A 2006 national survey conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention found that 30 percent of adults reported experiencing joint pain during the preceding 30 days. Joint pain can be managed through exercise, ergonomic devices which correct body position and medications. Diet is also an important factor in reducing inflammation linked with joint pain. Balancing inflammatory foods and anti-inflammatory foods may help reduce inflammation connected with joint pain according to nutritionist Monica Reinagel.
Inflammation Factor
The inflammation connected with joint pain can be affected by several dietary factors including vitamins and minerals, amount and type of fat and anti-inflammatory compounds. The Inflammation Factor Rating system, developed by nutritionist Monica Reinagel, uses these and other factors to rate food with either a positive or negative IF Rating. Positive IF Ratings mean the food has anti-inflammatory properties, while negative IF Ratings mean the food has inflammatory properties.
Inflammatory Foods
Some inflammatory foods with negative IF Ratings, such as french fries and butter, come as no surprise as being unhealthy if eaten in large quantities. But, other foods, such as apples and multi-grain bread, which have a healthy reputation, also have negative IF Ratings. Their inflammatory properties may be a shock, but it's important to keep in mind that a negative IF Rating doesn't mean the food is unhealthy as a whole; in fact, inflammatory foods can be balanced by eating anti-inflammatory foods.
Anti-inflammatory Foods
Foods with anti-inflammatory properties include boiled broccoli, raw carrots and salmon. The positive IF Rating of these foods refers to the combination of essential fatty acids, antioxidants and other factors which result in anti-inflammatory properties. Just because strawberries have a positive IF Rating and apples have a negative IF Rating doesn't mean strawberries are healthier overall. The key is to be aware of the IF Rating of different foods in order to balance them in such a way that leaves you with a positive IF Rating at the end of the day.
Balancing Inflammation
One cup of sliced strawberries has an IF Rating of positive 28; an apple has an IF Rating of negative 30. So, adding a cup of sliced strawberries would nearly cancel out the inflammatory effects of your daily apple. If you don't like strawberries, you could eat an ounce of dry roasted almonds, which has a IF Rating of positive 56, in which case the inflammatory effects of the apple are not only canceled out, but you're also left with positive 26 anti-inflammation. The IF Rating system is a tool to help reduce overall inflammation by balancing inflammatory and anti-inflammatory foods in your diet and reduce joint pain.
