Anti-inflammatory Foods

Foods to Reduce Inflammation

By Tammie Mullis Food Service Manager

Many major diseases—including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and Alzheimer’s—have been linked to chronic inflammation.

One of the best tools to fight inflammation comes not from the pharmacy, but from the grocery store. “Components of foods or beverages may have anti-inflammatory effects,” says Dr. Frank Hu, professor of nutrition and epidemiology in the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard School of Public Health. Instead, choose mostly plant foods, the more colorful, the better, to fight inflammation.

For many reasons, processed food and fast food, especially deep-fried foods, are bad for your general health and osteoarthritis.

“Today’s Total Joint Replacement surgery offers longer-lasting implants, better pain management and faster rehabilitation,” says McLeod Sports Medicine Certified Athletic Trainer Valencia Oxendine-Rose. “Yet, you can delay surgery by controlling the weight you put on your knees and hips, while eating moderate portions of the right foods.”

Which Is Best?

Which of these foods help reduce the inflammation and pain of osteoarthritis—the major cause of knee and hip replacements? (Choose ALL that apply.) 1. Salmon, broccoli and red peppers

2. Peanut butter

3. Margarine

4. Fast food burgers and fries

5. Tuna, avocados

The best choices are 1, 2, and 5. Margarine contains harmful trans fats and fast food may too. Fast food is processed food and can have added sugar, salt, and saturated fats.

Step Back from These

Some foods to avoid include:

• Fried foods • Processed food high in sugar, such as snacks and cookies

• White rice or bread or pasta

• Sodas • Alcohol should be consumed in moderation – no more than one drink a day

Healthy foods aren’t limited to tofu, celery sticks and bran muffins. For instance, lobster and shrimp (not deep fried) are on list of foods that offer vitamin E and antioxidants to help your joints.