We all know that inflammation isn’t good for us. Inflammation is swelling and this normally signals an allergic reaction, a toxin or an injury. While inflammation itself isn’t a ‘bad thing’ it often points to other issues and in some cases can exacerbate those problems. This is particularly true of chronic illnesses, such as arthritis. In some forms of arthritis (autoimmune conditions) the inflammation is caused by malfunction of the immune system and this alone is enough to cause pain, discomfort, deformity and difficulty moving!
But what you might not have realised is how inflammation can affect you internally. Inflammation can also impact on blood vessels for instance: it causes swelling inside the veins and arteries and this in turn makes it harder for blood to move around the body.
What’s more is that inflammation can affect the brain. Studies show a strong link now between inflammation and brain fog and even depression.
When you are unwell with a cold or flu, you likely feel as though you have brain fog and maybe feel low in your mood as well. Turns out that this might be the result of pro-inflammatory cytokines that are causing inflammation in your brain and triggering those mood changes!
It’s time to fight back! Read on to discover 21 anti-inflammatory foods that can make all the difference.
1. Turmeric/Curcumin
Curcumin is a spice found in turmeric and in a lot of Indian food. Not only is it great for adding flavour to your dishes, but it is also very effective when it comes to combating inflammation.
Actually though, the benefits of turmeric go far beyond simply combating inflammation. Other amazing advantages to this spice include increased metabolism (and fat burning), enhanced brain plasticity and learning and even increased insulin resistance.
Turmeric is a great supplement to add to any weight loss or fitness plan and might also be useful as a nootropic – as a brain boosting aid. There are many great reasons to use this excellent supplement and that goes double for anyone suffering with diabetes or low insulin sensitivity.