DIET AND ACTIVITY HELP AVOID INFLAMMATION
Inflammation. We hear this word a lot. What does it mean? It is a physical condition where part of the body becomes swollen and often painful, especially as a reaction to an injury or infection; and according to the American Heart Association, inflammation also is common for heart disease and stroke patients and is thought to be a sign or atherogenic (inflammation related to to fatty deposits in the arteries) response. More and more, doctors are realizing that one of the best ways to avoid inflammation is by diet and exercise.
As little as 20 minutes of exercise could
improve the body’s anti-inflammatory
response...
DIET
According to a Harvard Medical School study, one of the most powerful tools to combat inflammation comes not from the pharmacy, but from the grocery store. Choose the right anti-inflammatory foods, and you may be able to reduce your risk of illness and inflammation from the repetitive stress on the body. Pick the wrong ones, and you could speed up the inflammatory process. To reduce levels of inflammation, aim for an overall healthy diet.
Foods that cause inflammation:
- Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries
- French fries and other fried foods
- Soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages
- Red meat (burgers, steaks) and processed meat (hot dogs, sausage)
- Margarine, shortening and lard
Anti-inflammatory foods:
- Tomatoes
- Olive oil
- 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
EXERCISE
As little as 20 minutes of exercise could improve the body’s anti-inflammatory response by activating the sympathetic nervous system, according to research from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. The sympathetic nervous systems helps to increase heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate. Physical exercise activates this system to help the body keep up. Add this to a long list of health benefits brought by physical activity.
To learn more, visit:
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation