Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to a variety of health problems in the modern world. The inflammatory response is essentially a protective response that occurs when your body is infected with a virus or bacteria or injured. However, when this acute inflammation doesn’t go away and becomes chronic, it contributes to a number of diseases.
Causes and consequences of chronic inflammation
When the body’s immune system is not doing its job and inflammation becomes chronic, it causes a variety of physical problems. Weight gain, joint pain, skin problems, chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, and more are all associated with chronic inflammation. These issues can reduce the quality of your daily life and, in the long run, lead to more serious illnesses.
Foods to Reduce Inflammation
It’s important to make changes to your diet to reduce inflammation. Here are some of the top inflammation-reducing foods.
Cruciferous vegetables and spices
Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, are very effective at reducing inflammation. Spices like cinnamon and turmeric also have anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin in turmeric, in particular, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Berry Fruit
Berry fruits, such as strawberries and blueberries, can also help reduce inflammation. These fruits are rich in antioxidants, which are effective in suppressing the inflammatory response.
Drinks to reduce inflammation
According to EatThis, NotThat, an American health and food information outlet, there are inflammation-reducing drinks that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine. Here are a few of our favorite drinks.
Pineapple juice
The bromelain enzyme, abundant in pineapple, inhibits the action of proteins that cause inflammatory diseases. It is especially effective in relieving joint pain and swelling. Studies have shown that both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients have experienced the anti-inflammatory and anti-analgesic effects of bromelain. Pineapple juice also helps to reduce the inflammatory response caused by exercise. It’s rich in potassium, which plays a big role in reducing inflammation in the body.
Green tea
Green tea is rich in powerful anti-inflammatory compounds called catechins. Catechins promote healthy colon mucosa by reducing cytokines that cause inflammation, especially in the large intestine. According to a paper by researchers at Kyungpook National University in South Korea, green tea is beneficial for people with inflammatory bowel disease. Polyphenols, including catechins, help strengthen the intestinal epithelial barrier and contribute to a healthy microbiome.
Ginger tea
Ginger tea warms the body by increasing circulation. Also, if you have an upset stomach and feel nauseous, drinking ginger tea can help ease your stomach. Ginger tea is also helpful when joints are inflamed. A study by researchers at the University of Miami in the United States found that ginger reduced joint pain and stiffness in a trial of 247 people with osteoarthritis.
The Debate: Anti-Inflammatory Foods vs. Drugs
The debate over which is more effective, anti-inflammatory foods or drugs, is still ongoing. While many people prefer whole foods, drugs can provide faster and more powerful effects. However, medications carry a risk of side effects, and long-term use can lead to tolerance. Foods, on the other hand, have fewer side effects and are easier to incorporate into your daily routine. In the end, your choice will depend on your personal situation and health.
Conclusion
Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to a variety of health problems. To prevent and alleviate this, it’s important to include anti-inflammatory foods in your diet. Pineapple juice, green tea, and ginger tea are good options that are easy to consume. It’s also important to better understand the effects of anti-inflammatory foods and medications and find what works for you.
