronic inflammation is the root cause of serious conditions like heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease, so it is more important than ever to combat inflammation before it even begins.
Health and nutrition experts have identified the anti-inflammation diet, a combination of certain foods that are meant to prevent and minimize the amount of inflammation in the body. Though there’s no one single anti-inflammation diet, it most closely resembles the Mediterranean diet that is so popular in Greece and other European areas. If you suffer from severe and chronic inflammation, or simply want to avoid problems in the future, these simple dietary changes could be exactly what you need.
General Rules of the Anti-Inflammatory Diet
In order to subscribe to the anti-inflammatory diet, you need to eat as much fresh food as possible and minimize your consumption of processed and fast food. Carbs, fats, and proteins should all be present at each meal.
Carbs, Fats, Proteins
Carbohydrates should be as unrefined and unprocessed as possible. Whole grains like brown rice and bulgur wheat are great options. Beans, winter squashes, and sweet potatoes are also excellent forms of healthy, non-irritating carbs. Fat is not the enemy to a heathy diet either, and should be consumed mainly in monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, and saturated forms from extra-virgin olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids. As for protein, fish is the best type of animal protein. High quality cheese and yogurt are acceptable, as are beans and whole-soy foods.
These guidelines are not difficult to follow, as plenty of delicious and filling meals can be made with the ingredients and food categories listed. By avoiding processed and refined foods, the body’s inflammation won’t be sparked by toxins and foreign invaders. Within just a few days of this diet you will feel the difference!