Suffering Inflammation? Let Food be Thy Medicine

We often think of inflammation as external, like a reddened skin graze; however, it’s also internal and may be affected by the foods we eat.

Inflammation is a stress response in the body, including food allergies. It’s helpful when triggered in short bursts for the immune system to protect us from pathogens and infection. But many people have food allergies they’re unaware of and experience inflammatory symptoms without knowing the root cause. These symptoms can range from mild to severe, such as itching, nausea and vomiting.

Anti-inflammatory foods

Over time, chronic inflammation may be linked to a range of serious health problems, such as arthritis, chronic fatigue and depression. Nourishing your body with ‘anti-inflammatory’ foods and supplements may help prevent and reduce chronic inflammation. These foods include:

• Spices, such as turmeric
• Herbs, such as oregano
• Fruit, such as blueberries and strawberries
• Raw nuts, such as almonds and walnuts
• Olive oil
• Tomatoes
• Leafy greens, such as kale and spinach
• Fatty fish
• Legumes

These foods are part of the Mediterranean diet – the typical dietary patterns of Greece and Southern Spain, France and Italy in the 1940s and 50s. Being predominantly plant-based, it has a strong focus on legumes, nuts, healthy fats, vegetables and fruit that all help reduce inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory supplements

Certain supplements may also help prevent and treat inflammation. Our qualified Naturopaths are available to help you choose the best supplements to suit you, such as:

• Fusion Health Turmeric
• BioCeuticals Intestamine
• Nutrition Care Gut Relief

These supplements may help relieve and reduce symptoms of inflammation. They may also recommend you undergo an allergy test to find the root cause of your inflammation.

Inflammatory foods

At the other end of the spectrum are foods that may contribute towards inflammation, in other words – try to reduce them in your diet as much as possible! These include:

• Highly processed meats
• Sugar-laden foods and drinks, such as soft drink
• Foods high in saturated or trans fats, such as fried foods
• Highly refined carbohydrates

You’ll find plenty of anti-inflammatory foods and supplements in your local Flannerys. Our qualified Naturopaths and Nutritionists are always happy to provide guidance on the best ways to optimise your health and wellbeing, including reducing inflammation.