Chronic inflammation is the root cause of many diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and many more. The most recommended way to prevent and lower chronic inflammation is to follow an anti-inflammatory diet. An anti-inflammatory diet is not a diet per se, but a way of eating and a lifestyle that promotes whole foods in their original form without being processed or with no added chemicals, hormones, or antibiotics. Examples of these foods are fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, pasture raised animal meat, and wild fish.
Decades ago, we mostly relied on fresh food because society was not as complex as it is now. A typical day consisted of buying local and seasonal produce and cooking fresh meals because mothers did not multi-task or hold full time jobs as they do now. Today, a typical household relies on prepackaged foods, even if the food is advertised as being fresh; I find that many are still processed. The reality is that chemicals prolong shelf life and in today’s world food is being transported across the country, so for it to be fresh once it reaches the consumer it has to have something added to it. The compounding consumption of these chemicals places a burden on our body, which has led to so many people having digestion problems and autoimmune diseases.
General Anti-inflammatory Diet Tips:
Include at least 50% fresh fruits and vegetables in your daily food intake.
Minimize processed foods, such as anything that comes in a box, can, or bottle.
Aim to limit your fat, even the good fats, such as avocado, olive oil, nuts, and seeds.
Go for pasture raised meats, chicken, turkey, when possible.
Increase whole grains and legumes.
Following the above tips puts you on the right path!
