Foods That Stop Inflammation And Promote Healing

Inflammation is the body's natural reaction to irritation and injury. A variety of conditions are linked with chronic inflammation, including asthma, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, heart disease and diabetes, according to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Common over-the-counter medications are often taken to decrease inflammation, but many have adverse side effects. An anti-inflammatory diet is a natural way to increase healing without possible complications.

High-Fiber Foods

According to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, high-fiber diets decrease inflammation. High-fiber diets include whole grains, fruits and vegetables. A person switching to a high-fiber diet may opt for brown rice or whole-grain bread and pasta. Beans are an excellent source of fiber, reports Healing Gourmet. The website suggests adding black, kidney and navy beans to a diet for additional fiber. Apples and pears contain about 5 g of fiber.

Spices

A variety of spices may aid in decreasing chronic inflammation. The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health reports that ginger, rosemary, turmeric and oregano are just some spices with anti-inflammatory properties. Ginger can be made into a warm tea or grated over hot soup. Turmeric is the main spice in curry and is often used butters, mustards and cheeses.

Nuts

Harvard Medical School's Family Health Guide suggests decreasing chronic inflammation by adding walnuts, peanuts and other nuts and seeds to the daily diet. A handful of nuts is recommended daily, suggests MayoClinic.com. The website suggests avoiding sugared or salted nuts. Though nuts are high in fat, nearly all of the fat is unsaturated. Natural peanut butter, void of hydrogenated fat, is an additional way to add anti-inflammatory food to the diet. The spread can be added to apples, bananas and whole grain bread for an additional boost.

Fish

The American Heart Association suggests opting for seafood twice a week. Fatty fish contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which decrease inflammation, blood clotting and irregular heart rhythms. MayoClinc.com suggests eating herring, tuna or salmon. The fish should be baked, broiled or boiled, but not fried, to remain a healthy option.