Foods to eat that help reduce inflammation

Some foods naturally combat inflammation in the body and by eating these, it can help our sore bodies and those tense muscles. What should we eat? Check out this basic anti-inflammatory diet:

• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables (especially leafy greens!)
• Minimize saturated and trans fats
• Eat a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, such as healthy fatty fish and walnuts
• Watch your intake of refined carbohydrates such as pasta and white rice
• Eat plenty of whole grains such as brown rice and bulgur wheat
• Eat lean protein sources such as chicken; cut back on red meat and full-fat dairy foods (low-fat dairy only please!)
• Avoid refined foods and processed foods
• Spice it up -- add ginger, curry, and other spices

Foods that are high in sugar can spike inflammation.  It can even cause over-activity in the immune system, which can lead to joint pain, fatigue, and damage to the blood vessels. 

Ideally we want foods with vitamin E, fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fat -- and the list above contains a lot of these. 

My personal favorite suggestion, and what I plan to start (beginning tomorrow), is drinking 1 cup of tart cherry juice per day.  "Studies have found that tart cherry juice can reduce the inflammation in lab rats’ blood vessels by up to 50%; in humans, meanwhile, it’s been shown to help athletes improve their performance and reduce their use of anti-inflammatory pain meds."

So... drink up!!!