Inflammation plagues millions of people throughout the world. Whether it’s acute, chronic, or due to infection, the pain that comes with inflammation is one that can be extremely difficult to overcome— but like most problems, this one can be addressed from multiple angles (and, just like any good fitness routine, it SHOULD be addressed from multiple angles!).
While movement is an important, albeit maybe a little counterintuitive, force in fighting inflammation (see our blog on workouts for sore joints), it’s what you put into your body that will make or break the processes that happen therein— meaning you can eat to battle your inflammation! Healthy fatty acids, antioxidants, and plenty of essential vitamins and minerals will help to fight the nasty inflammation and everything it brings along with it. To fight off inflammation, you’ll need plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D, and antioxidants. Be sure to incorporate the following groceries into your diet to start fighting off the inflammation in your body and help it to recover!
FOR FATTY ACIDS:
- Nuts
- Fatty fishes such as salmon
- Chia seeds
- Flax seeds
- EVOO
- Beans, lentils
FOR VITAMIN D:
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Vitamin-D fortified foods
FOR PLENTY OF ANTIOXIDANTS:
- Turmeric (try this Turmeric Latte!)
- Produce (especially dark leafy greens and berries!)
- Fermented foods/liquids such as kimchi or kombucha
BUT— WHAT SHOULD I AVOID?
(Note that none of these things are actually good for you anyways— so you’re not missing out!)
- Fried foods
- Sodas
- Refined carbs/sugars
- Lard, margarine
- Processed meats
