I am participating in the National Psoriasis Foundation’s Psoriasis Awareness Month Wellness Challenge, which kicked off on Aug 1. It’s not too late to join just click here.

Today’s challenge is to fight inflammation. Psoriasis is an inflammatory disease. Many psoriasis patients have seen benefit from eating an anti-inflammatory diet.

Even if you don’t have psoriasis, eating an anti-inflammatory diet can have many benefits. Chronic aches and pains, skin irritation and heart disease have all been linked to inflammation in the body. So choosing anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce aches and pains.

See below for the top 12 anti-inflammatory foods. Source US Health News

  1. Olive/Olive Oil
  2. Tart Cherries: can reduce pain from arthritis and post-exercise
  3. Red Onions: flavonoid quercetin, which has been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
  4. Red/purple/green grapes: Grapes contain a mix of antioxidants, including flavonoids and resveratrol, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is a potent antioxidant. Resveratrol shows promise in helping to combat a range of maladies, from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases to cancer to aging.
  5. Turmeric: This deep marigold root is a component of curry and offers many anti-inflammatory benefits
  6. Chia Seeds: add to smoothies or sprinkle on eggs
  7. Broccoli: The compound sulforaphane in broccoli may help prevent the formation of cancer cells by killing off potential carcinogens
  8. Salmon: Strive for at least 2 servings per week
  9. Ginger: also shown to relieve pain and stiffness in joints
  10. Blueberries/Cranberries: Can also help reduce the risk of heart disease
  11. Grass-fed Beef: The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends no more that 18 ounces of lean beef weekly
  12. Nuts: linked to less coronary heart disease. “The high content of the amino acid arginine may be responsible for the inflammation-soothing effect of nuts.” Source Lifescript 

Thanks to NPF, here are some foods to avoid:

  • Fatty red meats
  • Dairy products
  • Processed foods
  • Refined sugars
  • Nightshade vegetables, including potatoes, tomatoes and peppers

Are you going to implement these super easy changes in your lifestyle now? Tell me how below!