Inflammation is the body's response to injury or disease. As we get older, our body becomes susceptible to diseases such as arthritis and bursitis. These diseases can become chronic and cause constant pain and discomfort. Diet plays a large role in how the body handles disease. The right foods will help strengthen the immune system and allow the body to heal and become more resilient.
Fresh Foods
Dr. Weil believes that adding a variety of fresh foods to the diet is beneficial in staying healthy and controlling inflammation and other symptoms of disease. Food that is eaten fresh and in its natural state offers the most nutrients. The nutrients in raw foods are easily assimilated by the body. The storage and preparation of fresh foods is the key in how well they hold their nutritive value. Freezing is a popular way to store fresh foods.
Baking, broiling and steaming are ways of preparing foods that help maintain nutritive value without adding fats and carbohydrates. Grilling meats that have been pre-cooked in an over or steamer is an excellent way of finishing the cooking process, according to Dr. Weil.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables should make up the majority of your diet, according to Dr. Weil. You should eat at least four or five servings of vegetables and three or four servings of fruit each day. Blueberries, cherries, blackberries and other colorful fruits contain an abundance of nutrients and are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. You should include all colors of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Kale, spinach, lettuce and other green, leafy vegetables should be a mainstay in diets that are meant to alleviate inflammation and swelling. Colorful vegetables, such as red, orange and yellow peppers, contain beta carotene and vitamin C. These vegetables promote healing and strengthen the immune system.
Avoid Processed Foods
Processed foods contain additives and preservatives that put stress on the liver and the digestive tract. These toxins can cause allergic reactions and aggravate symptoms of existing disease. Additives can also slow down the digestive processes and reduce the amount of nutrients the body is able to assimilate.
Dr. Weil's Anti-Inflammatory Diet includes foods that help keep your digestive system on track and functioning at its best. Inflammation is an integral part of the healing process. It provides extra fluid and nutrients to injured areas of the body. Inflammation can occur unnecessarily because of chronic disease or or because your immune system malfunctions and perceives a threat. Your diet can help control these reactions. Consuming processed foods can cause adverse reactions and inhibit the body from acting normally under stress. Eating fresh foods instead of processed foods will help your body regain a healthy balance.
Foods to Avoid
Refined grains, foods with excessive amounts of sugar, and highly processed meats are foods that can cause imbalances within the body. Soft drinks, presweetened cereals and pastries are considered pro-inflammatory foods because they are known to cause inflammation, according to Diet.com. These sugary foods produce acute oxidative stress, which leads to infammation.
Foods that contain arachidonic acid are also considered to be pro-inflammatory. Eggs, dairy products and meat are sources of arachidonic acid, and they should be included sparingly in an anti-inflammatory diet.
