Learning About Inflammation: Healing Foods vs. Harmful Foods

Your body uses inflammation as a way to protect itself from injuries and infections. However when it becomes long-term, it can lead to serious illnesses like heart disease, arthritis, or diabetes. The upside? What you eat can either help lower inflammation or make it worse.

Healing Foods

Fatty Fish Omega-3 fats in fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines can lower inflammatory levels in the body.

Bright Fruits and Veggies Foods like berries, leafy greens, and tomatoes include antioxidants and nutrients that fight inflammation. A colorful plate is always a healthier choice!

Nuts and Seeds Almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds pack healthy fats and vitamin E. These work as strong anti-inflammatory helpers.

Olive Oil Extra virgin olive oil has oleocanthal, a compound that acts like anti-inflammatory medicine.

Spices Turmeric and ginger have long been used to ease inflammation .

Foods That Hurt

Refined Carbohydrates White bread, pastries, and sugary cereals raise blood sugar and cause inflammation.

Fried Foods Cooking with inflammatory oils at high heat leads to harmful substances in the body.

Processed Meats Bacon, sausages, and deli meats are full of preservatives and unhealthy fats, which make inflammation worse.

Sugary Drinks Sweet drinks like sodas are one of the biggest causes of inflammation. They are also tied to many long-term health problems.

Trans Fats These unhealthy fats, which are made , are in some margarines and processed snacks. They can harm your health a lot.

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to change your eating habits all at once. Try to add foods that fight inflammation to your diet little by little while cutting back on the unhealthy ones. Taking small steps can improve how you feel every day and your health in the future.

Your body will feel better when you choose foods that help it heal.