4 Seasonal Foods that Fight Inflammation

One of the leading causes of physical pain is inflammation. Inflammation is a natural part of your body’s process of fighting foreign objects and unwanted bacteria, but depending upon where it occurs and for how long, inflammation itself can cause a great deal of discomfort. For those struggling with chronic pain, inflammation often plays a prominent role in how their body functions and feels, so naturally it’s advisable to explore options for reducing inflammation as much as possible for those in pain. 

How Diet Affects Pain 

Not surprisingly, one significant factor in how much inflammation occurs is the diet of the individual in question. Because different foods can cause more or less inflammation, they in turn can cause pain. Furthermore, because diet can cause excessive weight gain, it can also cause more strain on joints and bones over time, resulting in physical discomfort and pain. 

Because of this, finding the right diet can be a great step toward reducing chronic pain. This includes both strategically cutting foods that are particularly inflammatory and adding foods that fight inflammation. 

4 Foods That Fight Inflammation 

Of the many foods that fight inflammation, here are four great options that you can easily incorporate into your diet. 

1. Fruits and Veggies 

This is pretty obvious, but it’s worth noting. Fruits and vegetables (especially those lower in sugar) can be a great way to load up on nutrients, and those with high amounts of vitamin K can be especially helpful for reducing inflammation. 

2. Fish 

At least two or three times a week it’s great to take in fish (such as herring, salmon, and anchovies). This light meat is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids (both of which are great for you) and will help cut down inflammation. It’s also tasty and can be prepared in a wide variety of ways. There’s a reason why the Mediterranean diet (known for being a relatively healthy diet) features so much fish! 

3. Nuts 

Nuts are great for when you’re just looking for a healthy snack because they’re small, portable, and tasty. But they’re also great for reducing inflammation, and almonds and walnuts are a couple of the best options for this. Eat them in moderation to benefit from their great qualities without overdoing your caloric intake (as nuts tend to be relatively high in calories). 

4. Dark Chocolate 

Believe it or not, dark chocolate can also be a great way to fight inflammation. It has plenty of antioxidants due to the flavanols it contains, and it has less sugar than milk chocolate or other chocolate products. Try to stick to chocolate with as high a percentage of cocoa content as you can tolerate, because the more cocoa there is, the less sugar and other ingredients there will typically be, and the more you’ll reap its benefits. 

How Southeast Pain & Spine Care Can Help

Chronic pain can feel like an overwhelming burden, especially if you try to navigate it alone. If you’re struggling and ready to find out how Southeast Pain & Spine Care can help, please fill out the form below. We love what we do, and wherever you are on your journey with pain, we look forward to serving you.