According to Laurne Whitt, PhD, a University of Alabama at Birmingham Employee Wellness director and adjunct professor of personal health, ‘The inflammation process has one goal: to respond immediately to detect and destroy the toxic material in damaged tissues before it can spread throughout the body. The trouble with inflammation occurs when the defence system gets out-of-control and begins to destroy healthy tissue, causing more damage than the original issue.’
However, the UAB researchers also say that, with a few dietary adjustments, you can reduce inflammation, which also has anti-ageing benefits. Firstly, Dr Andrew Weil advises dark, leafy greens and red tomatoes, as the former is high in vitamin K while the latter contains rich levels of lycopene. Both of these nutrients are hailed for their anti-ageing effects due to their antioxidant properties.
Next, salmon can stop inflammation and the signs of ageing. As the Dr Oz Show website notes, ‘Salmon is among the highest omega-3-containing fish that is a must for healthy skin. As we age, cell turnover slows down, causing an accumulation of rough patches and dry skin; our skin also begins to produce less oil, diminishing our natural glow. Brighten your complexion with omega-3 fatty acids. Try to eat salmon two times per week to bring radiance back to skin.’
Finally, you know that oranges contain vitamin C – an essential antioxidant, but Dr Oz points out that blackcurrants actually contain five times the vitamin C that oranges do. This makes them an excellent booster of immunity and a superb anti-inflammatory food. Dr Whitt advises incorporating blackcurrants, and the other anti-inflammatory foods, in a gradual manner. ‘Eating to minimize inflammation doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task,’ she said. ‘Take baby steps by incorporating leafy greens into a salad at lunch, or add a piece of whole fruit to your breakfast.’