Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods

What if there was a drug that could prevent a wide range of health conditions AND boost your vitality, energy, beauty and overall wellness—with zero risk of side effects?  

There is actually such a solution available today. But it’s not a drug—it’s your diet.   

Nutrient-dense foods and specifically, a large selection of vegetables, fruits, herbs and botanicals, are shown to dramatically support health at the core—thanks in large part to their powerful anti-inflammatory actions.  

Almost all chronic health conditions are linked to ongoing inflammation. That’s because chronic inflammation damages organs and tissues with scarring and hardening (fibrosis). Chronic inflammation increases free radicals in the body, and vice versa, creating a viscous cycle of destruction. It derails cellular function and communication, damages DNA, and accelerates the aging process.

Under normal conditions, temporary, short-term inflammation is a good thing. It’s your body’s survival response to fight off invaders and repair injuries.  

But then there’s chronic, ongoing inflammation—a silent but often deadly process of destruction that spreads through your body. Chronic inflammation usually goes unnoticed until a health issue pops up as a result. This type of inflammation is often caused by acute inflammation that doesn’t turn off, or an injury that never healed properly. Chronic inflammation is also caused by a pro-inflammatory (ie, Western) diet, exposure to toxins and radiation, sedentary lifestyle, stress, and other factors.  

These everyday sources of inflammation can send your immune system into overdrive, causing it to flood your body with inflammatory signals that wreak havoc on your health.

The good news is, we can gain the upper advantage and control the inflammatory response—starting with the biggest influencing factor: Food.

Studies on the benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet continue to show promising results, and bring to light a number of common foods that can help reduce inflammation in different ways.  

Many of these foods work because they’re rich sources of powerful compounds that put out the fires of inflammation on the cellular level. These compounds, mainly antioxidants, healthy fats, and polyphenol chemicals from plants, offer potent benefits for regulating inflammatory signals, reining in overactive immune responses, neutralizing free radicals and oxidative stress, boosting circulation and oxygenation, and supporting healthy cells and tissues.  

Here’s a list of 8 common, yet powerful inflammation-fighting foods:

Bright, colorful foods like berries are high in antioxidants and other potent disease-fighting phytonutrients. Acai berry, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are rich sources of anthocyanins, a type of polyphenol. Research shows that fruits high in anthocyanins provide both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, as well as protection against cancer. 

Cacao beans (raw unprocessed chocolate) are rich in flavanols, which are also in the polyphenol family. Research shows that cacao reduces inflammation by lowering levels of inflammatory markers in the body.

Green tea has powerful anti-inflammatory effects that extend all the way to your DNA. Research shows that green tea extract can regulate the activity of the COX-2 gene, to limit production of an enzyme that drives inflammation.

Broccoli and its sprouts contain sulforaphane, a potent antioxidant that controls inflammation by reducing levels of proinflammatory cytokines and NF-kB, while also helping to detoxify the body.

Ginger is another common spice that fights inflammation and improves health. The compound gingerol inhibits nitric oxide production and reduces inflammation, particularly in the GI tract.

There’s definitely some truth to an apple a day. Antioxidants in apples are shown to control an inflammatory protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF-a). In addition, apples are rich sources of the polyphenol quercetin, which also helps reduce inflammation.

In addition to being high in vitamin C and other nutrients, citrus also has a powerful effect on inflammation. Research shows that citrus bioflavonoid compounds have powerful anti-inflammatory activity.

Olive oil offers significant defense against inflammation, thanks to its broad spectrum of therapeutic compounds. One compound in particular, called oleocanthal, offers similar anti-inflammatory benefits to ibuprofen.

Diet is the foundation for health—and can make a huge difference in regulating inflammation in your body.  

For added support to achieve a healthy inflammation response, select physician-formulated supplements can take you across the finish line, and give you the health wins you’re seeking.  

With over 70 published studies, PectaSol Modified Citrus Pectin is a top recommendation to support a healthy inflammation response throughout your body—with a wide range of clinical-grade benefits for key areas of health.*  

PectaSol works by supporting optimal cellular function and signaling at the source, including a unique ability to balance immune activity and promote optimal inflammation responses. It also helps detoxify the body of health-robbing toxins.*  

Together, these benefits make PectaSol one of the most important daily supplements for healthy aging and total-body wellness.*

Diet is the best place to start in creating an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, but it’s just the beginning. Adding in researched natural supplements, regular exercise and healthy stress relief are all essential for managing chronic inflammation at the source–while promoting optimal energy, vitality, and healthy aging.