Aliments that are directly related to inflammation?
Sore muscles. Edema. Allergies. A tenderness that results in the inability to move a hand or leg. Redness and heat around a wound. Back pain. Arthritis. Frequent gas or digestive issues. This list could go on and on.
Truth is, most of us suffer from some sort of inflammation.
And, for most of us, inflammation is greatly affecting the way we live our day-to-day lives.
Not to mention our overall health.
A not-so-great thing to think about, fortunately, with some minor changes to lifestyle habits, we can control inflammation and get back to thriving, instead of suffering.
That said, today we are excited to walk you through what inflammation is as well as foods that are good for fighting inflammation. On top of that, we will also give you our favorite anti-inflammatory juice recipe. Beware, it’s so good, you might just be making it every day!
What Is Inflammation?
First things first, inflammation is your body’s natural defense system against infection, injury, bacteria, and viruses as well as the reaction of autoimmune diseases. When an outside invader is detected white blood cells are sent to the area in hopes of protecting the body.
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Now that we know this, it is also important to know that inflammation can be segmented into two types.
Those types are acute and chronic.
Acute is the short-term reaction. For instance, it is the swelling, heat, and sensation you feel after bumping your knee. It is also the yucky feeling you have when fighting a cold or the flu.
On the other hand, chronic is the long-term reaction, which comes from being exposed to chemicals or unwanted substances (cigarette smoke, metals, pesticides, pollution, etc.). It can also be a sign of an unhealed injury or illness. More importantly, when inflammation sticks around for a long time, it can cause havoc on the body.
As a matter of fact, most chronic diseases are caused by chronic inflammation. For example, it is very closely linked to asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, stroke, even Alzheimers.
Something that doctors have known for a long time, in today’s modern world, there are plenty of ways to alleviate inflammation. However, not all are made equal.
There are pharmaceutical medications. Some of these may mask the symptoms, some may have nasty side effects, and some may work.
There are physical therapy plans. But, this may not work for internal inflammation or it may take a long time to see results.
There are options for surgery. However, the process is very invasive, causes more inflammation, and the recovery is long.
And, last but certainly not least, there are foods you can eat to help. Yes, your diet can be your natural inflammation medication. Better yet, food is good for you. It is not invasive and works to fortify your body in so many ways!
So, if you want to ward off illness and help your body feel its best, it is probably a good idea to understand what foods are great for fighting inflammation.
What Foods Are Good For Fighting Inflammation?
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When considering foods that are good for fighting inflammation, you want to look for stuff that will help flush the body due to high levels of water and antioxidants as well as minerals and vitamins. We’re taking vitamin A, beta carotene, bromelain, quercetin, vitamin B6, magnesium, and so many more!
And, luckily for you and us, as it turns out, there are a lot of really yummy foods in an anti-inflammatory diet. Here is a list of some of the top, most effective, ones.
Veggies Don’t Bite
- Cucumber
- Celery
- Broccoli
- Peppers Of All Kinds (bell, jalapeno, chili)
- Mushrooms
- Leafy greens (spinach, kale, collards)
- Carrot
Fruits Make The World Go Round
- Berries Of All Kinds (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
- Pineapple
- Avocado (yes, its a fruit)
- Grapes
- Tomatoes (yes, fruit too)
- Cherries
- Oranges
- Green Apples
- Lemon and Lime
Spices, Herbs, and More, Oh My!
- Ginger
- Green Tea
- Turmeric
- Olive Oil
- Nuts (almonds and walnuts)
- Fatty Fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardine)
- Chocolate and Cocoa
- Mint
- Alkaline Water
The Best Anti-Inflammatory Juice Recipe
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While you could take any of the items on the above list and make a nice smoothie or juice, we thought we would share a tasty recipe. After all, not that you would try throwing salmon in a blender with chocolate, tomatoes, and blueberries, let’s start your anti-inflammation eating journey on the right foot.
On top of that, before revealing the exact recipe, we’ll explain why we picked each of the ingredients!
Pineapple - not only does this brightly colored fruit have a delightful flavor that will give nice sweet yet tangy notes to your juice, but it is also high in an enzyme called bromelain. And, this enzyme is known for triggering the body’s ability to combat inflammation.
Green Apple - another sweet and tangy fruit, green apples are also rich in a bioflavonoid known as quercetin. Even better, this bioflavonoid is a natural antihistamine and anti-inflammatory!
Cucumber - refreshing as can be, we love cucumbers because they have a high water count and have some mega good electrolyte properties which are both good for flushing. AKA they help reduce inflammation by ridding the body of toxins.
Spinach - subtle in taste, in a juice, you will hardly notice the leafiness of spinach. But, more importantly, your body will enjoy its high levels of antioxidants and other vitamins.
Mint - bright in flavor, this magical herd in an anti-inflammatory juice does wonders. In fact, beyond adding a crisp taste, it adds high levels of antioxidants and an anti-inflammatory called rosmarinic acid.
Alkaline Water - water with a pH of +9 that has been made naturally with minerals is a magnificent anti-inflammatory agent. More than just increasing hydration and working to flush the body, DYLN alkaline water includes inflammation-reducing magnesium.
Jalapeno or Ginger - for those that love a good kick in their inflammation-fighting juice, you can’t go wrong with peppers or ginger. Spicy peppers are full of anti-inflammatory compounds called capsaicinoids. Ginger, which is nice and ziggy, is high in inflammation-reducing gingerol and zingerone.
Now for the recipe:
- 1 cup pineapple (frozen or fresh)
- ½ cucumber (peeled or not)
- ½ green apple
- 1 cup spinach
- ¼ cup mint
- 1 cup alkaline water
- 1 jalapeno or 1 knob ginger (optional)
When you have gathered all of the ingredients, put everything in a juicer or a blender.
If using a juicer, carefully stir the ingredients until smooth.
If using a blender, mix well, then strain using a fine mesh colander or cheesecloth.
Be sure to enjoy this amazing juice right away. It will not keep well in the fridge for more than 24 hours.
And, with that, cheers to less inflammation!
