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The Hormone Diet: Beat Inflammation Naturally With Diet And Supplements

While the inflammation associated with a sprain, skin irritation or even a mosquito bite are often temporary, chronic activation of our inflammatory response takes a heavy toll on the body and is the root cause of most diseases associated with aging. Besides typical inflammatory illnesses like arthritis, the list of conditions spurred by inflammation includes cancer, heart disease, obesity, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune disease, diabetes, stroke and even wrinkles. Luckily there are many dietary habits and nutritional supplements to safely assist with inflammatory conditions that you can begin to use today.

Dietary Recommendations for reducing inflammation:

  • Avoid bad types of fats like saturated fats in red meats, dairy products, peanuts, pastries, muffins, trans fatty acids, hydrogenated oils and margarines. All of the fats in these products break down into compounds which increase pain and inflammation.
  • Increase your intake of healthy fats like olive oil, canola oil, fish oils and avocados as these fats help to reduce pain and inflammation. These foods can assist with arthritis, eczema, psoriasis, bursitis and all other inflammatory conditions.
  • Avoid sugar as it increases insulin levels which serve only to increase inflammation, weight gain and disease in the body. There is also a link between elevated blood sugar levels and cancer risk. Consume low-glycemic load carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, green vegetables, beans and oatmeal while avoiding sweets, candies, pop, pastries and baked goods as often as possible.
  • Increase intake of spices like turmeric, rosemary and hops, as well as foods like pineapple and papaya. These all contain ingredients which are naturally anti-inflammatory.
  • Watch your intake of vegetable oils like sunflower and safflower oils which can be inflammatory if consumed in excess. Most of us tend to get too many of these oils and not enough of the beneficial omega-3s.

 

CONTINUE READING for supplements that can assist with pain and inflammation

Photo: Bartek Zyczynski / Shutterstock

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