13th November 2016
Following an anti-inflammatory diet may be a good idea for anyone suffering from an autoimmune disease or suffering from general aches and pains. Inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, SLE, multiple sclerosis, type-one diabetes, psoriasis and hypothyroidism are just a few autoimmune diseases.
Inflammation can be a good thing. It is how the body repairs itself. When we injure our selves our immune system springs into action bringing that’s needed to fight infection and repair the site of injury. However sometime our immune system over reacts and starts to attack healthy tissue, this is the start of an autoimmune disorder and can explain some recurrent aches and pains.
Diets today are often full of processed foods and hidden refined sugar. These foods increase the levels of inflammation within the body and if consumed regularly can increase the risks of autoimmune disease.
A report from the National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases reported:
‘While today’s modern diet may provide beneficial protection from micro- and macronutrient deficiencies, our over abundance of calories and the macronutrients that compose our diet may all lead to increased inflammation, reduced control of infection, increased rates of cancer, and increased risk for allergic and auto-inflammatory disease.’
A change in diet can be hard but it is so important! We need to move away from regularly eating our favourite processed foods and try to adapt a Mediterranean style diet. Starting with small steps, introduce new foods gradually and reducing the number of ‘treats’ you allow yourself on a weekly basis is a good start.
Here are 15 top anti-inflammatory foods for you to try as a starting point!
By Dr Amie Bracey
Masters of Chiropractic
