by Charlotte Louise Nystrom

Created on: April 28, 2009

The inflammation that naturally develops around a wound is a good thing. This is an essential component of the healing process. This swelling, heat, redness, and/or pain works to benefit the body, creating heat and blood circulation to prevent infection. The painful sensations beneficially draw your attention to the wound. In a similar fashion, a fever often is present to aid the body in fighting off infection. In these cases, the presence is positive, healthy, and necessary. Inflammation can however, become a chronic ailment.

Chronic inflammation can be extremely painful and debilitating. While are bodies can withstand short durations of inflammation, long-term inflammation can begin to wreak havoc. In this, case it vital to work with ones doctor in the hopes of discovering the source of inflammation. As previously, mentioned inflammation can be your body's signal that something is in need of care and attention.

With your doctor's approval, chronic inflammation can be battled with the aid of simple diet changes. Some foods have natural anti-inflammation properties. As a bonus, most foods and herbs, work more gently then prescription medications. These healers work with your body, rather than overwhelming, and over powering it, the way more conventional drugs do.

If you suffer from chronic inflammation, you may consider incorporating more of the following foods into your diet. In addition, it is a good idea to eat smaller meals. This allows the body to work more gently, placing less stress on the digestive system. Stress, after all can lead to irritation and increased inflammation. Other substances, which put undue stress on the body, include caffeine and alcohol. Limit your intake of both these substances and you may find yourself feeling better in no time.

Many foods, including potatoes, contain quercetin. This substance may reduce inflammation caused by allergies, asthma, arthritis, and bursitis. In fact, quercetin might even decrease the likelihood of passing on viruses including herpes and polio.

Another known inflammation reducer found in foods is bromelain. Bromelain is an enzyme, which works to dissolve proteins. One of the best sources of bromelain is pineapple. In addition to relieving inflammation, bromelain slows the growth of cancer, speeds the healing of burns, and prevents heart attacks by blocking the growth of dangerous blood clots.

Selenium is an essential mineral, which is available in a variety of foods including mushrooms, Brazil nuts, asparagus and whole-grain cereals. Selenium helps to fight inflammatory diseases including arthritis. As a bonus, selenium also boosts the immune system, reducing your chance of catching the common cold.

Make a conscious effort to include more of these foods in your diet to ease inflammation and reduce the prevalence of pain. You deserve to live free of pain or discomfort. Listen to your body's messages, and respond kindly. Make these small changes for a better life.

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