Fighting Inflammation With Food And Drink

Susan Ardizzoni
Jun 28, 2016
3 min read

Did you know that the reason behind inflammation is actually a form of protection that occurs in your body? It is a natural response system created by the immune system to protect one's body from dangerous side effects of an injury or condition. When you are injured or if your body has damaged tissue in need or repair, your white blood cells release chemicals into your bloodstream and travel right to the affected area. The way the chemicals react to the affected area causes inflammation. Besides pain, inflammation may also cause swelling, redness and be warm to the touch.

Inflammation is a protector against bacteria and without it, the bacteria formed can cause infections that may never subside. It's effect can be a nuisance causing difficulty with mobility and have an impact so strong that it could make it difficulty to enjoy life and do the things that you once did. Unfortunately, too much inflammation has also been proven to be a driving force behind chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

What Foods Makes Inflammation Worse?

Sweets - Eating desserts that are processed, high in sugar and additives can assist in making your inflammation worse. If you are wanting to snack, try fruits, veggies or nuts instead. Sometimes simple changes like this can make a world of difference for your body in all ways possible. Some of the best anti-inflammatory fruits and veggies are blueberries, brussels sprouts, kale, sweet potatoes, avocados, onions and garlic.

Parmesan Chard Salad

1 lb Swiss Chard; chopped
3 tbsps Lemon Juice
2 tbsps Water
2 tsps Lemon Zest
1/4 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1 1/2 tbsps Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 cup Parmesan; grated

Black Pepper

Remove stems from the chard and chop up. Set aside the leaves.
Dressing consists of water, lemon zest and lemon juice. The 1/4 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of garlic powder goes in a small bowl and is whisked with the virgin olive oil. Set aside.
Put the chard stems and leaves into a large bowl and toss gently with the Parmesan.
Add 2/3 of the lemon dressing and sprinkle with black pepper.

Alcohol - Frequent consumption of alcohol not only can cause the inflammation of very important organs, but can lead to something even worse such as cancer. If you have to drink alcohol, drink more responsibly and in moderation. Or even better, try having a cup of green tea which contain flavonoids that act as anti-inflammatory agents.

Kale Smoothie

4 cups chopped Kale
1 1/2 cups of Water
1/2 scooped Avocado
2 cups of frozen Watermelon (chopped)
1 Banana in chunks
3/4 cup of frozen Blueberries
1 tsp Virgin Olive Oil

Dash of Turmeric

Blend together kale and water in your favorite blender.
Add watermelon, avocado and banana chunks; blend again.
Add berries; Blend until you reach desired consistency.
Add the virgin olive oil and the dash of turmeric, blend again and enjoy!

Meats - If you are not a vegetarian, you may be eating meat from animals that were raised on grains which in turn causes inflammation when eaten. If you are a frequent red meat-eater, try a replacement of chicken or fish (especially Wild Salmon). Sometimes even getting a leaner cut of red meat can cut down the possibility of inflammation after consuming.

Roasted Salmon with Mustard Glaze

1 1/2 lb center-cut wild Salmon fillet with skin
1 Cedar Plank
1/2 cup of Pure Maple Syrup
2 1/2 Tbsp Grainy Mustard
2 cloves Garlic, chopped
1/2 cup of Lemon Juice
Dash of Cayenne Pepper
Soak cedar plank in water for 1 hour
Heat oven to 400°F
Line baking sheet with foil
Heat plank in oven for 10 minutes
Place plank on pan and put salmon on top
Season with salt and roast approx 10-12 minutes
Remove from oven and place oven on broil
Simmer syrup, mustard and garlic in pan until reduced to 1/3 cup (approx 8 mins)
Stir in lemon juice and dash with cayenne pepper
Remove from heat
Put 2 tbsp of glaze in a bowl and put the rest over the salmon and broil until flesh is opaque (5 mins)
Put remaining glaze over salmon and enjoy!