We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Fitness

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Anti-Inflammatory Diet?

By Harriette Halepis
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,258
Share

The anti-inflammatory diet is based upon the premise that certain foods cause inflammation. In addition, these foods are also believed to further irritate parts of the body that are already inflamed due to arthritis, injury, or chronic disease. Many dietary experts also believe that certain foods can cause disease and illness.

The notion behind sticking to an anti-inflammatory diet is that by avoiding certain foods, people will also be able to avoid inflammation. Foods that are considered to cause inflammation include fried foods, foods that contain a large amount of salt and sugar, and foods that are high in trans and saturated fat. All of these foods are thought to further irritate any portion of the body that is inflamed, while also causing a great deal of inflammation.

While it may be common knowledge that the foods mentioned above do not contribute to a healthy body, there are also some fruits and vegetables that many people believe cause inflammation. Vegetables that can be placed within the nightshade category are thought to further irritate parts of the body that are presently inflamed. Some nightshade vegetables include eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes. Even though these vegetables are loaded with important nutrients, they also contain a chemical called solanine.

Though the effects of solanine have yet to be scientifically proven, many people believe that this chemical causes irritation. Thus, people who suffer from inflammation of any sort may want to steer clear of any vegetable that is considered part of the nightshade group. Just as there are foods that can contribute to inflammation, there are also some foods that are thought to decrease inflammation.

The anti-inflammatory diet is often rich in protein, olive oil, and Omega-3 fatty acids. These foods include fish, nuts, flax seed, canola oil, and proteins that are not part of the red meat category. When it comes to carbohydrates, those following an anti-inflammatory diet should gain carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables, and grain sources. Fibrous foods, such as leafy vegetables and berries, should also be included in the anti-inflammatory diet.

This diet also includes plenty of liquids such as water and pure fruit juice. Any drinks that contain alcohol, caffeine, or an excessive amount of sugar are not part of this diet. By following the anti-inflammatory diet, many people have found that inflammation decreases. Furthermore, this type of diet leads to a healthy lifestyle, since it de-emphasizes junk foods that are high in trans and saturated fat. Anyone can follow the anti-inflammatory diet, though speaking with a medical doctor before embarking on a new diet is always a wise idea.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-anti-inflammatory-diet.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.