Chronic Inflammation has become a household word. While many people reach for medications to reduce the discomforts of ongoing inflammation Dr. Mercola suggests to include a number of whole based plant foods and fresh herbs and spices into your daily menus to reduce inflammation naturally.

It is important to realize, says Dr. Mercola, that chronic inflammation is the source of many if not most, diseases, including, cancer, obesity, and heart disease; and while inflammation is a good thing to protect us from pathogens like bacteria and viruses, and to heal things,- the problem begins when the inflammation response does not turn off, and the inflammatory response ping pongs back and forth from bearable to unbearable, whether it is in your gut, your liver function, the kidneys, digestive, skin or lung corridors. Inflammation can show itself in a number of ways and has a tendency to collect wherever you are most acidic and or do not eliminate properly from that organ. A key to maintaining good health then, and to reduce inflammation is to eat a variety of plant based whole foods and to enjoy fresh herbs and dried spices on a daily basis.

Even in everyday dosage amounts says Mercola, four spices were found to be significantly effective, at quelling the inflammation response. Cloves, Ginger, Rosemary and Turmeric. Studies have also shown that the phenol compounds found in these herbs and spices inhibit glycation, (block the formation of AGE compounds-advanced glycation end products) that increase the signs of aging. Aromatic herbs like Sage, Thyme, Oregano and Marjoram with there rich volatile oils, phenols and terpenoids can reduce inflammation effectively, when used in a consistent way on a daily basis. In that light, consider making fresh herbs and spices a highlight of your upcoming summer menus and onwards.

Here are Seven Whole Foods to eat on a regular basis to reduce inflammation.

1.Essential fatty acids, found in wild Alaskan salmon and fish, or seaweed, ground flax, or pumpkin seeds are all good sources. Essential fatty acids are particularly important for brain health.

2. Leafy greens such as kale, spinach and collard greens contain powerful antioxidants flavonoids, carotenoids and Vitamin C all of which protect against cellular damage. Ideally this time of year eat local organic vegetables that are in season. Eat a variety of salads, and juicing is an excellent way to get more greens into you. NOTE: Both kale and spinach are on the Dirty Dozen 2019 list, so it is best to buy organic.

3.Wild Blueberries rate very high in antioxidant capacity compared to other fruits and vegetables. They are also lower in sugar than other fruits. This is the Medical Medium's preferred source of antioxidant rich foods. Blueberries are an excellent brain food and supply a rich source of nutrients for the health of your nervous system. Eat them now, while you can.
4. Matcha tea is the most nutrient rich green tea and comes in the form of a stone-ground unfermented powder. Matcha has 17 times more antioxidants than blueberries.

5. Fermented Foods optimize your gut health and an important function of the immune system. Fermented foods like milk and water kefir, natto, kimchee, kombucha, miso, tempeh, sauerkraut, olives and other fermented vegetables,will all help to reseed your gut with beneficial bacteria.

6. Chaga and Shiitake Mushrooms contain strong compounds with their long chain fatty acids and numerous chemical compounds as well as rich in important minerals, inhibit the inflammatory responses effectively.

7. Garlic has been treasured for its medicinal properties throughout time, it’s also been one of the most researched foods. Garlic has been found to be beneficial and healing to more than 150 different conditions and shows anti-bacterial anti-viral anti-fungal and anti-oxidative properties

Dietary choices can either prevent or increase inflammation in your body and processed foods do the latter. The key to reducing chronic inflammation, is with your diet. Being liberal with your herbs and spices says Mercola, is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your food with nutrients and to reduce chronic inflammation.