10 foods that fight inflammation and improve your health

Inflammation occurs when a part of your body becomes red, swollen and painful. Although this sounds terrible, sometimes inflammation can be a good thing. Acute inflammation is the familiar swelling and redness that occurs after getting a cut or bump. The body is sending an army of white blood cells to protect the area and fight infection. In time, the area is healed and things return to normal

However, chronic inflammation occurs when the white blood cells don’t leave and begin to attack healthy tissue and organs nearby. Harvard Health compares chronic inflammation to a smoldering fire that gradually injures tissues, joints and blood vessels until it is too late. The damage is realized as conditions like arthritis, heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease develop.

Some of the most effective methods of addressing the smoldering fire of chronic inflammation can be found in your kitchen. Researchers have identified many foods that will actually reduce and possibly prevent chronic inflammation. Here are 10 foods that can help fight inflammation and, as a bonus, improve overall health.

A berry good choice

Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and other berries are great sources of fiber, vitamins and minerals, but they also contain antioxidants called anthocyanins, which fight inflammation. In addition to being delicious, berries can also boost immunity and reduce heart disease risk.

A grape addition

Grapes, like berries, have anthocyanins. Grapes are also a great source of resveratrol, which is another inflammation fighter. Research has found that the resveratrol and antioxidants are also found in wine made from grapes, especially red wine. However, drinking too much alcohol has negative health effects. Focus on eating whole grapes or drinking purple or red grape juices to fight inflammation.

Fishing for good health

All fish contain protein and the sought after omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce inflammation. When possible choose fatty fish like salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel since they are the best sources of the omega-3 fatty acids.

Close to cruciferous

Vegetables that belong to the cabbage family are known as cruciferous vegetables. They include Brussels sprouts, kale and cauliflower but the star of the show is broccoli. All cruciferous vegetables contain antioxidants but broccoli has high amounts of sulforaphane, a very powerful anti-inflammatory substance.

Avocado in the arsenal

Few foods can match the power of avocados, which are packed with potassium, magnesium, fiber and heart-healthy fats, which all take aim at inflammation. They also contain several substances that reduce cancer risk.

Time for tea

Green tea is one of the healthiest beverages available due to bountiful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea also has a substance that helps safeguard cells from damage.

Pack on peppers

Both bell peppers and chili peppers have ample amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants. Add them to salads, soups and other dishes for an anti-inflammatory boost.

Tomatoes on the team

Tomatoes can bring power to your nutritional lineup with vitamin C, potassium and the anti-inflammatory pro, lycopene. If you cook tomatoes in olive oil, you can maximize the amount of lycopene your body absorbs.

Friendly fat

Extra virgin olive oil contains oleocanthal, an inflammatory fighting antioxidant. Some studies have shown that oleocanthal can match the power of some anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen.

Chocolate too

Dark chocolate and cocoa are packed with antioxidants that give inflammation its just dessert. Be sure to choose chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for the maximum benefits.

Diet and recovery

A medical event requiring hospitalization is disruptive to anyone’s life and the following time of recovery can be challenging. Getting beneficial nutritional meals can be a difficult task when choosing to recover at home. One way to be sure you are getting every possible beneficial treatment from a healthy diet to effective medical care is to choose to stay in a  short-term care facility rather than going directly home. You will be surrounded by helpful staff who work to make sure you are getting proper exercise, healthy meals and expert medical care, which can lead to a shorter and more successful recovery experience.

One of the area’s best options for this type of comprehensive recovery is Glenview Terrace. Guests who choose Glenview Terrace for recovery will have access to board-certified medical directors and physicians from local hospitals to ensure continuity of care. Top therapists provide personalized, one-on-one physical, occupational, speech and respiratory therapies to help you quickly and thoroughly recover. A nurse practitioner is on-site to work directly with your physician to help quickly diagnose and manage your medical needs. Also, a rehabilitation nursing manager will guide your nursing team so you can reach the best possible outcome while the director of therapy oversees your therapy goals. Experienced dietitians carefully plan meals that will aid in healing.

This period of recovery is set in elegantly appointed surroundings. Comfortable rooms with deluxe walk-in showers, satellite television and an array of amenities make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

For a recovery that is both effective and elegant, make plans to recover at Glenview Terrace. For additional information or to arrange a tour, visit glenviewterrace.com or call 847-729-9090.