Fighting inflammation starts inside the body and the best protectors against inflammation are the foods we eat.  Chronic inflammation has been linked to cancer and cardiovascular diseases. More minor inflammation can manifest in many differing ways.  We may experience arthritis, acne, bloating, weight gain, and fatigue This makes sense; the more inflammation your body is trying to calm, the more stress we create in our cells and systems on a regular basis, leading to a higher likelihood for disease to develop.

The foods we eat on a daily basis contribute to the acid build up within our systems, even if we qualify some as healthy.  The happy news here is we can fight inflammation with cooling alkalizing foods to help the body calm inflammation. While it isn’t always possible to maintain the a perfect diet implementing some of the foods listed can help your body to neutralize and fight off chronic inflammation.  And feeling better (de-bloat!) never hurt anyone either!

Some cooling, anti-inflammatory foods (I include every week obsessively because delicious and nutritious) are:

Asparagus: contains a melody of anti-inflammatory nutrients; notably including the plant based compund saponins which hold anti-cancer properties and lower cholesterol.

Avocado: High in Vitamin E-a fat soluble vitamin (inside the perfect vehicle of the avocado itself-thanks nature) protects against toxins and slows down the processes that damage cells.  It is an important vitamin that supports proper function in many of the body’s organs. They also contain a constituent called Persenone A that suppresses the effects of two prominent chemicals that cause inflammation in the body.

Beets-The red color of the beet itself is the key to its benefits for the body, betalins is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory that promotes cardiovascular health by aiding the vascular tubes to expand for more blood and oxygen to flow through.

Blueberries-A wonder berry!  Filled with potassium, calcium, zinc, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and other alkaline minerals-need I process to express the superfood prowess of this berry? Just indulge and enjoy the food that ranked in the top 20 on the Aggregate Nutrient Density Index (ANDI) that rates foods on the most nutrients per calorie.

Broccoli-Abundant in Vitamin K-known to help with blood clotting.  It may also block enzymes linked to joint damage due to the compound it contains called sulforaphane.

Carrots-Full of Vitamin A which benefits not only eye health, but also reduces pain for inflammation in the body.

Coconut Oil- Purifies the blood, neutralizes acid, charges energy, helps with aging, keeps you feeling full, and is dense in nutrients.

Dark Leafy Greens (bok choy, collard greens, kale, spinach)- Leafy Greens are powerhouses of nutrition.  They contain Vitamin K, omega-3’s, flavonoid compounds that fight inflammation, minerals, fiber, etc..  Spinach, specifically, also aids in an improved digestive system (trust).

Mushrooms-Hold many anti-inflammatory compounds and are best eaten raw for the most robust array of compounds.  Note that while they are considered an acid the benefits outweigh the risks, enjoy weekly but not daily for balance.

Sea Vegetables (Kelp)- Full of antioxidants and fiber.  Brown Algaes including; Bladderwack and Kelp is filled with a compound called fucoidan  (found in certain sea vegetables cell walls) that have the potential to help aide in cancer prevention and helps with blood pressure.

Seeds (chia and flax)- Packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids (heart-healthy), and fiber. Flax also contains more lignans, a plant-based cancer fighting chemical, than any other food.

Spices (Ginger, Mint, Tumeric)-Reduces and soothes muscle and joint pain, while also reducing inflammation.

Some Foods to Avoid (inflammatory foods with high acidity) when trying to follow a more anti-inflammatory lifestyle:

• Trans Fats
• Soda
• Red Meat
• Processed Meats
• Fried Foods
• Refined Cards-white bread, pasta, pastries
• Dairy
• Sugar

Following the guidelines will certainly help you to feel better and begin the path to a more anti-inflammatory lifestyle.  Keeping in mind what you put in your body and how it makes you feel is always key. Not one body is the same.  Tune in and listen to what yours is communicating.