Antiinflammatory foods can make a difference in chronic pain! I'm sure you have heard of anti-inflammatory medications, but have you heart of anti-inflammatory foods? The foods you eat can have an effect on how you feel.

Inflammation is defined as a localized reaction of tissue to irritation, injury, or infection. Symptoms of inflammation include pain, swelling, and red coloration to the area.

Pro-inflammatory foods will increase inflammation, increase your pain from the inflammation and may also raise your risk for chronic disease. Loading up on junk foods, high-fat meats, sugar and fast foods will increase inflammation in your body. Try to avoid these kinds of foods to reduce inflammation. Rathe you should consume anti-inflammatory foods to help reduce your inflammation and pain. You should choose fresh foods instead of heavily processed foods.

Here are some examples:

• Breakfast could be oatmeal served with fresh berries and walnuts, with a cup of soy milk.
• Snack on whole fruits, nuts, seeds, and fresh vegetables throughout the day instead of cookies and candy.
• Eat more fish and less fatty red meat.
• Stay away from deep fried foods and bake or stir fry your meals instead.
• Choose green, orange, and yellow vegetables for your side dishes.
• Drink plenty of water, fresh 100% fruit and vegetable juices, herbal teas and green tea.

I heard that eating cherries are good for reducing inflammation. Has anyone esle heard that?

I never heard that before, but I did look it up!

A conducted at U-M Cardio protection emphasizes that the tart cherries may decrease inflammation and even help reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart related diseases in animals.This could be seen as a useful addition to look at the role of diet in managing disease and preventing it.

Inflammation is a factor in every major degenerative disease, including heart disease, obesity, diabetes, Alzheimer's and even cancer, so a reduction in inflammation is a very significant finding.

The researchers believe that the secret ingredient in cherries may be the anthocyanins, which are the pigment responsible for making cherries dark. The high levels of antioxidants in the fruit may also play a role.

I have heard that cherries can help you fall asleep if you have trouble sleeping! That's good to know about its' anti-inflammatory properties!

Thanks for the information on cherries. I need to start eating them more often.