The food you eat has more of an effect on your body than you might realize. Most people know that eating too much unhealthy food can cause you to gain weight or develop heart problems, but did you know that certain types of food can encourage the development of inflammation?

Inflammation is your body’s way of responding to a perceived threat, such as an infection or an injury. However, inflammation can be painful and limits your range of motion. Certain foods can cause inflammation to develop when there is no other threat to your body, which can lead to the development of pain that you should otherwise not have.

Take a look below for some advice on what foods you need to eat more of to help fight inflammation, and which ones to avoid that are known to cause inflammation.

Foods that fight inflammation

If you’re trying to prevent chronic pain and inflammation, you need to change your diet to include more of the following:

• Fresh fish
• Fresh poultry
• Fiber-rich vegetables
• Olive oil
• Whole-grain bread
• Brown rice
• Wheat or soy pasta
• Greek yogurt
• Salsa
• Turmeric
• Ginger
• Black pepper
• Green tea
• Omega-3 fish oil supplements

Additionally, you should grill, roast or steam food to help get the most out of your anti-inflammatory meals. Avoid deep frying and using saturated fats and butter.

Foods that encourage inflammation

In addition to adding healthier foods to your diet, you should start reducing or eliminating your intake of the following:

• Trans fats
• Fried food
• Sugar
• White bread
• White rice
• White pasta
• Preservatives
• Saturated fat
• Red meat

VIsit Rehab Access for help with fighting pain and inflammation

Changing your diet is a great way to start fighting inflammation, but it may not be enough on its own. In addition to improving your diet, you may also need to work with a physical therapist.

Our physical therapists at Rehab Access can examine your condition and guide you through a treatment routine designed specifically to help you manage your pain and improve your quality of life. Contact our team today for more information about treating chronic pain or to schedule an initial appointment.