Inflammation is a process in a healthy chemistry that can serve a useful and beneficial response, protecting the body from infection and foreign substances like bacteria and viruses. Inflammation in excess due to injury, poor lifestyle, or lack of rest can become problematic and be a factor in many different diseases. Sometimes inflammation causes damage to its own tissues and leads to autoimmune diseases.

1. Fighting Inflammation One Bite at a Time
Inflammation is a process in a healthy chemistry that can serve a useful and
beneficial response, protecting the body from infection and foreign substances like
bacteria and viruses. Inflammation in excess due to injury, poor lifestyle, or lack of
rest can become problematic and be a factor in many different diseases.
Sometimes inflammation causes damage to its own tissues and leads to
autoimmune diseases. There are two basic types of inflammation:
 Acute inflammation
 Chronic inflammation
Acute inflammation occurs quickly over hours and days. Chronic inflammation is
persistent and leads to inflammatory diseases like arthritis, psoriasis, irritable
bowel syndrome, and pulmonary diseases. People with chronic inflammatory
diseases suffer because inflammation cannot be fully controlled. The symptoms of
inflammation include redness, joint pain, joint stiffness, swelling, and warmth as
well as the loss of function in the affected area. Stress plays a major role in
inflammation production. Negative biochemical processes occur in the body and
this process causes excessive inflammation. Aging of cells and breakdown of
collagen are also due to inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory medications are not safe to use and only mask the problem.
Vioxx, the anti-inflammatory drug prescribed to millions of people, was found to
double the risk of having a heart attack. As many as 60,000 people died before the
drug was pulled from the market.

2. Anti-inflammatory foods improve the circulation and digestion in the body, and
reduce inflammation. Eat foods that are high in antioxidants and rich in color.
Strawberries, grapes, blackberries, papayas, asparagus, sweet potatoes, carrots,
pumpkin, tomatoes, and extra virgin olive oil are some examples of foods that are
rich in antioxidants.
Drinking plenty of water keeps the body hydrated and helps with digestion. Avoid
sugary and carbonated drinks, and replace them with fresh vegetable juices that
are great sources of antioxidants.
Eating fish, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds – all rich in omega-3 fatty acids – help to
reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids are powerful anti-inflammatory agents.
Junk food, fast foods, sugary foods, and high-fat foods increase inflammation in the
body and should be avoided. Some vegetables, like potatoes and eggplants, may
increase pain from inflammation. What you leave out is important! Eliminating
processed food while choosing a fruit and vegetable based diet reduces
inflammation dramatically.
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Dr. Fred Bisci is an organic and raw food nutritionist with over 40 years of
experience helping people improve longevity and reduce the risk of diet related
illnesses. He has assisted over 35,000 people to improve health by focusing not
only on what goes into the body, but what is left out. For more information on
how a lifestyle rich in vitamins, minerals and water-plump fresh produce can help
you feel better and live longer, visit: www.anydoubtleaveitout.com