Foods You Can Eat to Reduce Inflammation

A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Florida may give another reason why older people complain about pain more than those who are younger.  The small, preliminary study has suggested for the first time that inflammation may occur quicker and at a higher magnitude—and stays around longer—when seniors experience pain.  This might mean that older adults are more susceptible to developing chronic pain.  It also gives yet another reason to attempt to decrease inflammation as soon as possible.  Getting treatment as quickly as possible after an injury or the onset of pain may be critical in decreasing the chances of the pain getting worse and becoming chronic.

While reducing inflammation following an injury is important, inflammation isn’t just associated with pain. Higher than normal levels of inflammation can trigger many disease processes including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease.

One of the best things a person can do to help keep inflammation in check is eat foods with anti-inflammatory properties. According to ScienceDaily, a study by scientists from the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Aging and Chronic Disease, “has identified food stuffs that can help prevent chronic inflammation that contributes to many leading causes of death.”  Their work shows that diets rich in fruits and vegetables, which contain polyphenols, protect against age-related inflammation and chronic diseases.  According to researcher Sian Richardson, “The results of our study suggest that (poly)phenols derived from onions, turmeric, red grapes, green tea, and açai berries may help reduce the release of pro-inflammatory mediators in people at risk of chronic inflammation.  Older people are more susceptible to chronic inflammation and as such they may benefit from supplementing their diets with isorhamnetin, resveratrol, curcumin, and vanillic acid or with food sources that yield these bioactive molecules.”

Remember, we’re always here to help your body heal and maintain the pain free body you deserve.

This information should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.