The food we eat affects our health in many fascinating ways. For example, recently researches found out that eating fast food makes your immune system more aggressive long-term. This is definitely one of the reasons for the unprecedented rise in autoimmune diseases. This profound physiological change also contributes to the increased number of chronic inflammation incidences as they often go hand in hand with immunity disorders. The good news is that eating more foods that fight inflammation can help you revert these changes faster and improve your health overall.

5 Foods That Fight Inflammation You Should Be Eating

1. Olive Oil

Aside from being a very heart-friendly oil because of its high content of ‘good’ fats, olive oil contains oleocanthal. This compound acts as a natural non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug. Of course, its effects on the body are much milder than those of a pharmaceutical medication. However, they are potent enough to be noticeable when managing chronic inflammation.

Health professionals strongly advise using extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil to patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. This particular food helps reduce not only inflammation but also pain, much like ibuprofen.

2. Berries

Berries have more antioxidants than fruits and veggies combined. They also contain quite a bit of dietary fiber and other essential nutrients. However, it’s antioxidants that are the main reason why they help fight inflammation.

All berries are great for you, but some are particularly effective in strengthening specific parts of your body. For example, blueberries have a very strong positive effect on eye health. Therefore, they’ll be a great addition to your diet if you suffer from chronic conjunctivitis, blepharitis, or uveitis. Cranberries contain a compound that helps fighting the infections and inflammation in the urinary system. Cherries have antioxidants that are effective in managing arthritis.

3. Fatty Fish

Fatty fish is one of the leaders among foods that fight inflammation because it contains omega 3. Salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel have the highest amounts of these essential fatty acids. Omega 3 fats are the nature’s own anti-inflammatory agents, as opposed to omega 6, which only increase the level of inflammation in your cells.

Note that in order to maintain optimum health, you need to have a healthy balance of omega 3 to omega 6 essential fatty acids. The traditional Western diet contains more of omega 6, so you’ll need to consciously up your intake of fish or even take an omega 3 supplement. You should consult your doctor about the necessity of it.

4. Nuts

As far as foods that fight inflammation go, nuts are between berries and fish. The reason is that they contain both antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids. The level of both is lower than in berries and fish, but this doesn’t diminish the anti-inflammatory effect of this product.

All nuts are good for you, but walnuts are the greatest.

5. Leafy Greens

Remember being told to eat your greens? Your parents were certainly right. Spinach and kale, the leaders among leafy greens, are some of the healthiest foods to exist. They contain so many antioxidants that they do not only help fight inflammation. These foods also improve your wellbeing as a whole. In fact, spinach is currently investigated as a potential treatment for cancer.

Any healthy diet that aims to fight chronic inflammation should contain leafy greens in abundance.