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Inflammation Nutritional Guide

Inflammation occurs when there is any kind of harm in the interior or exterior of the body. Normally, when the damage is repaired, the inflamed area goes back to normal. However, if cellular communication isn’t working properly, inflammation will continue, causing more damage than good. This often times takes place due to high stress levels and a poor diet. The following are foods that will help strengthen cellular communication by providing the right tools our cells need. Additionally, many of these foods help with controlling stress and also have anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce inflammation in a natural way.

 

*Many of today’s foods contain chemicals and other properties that actually induce or increase inflammation. Remember that, whenever possible, buy fresh organic foods.

 

 

Proteins

Beans

 

Choose boneless, skinless chicken breast (remember that organic is key) and free range chicken as this will help improve serotonin levels. This is particularly helpful since stress plays a big role in chronic inflammation. Avoid fried chicken for this will undo any improvement of serotonin levels.

Chicken

 

Choose boneless, skinless chicken breast (remember that organic is key) and free range chicken as this will help improve serotonin levels. This is particularly helpful since stress plays a big role in chronic inflammation. Avoid fried chicken for this will undo any improvement of serotonin levels.

Turkey

 

Choose white meat over dark meat for a good source of lean protein. Stay away from ground turkey that isn’t made with turkey breast as other ground turkey contain undesirable parts.

Fish

 

This food is high in protein, low in calories, and contains no fat, making it an excellent snack or meal that can keep you satisfied. Remember to always look for organic-free range eggs when shopping.

Egg Whites

 

This food is high in protein, low in calories, and contains no fat, making it an excellent snack or meal that can keep you satisfied. Remember to always look for organic-free range eggs when shopping.

Fruits and Vegetables

Citrus Fruit

 

Some great examples are lemons, oranges, and grapefruits--with lemons helping to balance out equilibrium in the body. These fruits contain many antioxidants such as vitamin C, which helps the body against high levels of stress.

Berries

 

These delectable fruits are high in antioxidants which help decrease inflammation.

Squash

 

Squash is an excellent source of beta carotene, which helps oxygenate the blood; it also contains many other nutrients such as Vitamin C and fiber. This diverse vegetable can be easily added to salads and stir fries. Some great examples are zucchini, butternut squash, and summer squash.

Beet

 

Beets are full of all types of nutritional benefits, including potassium, iron, and folic acid, which helps reduce inflammation as well as beta carotene.

Bananas

 

These fruits are a good source of vitamin B6, which is needed for your body to produce melatonin, which helps relaxes the body. Bananas are also rich in Vitamin C and potassium.

Cabbage

 

Cabbage is full of vitamin K and bioflavonoids, which helps to reduce inflammation. Green, purple, bok choy, and chinese cabbages are some great examples.

Artichoke

 

Pineapple contains bromelain, which contains anti-inflammatory properties and helps clean the throat.

Pineapple

 

Pineapple contains bromelain, which contains anti-inflammatory properties and helps clean the throat.

Papaya

 

This fruit is a great source of bioflavonoid, which is an antioxidant that helps absorb Vitamin C.

Carrot

 

Orange and sweet, this vegetable is rich in potassium and fiber, which help in digestion. Carrots are also an excellent source of zinc and beta carotene--with beta carotene aiding in the balancing of stress. One of the best ways to get all of the nutritional benefits of carrots is through the daily consumption of freshly juiced organic carrots.

Sweet potato & Yams

 

Sweet Potatoes and yams are rich in vitamins A, B, C, and E along with beta carotene, which all aid the body when undergoing high amounts of stress. These potatoes make excellent snacks and additions to meals.

Grape

 

This fruit is full of vitamins and minerals as well as fiber that helps lower levels of “bad” (LDL) cholesterol.

Apple

 

This fruit is full of vitamins and minerals as well as fiber that helps lower levels of “bad” (LDL) cholesterol.

Melon

 

Cantaloupe, honeydew, and watermelon are excellent examples and are good sources of minerals, vitamin C, beta carotene, and folic acid along with compounds that help thin the blood and lower blood pressure. These tasty treats can be added to smoothies, fruit salads, and meals as well as enjoyed raw.

Tomato

 

These red fruits are full nutrients such as iron, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C along with antioxidants that helps fight asthma and other inflammatory problems.

Mushrooms

 

Mushrooms are an excellent source of Vitamin D and contain many other health benefits, such as lowering blood cholesterol and aiding in stimulating the immune system as well as promoting good eyesight.

Broccoli

 

As a source of Vitamin C and beta carotene, this vegetable helps to fortify the immune system as well as assists in promoting efficient intestinal function. When eating broccoli, be sure to eat as raw as possible as to gain the most health benefits.

Cauliflower

 

Cauliflower is an excellent source of pantothenic acid, which is an anti-stress nutrient.

Bell pepper

 

Yellow, green, and red--especially red and green bell peppers-- are rich in vitamin C as well as other nutrients such as beta carotene, which helps fortifies the immune system--red bell pepper is best known for being full of this nutrient.

Dark Leafy Grrens

 

These are great nutrient-rich foods and should be included in your daily consumption. Some of the nutrients contained in these greens include vitamins K, C, and E along with fiber, which helps in digestion; dark leafy greens are great sources of antioxidants. Spinach, kale, collards, chard, and bok choy are all excellent examples.

Whole Grains and Seeds

Flax Seed

 

High in fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids, flax seeds is full of vitamins, phytonutrients, and protein. Its health benefits include support to the immune system, excellent cholesterol levels and digestion. When buying, remember to only purchase whole flax seeds as ground flax seeds lose the essential nutritional benefits. *Flaxseed is a powerful nutrient-rich food and daily consumption should not exceed 1-2 Tbsp.

Whole Grain Wheat

 

Whole wheat contains fiber along with an assortment of vitamins and minerals. When buying, remember to buy only wheat labeled as whole grain as other wheat do not have the same nutritional benefits.

Millet

 

This grain is packed with amino acids, phosphorous, iron, potassium, and manganese. Its high silica contents also helps promote good blood cholesterol. Millet can make an excellent addition to cereals and desserts.

Kamut

 

Kamut is full of many nutrients including--vitamins E, B1, and B2 along with selenium, magnesium, phosphorous, and zinc. This can be best found in any local health food store in bulk.

Spelt

 

Spelt is a complex carbohydrate, provides energy, and contains fiber.

Buckwheat

 

Rich in rutin (a flavonoid and antioxidant), buckwheat improves blood circulation, lowers blood pressure, and reduces hypertension. This can be used as a cereal and can be included in baked goods.

Oat

 

This versatile grain can be added to smoothies and replace breadcrumbs along with making a great breakfast selection. Be sure to stay away from instant flavored oatmeal as these contain large amounts of refined sugar and other added unwanted ingredients. Oats are an excellent choice because they help to regulate blood glucose and insulin levels, making you feel fuller for a longer period of time.

Quinoa

 

Quinoa is a great source of nutrients--calcium, phosphorus, and iron being a part of it as well as vitamin E and most of the vitamins B--it also contains protein. This versatile seed can replace oats for oatmeal, be served as a salad, and can be added to thicken soups.

Hemp

 

Hemp contains protein and can be added to desserts as well as cereal with hemp milk.

Healthy Fats

Avocado

 

Rich in healthy fats, olive oil also aids in reducing LDL cholesterol and raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol. When buying, be sure to purchase oil labeled as extra virgin-cold pressed as it contains more antioxidants than olive oil not labeled as cold pressed. Be sure to consume in moderation.

Flax Oil

 

Flaxseed oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which is important for the human body. When shopping for flaxseed oil, remember to choose oil labeled with lignan and is the refrigerated kind.

 

Olive Oil

 

This special oil contains Medium-chain fatty acids which are necessary for our body’s daily functions and has properties that make it able to not produce dangerous trans fatty acids.Coconut oil has also been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. This can be spread on breads and added to any desserts. For the best health benefits, look for the coconut oil labeled as virgin.

Nuts

 

Nuts contain healthy fats and protein as well as magnesium and fiber. Be sure to eat unsalted raw nuts which contain no added ingredients. Nuts are also very easy to snack on so be sure to watch consumption as too much is not ideal if you are trying to lose weight. A reasonable amount is a scant handful.

Coconut Oil

 

Nuts contain healthy fats and protein as well as magnesium and fiber. Be sure to eat unsalted raw nuts which contain no added ingredients. Nuts are also very easy to snack on so be sure to watch consumption as too much is not ideal if you are trying to lose weight. A reasonable amount is a scant handful.

Seeds

 

Raw sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds are excellent examples. They are full of Vitamin E, which helps reduce inflammation, as well as a good source of magnesium. Whenever possible, sprout the seeds as this helps give the body the most benefits.

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