What does “Anti-Inflammatory” mean?
Inflammation is your body's natural response to harmful substances such as infections, injuries, and toxins. It's your body's effort to cure itself, but although it can be beneficial in some situations, it can also be harmful. Inflammation occurs your body's white blood cells and the things they make protect you from infection from outside invaders, such as bacteria and viruses.
But in some diseases, like arthritis, your body's defense -- your immune system -- triggers inflammation when there are no invaders to fight off.
An 'anti-inflammatory' drug or substance is one that lowers inflammation in the body. Certain foods have powerful anti-inflammatory qualities that aid in the healing of inflammation.
Drinking delightful drinks is a fantastic way to get your anti-inflammatory dosage! That’s why we created a list of Anti-Inflammatory Drinks You Can Easily Make at Home.
1. Ginger Berry Anti- Inflammatory Smoothie
Ginger is more than just a side to sushi or an ingredient in tea; ginger has benefits of its own too. Ginger contains chemicals that are antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Studies show that it helps ease severe inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis too.
Ingredients:
1 cup non-dairy unsweetened milk
1 cup frozen berry blend
3/4 cup frozen pineapple
1/4 cup frozen red beets
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated turmeric
1/4 small/medium avocado
1 tablespoon chia seeds
2 teaspoons raw honey (raw agave or pure maple syrup)
2. Turmeric Twist Smoothie
Turmeric is a yellow spice that has many health benefits. One of the chemicals in turmeric inhibits chronic inflammatory signals in the body. This eases inflammation, which can prevent joint damage, arthritis, heart disease and liver damage.
Ingredients:
1 cup frozen mango
½ cup canned light coconut milk
¼ cup water
1 Tbsp hemp seeds
½ tsp ginger, ½ tsp turmeric
a handful of ice
honey to taste (optional)
3. Dark Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie
When most people think of chocolate, they think of it as a treat instead of a health food. But, cocoa contains antioxidants that reduce inflammation and lower blood sugar levels. Make sure to get chocolate with at least 70 percent cacao for the highest amounts of antioxidants.
Ingredients:
3/4 cup almond milk, coconut milk or skim milk
2 medium bananas
1 cup frozen strawberries
1/4 cup Greek yogurt plain, strawberry or vanilla
3 tsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp honey, optional
Mini chocolate chips to garnish, optional
4. Anti Inflammatory Blueberry Smoothie
Berries, especially blueberries, are full of vitamins and antioxidants called flavonoids that can help fight inflammation. They also have chemicals that help regulate your immune system, which can reduce chronic inflammation.
Ingredients:
One Frozen Banana
A handful of Blueberries
A handful of Spinach or leafy greens
Half a cup of Almond Butter
A cup of Almond Milk
A few dashes of Cinnamon
A few dashes Cayenne
A few dashes Maca Powder (optional)
5. Coconut Banana Smoothie
Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which triggers your body's ability to fight pain and reduce swelling. It's used as a treatment for inflammation and sports injuries, and may be effective in reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Ingredients:
Fresh or frozen banana
A handful of frozen pineapple chunks
A handful of frozen mango chunks
A few dashes of turmeric
Enough coconut water to get your preferred consistency
Fight inflammation in the most delicious way by trying out these refreshing and easy-to-make-at-home drinks!
The information shared in this blog post is not intended to replace the advice of a medical professional. Please consult your doctor.
AROMALIEF FREE RESOURCES
This pain tracking sheet is a simple to use form that you can print several copies and put them in a binder. You can fill it out throughout the day or every night with a warm cup of tea. Writing things down can also help to get them out of our mind.
This guide contains a comprehensive plan to help you live with less pain with the help of nature. This includes: Foods, aromatherapy, meditation, routines, sleep, exercise, self care, and more.
Sources:
- https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/about-inflammation
- https://lemonsandzest.com/anti-inflammatory-blueberry-smoothie/
- https://www.geisinger.org/health-and-wellness/wellness-articles/2018/02/21/17/18/8-foods-that-reduce-inflammation
- https://honestandtasty.com/anti-inflammatory-smoothie-so-simple-and-tropical/
- https://www.edibleperspective.com/home/2015/6/16/anti-inflammatory-smoothie
- https://www.prevention.com/health/a20457104/the-smoothie-that-fights-allergies-plus-3-more-healthy-eating-updates-you-need-to-know/
- https://www.alattefood.com/dark-chocolate-strawberry-smoothie/
