Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Help Reduce Pain
Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates once said, “let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food.” In 2020, this statement stands — with the science to back it up! Researchers today are increasingly becoming aware of the link between our diet and its effects on the whole body. Chronic inflammation in the body can cause a variety of health issues — however there are some foods with inflammation-fighting abilities.
What Is Inflammation?
When your body identifies things that could harm you, such as infections, injuries, and toxins, it attempts to heal itself through the fighting process of inflammation.
An occasional time of inflammation is important to protect yourself from true threats. According to Healthline, “Chronic inflammation happens when this response lingers, leaving your body in a constant state of alert. Over time, chronic inflammation may have a negative impact on your tissues and organs.” This chronic inflammation leads to damage to your body and may contribute to health problems like chronic pain and even cancer.
Foods to Prevent or Reduce Inflammation
The following foods are great choices for an anti-inflammatory diet:
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Leafy green vegetables (kale, spinach, collard greens)
- Nuts (walnuts, almonds)
- Fatty fish (tuna, salmon, sardines)
- Antioxidant-rich fruits (blueberries, cherries)
- Avocado
- Dark Chocolate
- Mushrooms
- Peppers
Foods To Stay Away From
Most foods are ok in moderation; however in daily life it’s best to avoid:
- Fried Food
- Refined Carbohydrates (white bread)
- Margarine
- Sugar and Soda
- Processed Meat
- Excessive Alcohol
The Bottom Line
Chronic Inflammation plays a role in several pain-causing chronic diseases, including arthritis. Your diet can either worsen or improve the levels of inflammation in your body.
At MAPS we believe in treating the causes, rather than simply masking the symptoms of pain. Our treatments are designed to work with the body to help our patients feel their best selves. Contact us to set up a complimentary consultation to learn more about the ways we can help treat chronic pain.
