What Are the Best Foods for Fighting Inflammation?

By Jamie Shapiro | November 19, 2019 | Comments Off on What Are the Best Foods for Fighting Inflammation?

Inflammation is a natural process. It’s the body’s way of protecting itself from bacteria, viruses, and other “invaders” the immune response must fight. Chronic inflammation can also indicate different chronic health conditions like asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and gum disease.

Some foods can help with inflammation. Here are some of the best foods out there. If they’re not in your parent’s refrigerator or cupboards, make sure they’re stocked up.

Avocado

Home Care Lake Forest, IL: What Are the Best Foods for Fighting Inflammation?

Avocados are versatile and can be used for dips, desserts, or sliced and eaten as their own. One avocado is also high in heart-healthy fats, fiber, magnesium, and potassium. They’re also high in compounds that help lower the risk of cancer. Avocado also helps the body fight inflammation in skin cells.

Berries
All kinds of berries are fantastic at fighting inflammation. Blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are all rich in anthocyanins, which are antioxidants that help combat inflammation by increasing the cells within your body that help with immune response.

Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale are four of the best cruciferous vegetables to add to the diet. They’re high in an antioxidant called sulforaphane that helps boost the body’s response to prevent inflammation. Cruciferous vegetables are also found to be effective at helping the body fight cancerous cells.

Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is more than a satisfying treat, it’s also very high in antioxidants. In fact, the antioxidant properties are excellent at helping with the lining of your arteries. You do have to choose dark chocolate that has a cocoa content of 70 percent or greater.

Fish Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Fish that are oily and rich in omega-3 fatty acids help with inflammation. You do have to balance the fish you choose with the ones that are known to have a high mercury content. For that reason, anchovies, herring, and sardines are top choices. Salmon is also good, but farm-raised isn’t as good.

Green Tea
Make pitchers of green tea and keep it in the fridge for a healthier option to soda or fruit drinks. Green tea is high in antioxidants that ease inflammation. If your mom or dad doesn’t like iced tea, green tea is just as good warm or hot.

If your parent is dealing with inflammation, it’s important that the doctor knows and sees your mom or dad regularly. Make sure your parent follows the doctor’s instructions for care. This may include medications, diet, or exercise.

 

Would your family benefit from home care services? Caregivers can cook meals, arrange medical appointments for your mom or dad, and drive them. Call a home care agency to schedule caregivers.

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Lake Forest, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at(847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

 

Jamie Shapiro
Latest posts by Jamie Shapiro (see all)
Posted in Home Care Lake Forest IL, What Are the Best Foods for Fighting Inflammation? and tagged ,