Inflammation in the body contributes to many debilitating, chronic illnesses — including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer.
Anti-Inflammatory diets help protect against certain diseases but also slows the aging process by stabilizing blood sugar and increasing metabolism. Many people find they also lose weight by following an anti-inflammatory eating pattern, so it’s a win-win situation for an overall healthy lifestyle.
The goals of an anti-inflammatory plan are simple: Cut way back on foods that trigger an inflammatory response and eat more of the foods that heal damage. While there are some variations in what’s allowed and what isn’t, most anti-inflammatory plans share an emphasis on eating whole, minimally processed foods, non-starchy vegetables, mono-unsaturated fats like olive oil and avocado, colorful berries and other fruit, and lots of omega-3s from fatty fish (or supplements), and avoiding added sugar and refined grains.
Here are some tips that can help you follow an anti-inflammatory diet.
- Consume Fiber Constantly
The body needs to consume 25 grams of fiber every day. A fiber-rich diet helps reduce inflammation by supplying naturally occurring anti-inflammatory phytonutrients found in fruits, vegetables, and other whole foods. They’re packed with gut-balancing fiber and powerful antioxidants.
- Limit added sugar and sweet drinks.
