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3 Inflammation-Fighting Foods You Should Be Eating Every Day, According To Health Experts

October 26, 2021 by Olivia Avitt

 
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When experienced during short periods of time, inflammation is your body’s way of protecting you from foreign invaders like toxins and bacteria—it serves as an alarm system for your body to know it needs to go into attack mode. However, when your body is in this state for too long, a phenomenon known as “chronic inflammation,” it can wreak havoc on many essential systems. Inflammation is often the common denominator of many health issues. From fatigue to body pain to digestive dysfunction to anxiety, inflammation can manifest in a number of ways. Lifestyle factors like stress can play a role in inflammation, but diet and nutrition can certainly exacerbate it as well. If you are suffering from chronic inflammation, taking a look at your nutrition, and learning what foods reduce inflammation, is crucial. What are some of the foods you can add to your meals everyday to heal your body from the inside out?

Citrus Fruits

You may have heard citrus fruits are good for boosting immunity, but did you know they’re a natural anti-inflammatory as well? Whether using them while cooking or eating them as a snack, citrus fruits are one of the best foods to add to your diet. “Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and tangerines are some of the best fruits that reduce body inflammation and aid weight loss. These citrus fruits are full of soluble fiber and have a very low glycemic impact,” Clara Lawson, RDN told SheFinds.


Turmeric

One underestimated strategy when following an anti-inflammatory diet is the use of spices. Many spices are rich in anti-inflammatory properties, and can give you an extra boost when meal prepping. “Turmeric, the bright yellow spice found in curry, is a superstar when it comes to fighting inflammation and improving circulation,” Dr. Yelena Deshko told SheFinds, “A robust body of evidence has shown that curcumin, the active ingredient found in turmeric, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.” 

Salmon

Salmon is one of those foods that you can’t go wrong with—from lowering blood pressure to improving cell function, it has a number of health benefits and is relatively easy to make. It’s also rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which help lower inflammation. Some studies have even found that people who consume salmon experience reductions in the C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker. 


While heavily processed and deep fried foods can make inflammation worse and should be enjoyed in moderation, you should focus more on what you can add than what you should take away. Citrus fruits, turmeric, and salmon, or fatty fish in general, are good bases for a number of dishes that you can enjoy regularly to lower inflammation in your body and feel better. However, before you make any major dietary changes, if you think that you may have chronic inflammation, consult with your doctor to come up with a healthcare plan unique to your needs.

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