We typically think of inflammation as a result of an injury or disease. But diet also plays an important role in chronic inflammation.
This is in part because the foods we eat influence the types of bacteria that populate our gut and their chemical byproducts. While some foods encourage the growth of bacteria that stimulate inflammation, others promote the growth of bacteria that help suppress it. That's why it's important to know which foods have anti-inflammatory properties and which can cause inflammation
Foods that fight inflammation
- Fruits and vegetables. Most fruits and brightly colored vegetables naturally contain high levels of antioxidants and polyphenols. Polyphenols are potentially protective compounds found in plants. Studies have shown that polyphenols have multiple anti-inflammatory properties and may improve the function of cells that line blood vessels. Foods high in polyphenols include onions, turmeric, red grapes, cherries, and plums, as well as dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collard greens.
- Nuts and seeds. Studies have found that consuming nuts and seeds is associated with reduced markers of inflammation and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
- Some oils and fatty fish. Olive oil, flaxseed oil, and fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel offer healthy doses of omega-3 fatty acids, which have long been shown to reduce inflammation.
- Coffee, cocoa and green tea. The polyphenols in coffee and the flavanols in cocoa are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea is also rich in both polyphenols and antioxidants.
Foods that can fuel inflammation
The foods that contribute to inflammation are the same ones generally considered bad for other aspects of health. These include:
- Sugary sodas
- Refined carbohydrates (like white bread and pasta)
- Red meat and processed meats
- Processed foods. Certain components or ingredients used in processed foods such as the emulsifiers added to ice cream, may have effects on inflammation.
Such foods are also likely to contribute to weight gain, which is itself a risk factor for inflammation..
The key to reducing inflammation with diet
To practice anti-inflammatory eating, it's best to focus on an overall healthy diet rather than singling out individual "good" and "bad" foods. In general, a healthy diet means one that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils, and limits food loaded with simple sugars (like soda and candy), beverages that contain high-fructose corn syrup (like juice drinks and sports drinks), and refined carbohydrates.
For additional advice about ways to reduce inflammation, check out Fighting Inflammation , a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School.
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FAQs
To fight inflammation, go for whole, unprocessed foods with no added sugar: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes (beans, lentils), fish, poultry, nuts, seeds, a little bit of low-fat dairy, and olive oil. "To these, many people add herbs and spices like cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric.
What are 3 best foods to fight inflammation? ›
Anti-inflammatory foods
green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards. nuts like almonds and walnuts. fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines. fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges.
What is the 1 anti-inflammatory food? ›
You can lower inflammation over time by eating foods rich in nutrients. What are six anti-inflammatory foods? Berries, fatty fish, nuts, leafy greens, oatmeal, and olive oil can all be part of an anti-inflammatory diet. But it's best to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
What are the best foods to fight inflammation real simple? ›
The easiest way to reduce your body's inflammation is to simply start eating more whole foods and fewer processed foods. There are a handful of foods—berries, avocado, olive oil, fatty fish, green tea, broccoli, and more—that contain even more powerful, inflammation-fighting nutrients than most.
What is the #1 most inflammatory food? ›
Inflammatory Foods
- Red meat, such as steak and hamburgers.
- Processed meat, such as bologna, bacon, sausage and lunchmeat.
- Commercial baked goods such as snack cakes, pies, cookies and brownies.
- Bread and pasta made with white flour.
- Deep fried items such as French fries, fried chicken and donuts.
What is the #1 best drink to reduce inflammation?
- baking soda and water.
- parsley and ginger green juice.
- lemon and turmeric tonic.
- bone broth.
- functional food smoothie.
- matcha tea.
- greens and berry smoothie.
You can reduce chronic inflammation by making lifestyle changes, Tolbert says.
- Eat anti-inflammatory foods. ...
- Quit smoking. ...
- Limit or avoid alcohol. ...
- Avoid inflammatory foods. ...
- Practice stress management techniques. ...
- Maintain a healthy weight. ...
- Exercise regularly. ...
- Practice good sleep hygiene.
- Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids , which are abundant in fatty fish such as salmon or tuna, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements. ...
- Curcumin. ...
- S-adenosylmethionine. ...
- Zinc. ...
- Green tea. ...
- Frankincense. ...
- Capsaicin. ...
- Cat's claw.
Some of my top anti-inflammatory drinks include:
- Beetroot juice.
- Turmeric latte.
- Ginger tea.
- Water.
- Fruit smoothie.
- Green smoothie.
- Lemon matcha iced tea.
- Fruit juice.
Bananas contain anti-inflammatory components that could have a significant impact on human health. One such component is bromelain, an enzyme known for its anti-inflammatory properties [5]. Bromelain has been studied for its potential to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms in conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and other types of berries are packed with fiber, antioxidants and potent phytochemicals such as anthocyanins that help reduce inflammation.
Is oatmeal anti-inflammatory? ›
Oatmeal has anti-Inflammatory properties.
Oats boast 24 phenolic compounds — plant compounds that have antioxidant properties. One antioxidant group called avenanthramides are found almost exclusively in oats and help reduce inflammation and protect against coronary heart disease.
Are eggs inflammatory? ›
Additionally, eggs contain cholesterol, a type of fat that can promote inflammation in the body. However, this is typically only seen in individuals with insulin resistance or other metabolic conditions ( 12 ). Overall, specific research on eggs' effects on inflammation and arthritis symptoms is limited.
Is coffee inflammatory? ›
Caffeine is the first thing that comes to mind when you think about coffee. But coffee also contains antioxidants and other active substances that may reduce internal inflammation and protect against disease, say nutrition experts from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
What reduces inflammation the fastest? ›
Follow these six tips for reducing inflammation in your body:
- Load up on anti-inflammatory foods. ...
- Cut back or eliminate inflammatory foods. ...
- Control blood sugar. ...
- Make time to exercise. ...
- Lose weight. ...
- Manage stress.
The vitamin D present in the eggs modulates the inflammatory response in rheumatoid arthritis. As a result, eggs are one of the best anti-inflammatory foods.
How to lose inflammation weight fast? ›
Healthy eating tips to help reduce inflammation
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. ...
- Choose high-fiber carbohydrates. ...
- Eat more fiber. ...
- Choose plant-based and leaner animal protein sources. ...
- Be conscious of your fat sources. ...
- Reduce the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in the diet. ...
- Reduce your sugar intake. ...
- Limit or avoid alcohol.
Remember, both high blood pressure and obesity are associated with inflammation. Like the Mediterranean diet, the DASH diet focuses on whole foods and limits protein, sweets and processed foods. But DASH includes a bit more dairy, and it doesn't specifically encourage fish or extra-virgin olive oil.
