Inflammation is caused by the biological response of the vascular tissues to any harmful stimuli such as pathogens, irritants, or damaged cells. In most cases, inflammation is a protective measure by the body to get rid of the detrimental stimuli in order to start the healing process. However, inflammation can be reduced using natural anti inflammatory foods. The symptoms of inflammation include redness, restriction in movement, pain, and swelling.

Inflammation can be chronic or acute. Prolonged inflammation that leads to the progressive shift of cells that exist at the point of inflammation is known as chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation can cause diseases such as hypersensitivity, rheumatoid arthritis, periodontitis, cancer, arthritis, inflammatory bowel diseases, heart disease, celiac disease, asthma, stroke, auto-immune diseases, and acne among others.

It is important to fight any type of inflammation not just because of the pain it causes, but also because chronic inflammation is quite detrimental to the body unlike acute inflammation, where the body's immune system responds to infections and injury by activating the inflammatory chemicals, which fight abnormal substances. Therefore, it is advisable to eat natural anti inflammatory foods in order to cure inflammation.

Natural Anti Inflammatory Foods

The food you decide to eat can help prevent or reduce inflammation naturally. These foods include:

Berries

Blueberries have antioxidants and phytonutrients, which provide protection. The goji-berries, blackberries, cranberries, and raspberries contain antioxidants which are very effective in reducing inflammation.

Papaya

Papayas are natural anti inflammatory foods that contain a protein-digesting enzyme called papain. This enzyme along with vitamins C and E help improve digestion and reduce inflammation.

Pineapple

Pineapples contain an enzyme known as bromelain. This is an enzyme that assists in healing injuries, trauma, indigestion and other forms of inflammation and swelling.

Kelp

Fucoidan is a type of carbohydrate found in kelp and it has anti oxidative and anti inflammation properties. Kelp is high in fiber which helps in weight loss. The types of kelp you can buy in groceries include arame, wakame, and kombu.

Spinach

This is a dark-green leafy vegetable. It is a good source of anti inflammation agents, anti oxidative carotenoids, and flavonoids. It also contains iron, potassium, folate, magnesium, and vitamins A, B1, B2 C, E, K. Non-organic spinach (spinach that has been sprayed with pesticides) increases inflammation. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that you buy organic spinach. Generally, green leafy vegetables are natural anti inflammatory foods.

Broccoli

It contains anti inflammatory phytonutrients, which help the body to get rid of carcinogenic compounds. Cauliflower also contains the same components that help the body in the detoxification process.

Turmeric

This is a common spice especially in Indian foods. Despite the fact that turmeric has many medical benefits, it is a very powerful anti inflammatory spice. However, it does not take effect immediately you start using it. Ginger (a common spice especially in Asian foods) is an alternative of turmeric that is highly valued internationally because of its anti inflammation qualities.

Omega 3 fatty acids

These healthy fats have proven to be a great anti inflammation diet. The sources of these fatty acids are fish, coconut oil, walnuts, avocado oil, and virgin olive oil.

The natural anti inflammatory foods mentioned above are great natural remedies for all types of inflammation since they do not have any side effects. If you suffer from inflammation, you should not eat foods that contain gluten, cayenne, tomato, okra, bell pepper, paprika, potato, eggs, legumes, dairy products, steak, sugar, caffeine, citrus and fatty foods.