Top Five Foods to Fight Inflammation

LifeExtension.com featured an article on the role of high-dose vitamin C in decreasing inflammation in cancer patients. The information was originally found in Cancer Weekly. The basis of the article was discussing whether intravenously given high-dose vitamin C could assist cancer treatment by lowering inflammation in the body and in the tumor.

The thought is that “high inflammation appears to indicate increased cancer risk and poorer diagnosis.” Furthermore, inflammation levels may have a direct correlation on your risk for cancer, the effectiveness of the treatment and survivability.

The Riordan Clinic, for over 35 years, has given the intravenous, high-dose vitamin C to its patients and has recorded its benefits. Lead researchers conclude that the vitamin C treatment “correlated with decreases in tumor marker levels, thus reducing the ability of the cancers to grow and metastasize.”

A key takeaway from this article is that inflammation in the body and on the body’s systems have a negative effect on health. And, as the article suggests, limits your body’s ability to fight off the development of cancer and makes it harder for the body to absorb the cancer fighting treatments.

It is not recommend that people take high doses of vitamin C without doctor approval or supervision such as was the case with the study participants. Start with diet and then supplements as needed and recommended by your health care professional. This will help to keep your daily inflammation low and will help to allow the body to function at its best without the added pressure of inflammation.

Our top five foods for fighting inflammation are:

1. Berries such as strawberries, blue berries and raspberries
2. Fish such as tuna, salmon and mackerel that are high in omega-3
3. Whole grain foods found in cereals and breads
4. Antioxidant-rich foods such as spinach, beans, broccoli, oranges and sweet potatoes
5. Extra virgin olive oil can be a good substitute for cooking with butter and can be a good foundation for salad dressings.

Interested in reading more? Check out our Top Five Benefits of Meditation