Anti-Inflammatory Drinks: Wellness Doctor Rx

When the body encounters a foreign element that can include a chemical, plant pollen, an invading microbe, or some other form of infection, it activates the immune system that triggers inflammation to protect the body and fight the illness. Heat and swelling are the body’s repair mechanisms to heal an injury, or if there is an infection, cells are activated to the location to combat the invading pathogens. However, Following an anti-inflammatory diet is important and part of the diet includes anti-inflammatory drinks.

Immune System

The immune system markers in the blood and tissue are above normal levels in response to continual low-level inflammation. The white blood cells that help heal an injury are working against a threat of injury/infection that does not exist. Tissues, organs, and cells can become affected by an influx of white blood cells that should not be there. Studies have proven that inflammation leads to chronic disease, but there are ways to avoid the damaging progression that include:

• Getting the proper amount of sleep.
• Reducing or removing sugary soft drinks, juices, and snacks.
• Decrease in consuming processed foods with added sugar and trans fats.
• Limiting carbs like sugar and white flour.
• Intermittent fasting can help the kidneys flush excess water and salt.
• Getting more physical activity.
• Eating more antioxidant-rich foods and drinks.

Inflammation Symptoms

Symptoms of inflammation can include:

• Fatigue and lack of energy
• Headaches
• Joint pain
• Bloating
• Digestive issues like constipation or gas.
• Memory loss
• Brain fog
• Irritability
• Inability to lose weight
• Weight gain

Anti-Inflammatory Drinks

Fruits and vegetables that help reduce inflammation.

• Beets
• Berries
• Coconut
• Red grapes
• Sweet potatoes
• Avocado
• Citrus – oranges, and lemons
• Dark, leafy greens – kale and spinach
• Broccoli
• Matcha
• Spices – pepper, turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon
• Dark chocolate
• Dates
• Pure maple syrup
• Chia seeds

Anti-inflammatory drinks contain antioxidants and nutrients that can increase immune system health.

Apple Beet Carrot Smoothie

• This smoothie contains antioxidants from beets, ginger, carrots, orange, and apple.
• It helps with blood circulation, reduces blood pressure, and helps detoxify.

Pineapple Turmeric Smoothie

• The pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which triggers the body’s ability to fight pain and reduce swelling.
• It’s used for inflammation in sports injuries and may be effective in reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea

• Curcuminoid is an anti-inflammatory compound that reduces pain, stiffness, and joint inflammation.
• Lemon and ginger increase immune system health and help digestion, gut health, and weight loss.

Blueberry Smoothie

• Blueberries contain vitamins, antioxidants, and flavonoids that regulate immune system function and help fight chronic inflammation.

Chai Tea

• Traditional homemade chai tea is a blend of herbs with anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Herbs include cinnamon, star anise, clove, ginger, and cardamom.
• They help improve digestion, alleviate nausea, and increase immune system health.

These are just a few examples, but there are a variety of anti-inflammatory drinks that can benefit body and mental health.

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Healthy and Refreshing

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References

Alghadir, Ahmad H et al. “Green tea and exercise interventions as nondrug remedies in geriatric patients with rheumatoid arthritis.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 28,10 (2016): 2820-2829. doi:10.1589/jpts.28.2820

Crozier, Stephen J et al. “Cacao seeds are a “Super Fruit”: A comparative analysis of various fruit powders and products.” Chemistry Central journal vol. 5 5. 7 Feb. 2011, doi:10.1186/1752-153X-5-5

Hunter, Philip. “The inflammation theory of disease. The growing realization that chronic inflammation is crucial in many diseases opens new avenues for treatment.” EMBO reports vol. 13,11 (2012): 968-70. doi:10.1038/embor.2012.142

Panche, A N et al. “Flavonoids: an overview.” Journal of nutritional science vol. 5 e47. 29 Dec. 2016, doi:10.1017/jns.2016.41

Teodorczyk-Injeyan, Julita A. PhD*; Triano, John J. DC, PhD*; Injeyan, H. Stephen DC, PhD†. Nonspecific Low Back Pain: Inflammatory Profiles of Patients With Acute and Chronic Pain. The Clinical Journal of Pain: October 2019 – Volume 35 – Issue 10 – p 818-825
doi: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000745