{"id":5532,"date":"2021-12-08T09:00:34","date_gmt":"2021-12-08T09:00:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sometimesraw.com\/?p=5532"},"modified":"2021-12-08T09:10:30","modified_gmt":"2021-12-08T09:10:30","slug":"inflammation-101-here-are-some-food-tips-that-can-help-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sometimesraw.com\/?p=5532","title":{"rendered":".Inflammation 101: Here are some food tips that can help you."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Inflammation is something we all hear about. But what is it, what causes it, and what are some of the best anti-inflammatory foods? I will cover it all in today\u2019s post. Feel free to add your experiences, ideas, and insights in the comment section below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inflammation has become quite a buzz word in recent years. I know that in my experiences with my health in the past, inflammation was something I really wanted to reduce, and maybe you can relate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When we hear the word \u2018inflammation\u2019 we often associate it with something bad. And it can be! But not all the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is inflammation?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Very generally speaking, inflammation is the body\u2019s immune response to an irritant.\u00a0This irritant could be things like a foreign object such as a splinter in your finger, or invaders like germs or viruses. Inflammation can be seen and felt as soreness, redness, and swelling. Even exercise can cause inflammation in the body, especially if we overdo it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But not all inflammation is bad. In fact, a healthy inflammatory response is crucial for helping us overcome illness and heal wounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That being said, there is such thing as too much inflammation. Chronic or systemic inflammation is associated with cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, metabolic diseases including obesity and metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and autoimmune conditions. Conditions ending in \u201c-itis\u201d denotes inflammation, such as arthritis, dermatitis, or gastritis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So while some inflammation can be a good thing (and is simply part of life) too much can be problematic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What causes inflammation?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inflammation can be caused by things like a cut or wound, virus, or even exercise. But there are also food and lifestyle factors known to promote inflammation. These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 excessive alcohol intake
\u2022 trans fats from ultra-processed foods
\u2022 excessive intake of refined carbohydrates
\u2022 high intake of red meat
\u2022 stress
\u2022 sedentary lifestyles<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which foods can reduce inflammation? <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A simple rule of thumb for combating inflammation in the body is to eat more whole foods like fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and healthy fats. You know, the stuff we already know are best for us to eat! No surprises here. These foods contain a variety of antioxidants and nutrients like minerals and essential fatty acids. The Mediterranean Diet<\/em><\/strong> is known for being quite anti-inflammatory because it\u2019s based on so many fresh, whole foods. I will most likely write an article about this diet and its specifics very soon. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let\u2019s explore 12 anti-inflammatory foods that are wonderful for our body. These are foods that I personally eat most often! I\u2019ll also be sharing ways that you can incorporate these foods into your diet. Remember though that while these are great to eat more of, there\u2019s no need to stress about them or become obsessive\u00a0\u00a0about eating anti-inflammatory foods at all times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Berries<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I love berries! Berries like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries all contain potent antioxidants called anthocyanins that give them their rich ruby red and blue colours. These compounds have anti-inflammatory effects that may reduce your risk of disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ways I Use Berries:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n