Fight Inflammation Naturally with Antioxidants
February 15, 2022
Oral health often determines the overall health of the entire body. Scientists are studying antioxidants to determine their effect on interfering replication and attachment in infectious viruses. The use of antioxidants is seen as an extra line of defense against systemic inflammation.
Inflammation plays a key role in many common diseases. The use of oral antioxidants is just one step in a holistic approach to dental care. In his interesting report on the topic, Robert Winter, D.D.S. also recommends an anti-inflammatory diet to allow the body to heal from stress or disease.
"Chronic inflammatory diseases are becoming more severe and common and currently contribute to more than half of the deaths worldwide.4 Inflammation is associated with autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and heart disease, lung and airway diseases like asthma, metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, mental illnesses like depression, and some forms of cancer such as colon cancer."
According to the American Heart Association, the following foods are high in antioxidants or have a high degree of anti-inflammatory effect.
- Fatty fishes high in omega-3 fatty acids are well known for reducing inflammation. They include fish such as salmon, tuna, sardines, and mackerel. Some of these can be high in mercury, so eating them more than three times per week is generally not recommended.
- Dark leafy greens. Generally, the darker or more colorful the vegetable, the higher the antioxidative effect. Remember, patients on certain anticoagulants and those with a specific type of kidney stone disease need to limit their intake of some dark leafy greens.
- Tea is well known for containing many types of antioxidants. Green tea has been shown to have a higher level of antioxidants, but they are present in black and white teas also.
- Whole grains. One current diet fad is to go “gluten-free.” Unless you have celiac disease or a medically confirmed gluten intolerance whole grains are an important source of protein and fiber in addition to their anti-inflammatory effect on the body. Examples of healthy whole grains include whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, barley, brown rice, and popcorn (with minimal salt and butter).
- Nuts are full of antioxidants and reduce inflammation. In addition, they are high in fiber which makes you feel full.
- Ginger. In addition to its anti-inflammatory effect, ginger helps to settle an upset stomach, reduce the effects of motion sickness, and reduces muscle soreness.
- One of my personal favorites is dark chocolate.