Benefits of Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Adding a variety of anti-inflammatory foods to your diet can be an ideal way to deal with heartburn and inflammation. Heartburn is a problem that can put a damper on the way you feel anytime of the day or night. It can interrupt sleep and even make you feel uncomfortable and nauseous throughout the day. Anti-inflammatory foods are a great way to help prevent heartburn from occurring by using all-natural methods rather than medication. You can add many of these foods into your daily regimen without creating big changes in your eating habits. Since the major cause of heartburn is a condition in which some foods are regurgitated in the esophagus, eating foods that are easily digestible will often prevent this from happening.

Before discussing the anti-inflammatory foods that you can use to prevent or lessen the effects of heartburn, you should avoid some foods. Each person is different, but heartburn is generally caused by acidic foods and foods that are spicy. Foods that are high in fat also have a tendency to cause heartburn and inflammation. Fast food and sugar are just two major products that can cause you to suffer from heartburn after ingestion. Eating any of these foods late at night can also cause you to wake from a deep sleep with the pain of heartburn discomfort and even nausea.

Foods that are high in salt have also been known to cause heartburn in a large number of people. Processed lunch meats, canned foods, sausage, bacon and other sodium-laden products cause inflammation around the heart vessels that, in turn, causes heartburn. Other meats, such as pepperoni and salami, are high in sodium and can contribute to heartburn and inflammation pain as well. You might also acquire the same symptoms by eating a large amount of foods that are high in fat, including certain types of milk and eggs.

While these foods will not always cause heartburn and inflammation, they include ingredients that have been shown to increase problems. These foods can serve to increase the heartburn symptoms if you already suffer from this ailment and can even cause more pain. If not taken care of, you risk getting a digestive disease or other chronic problem involving your digestive system.

If you decide to eat some of these inflammatory foods, you can make choices that will limit your chances of getting heartburn or inflammation. Drinking low-fat milk instead of your normal milk is one way to prevent inflammation. The chemicals and fats used in low-fat milk are less likely to create problems with your body. If you pick lean meats and cheeses, you can limit your chances of inflammation even further. Less salt and less fat are just two of the major components that will help you digest food properly so you do not suffer from inflammation.


Vegetables can also play a role in heartburn and inflammation pain. While most of these vegetables do not actually cause inflammation, they can contribute to the amount of pain that occurs in the inflamed area. Potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplant are the most threatening vegetables when it comes to increasing the painful effects of heartburn. The chemicals in these vegetables make inflammation worse and can even contribute to disease if left untreated. One of the most offending vegetables in this list – tomatoes – is the main ingredient in pizza. Pizza is often cited as one of the foods that are most likely to cause inflammation in the middle of the night.

In addition to these causes of heartburn and inflammation, there are some other things to avoid if you want to minimize your risk. Alcohol and tobacco are two non-food products that have an impact on the way your body digests food. Carbonated beverages can also cause acid reflux problems and discomfort if you have chronic heartburn symptoms.

Fortunately, many foods that you can eat will help reduce your risk of heartburn. These anti-inflammatory foods contain ingredients that help you fend off inflammation throughout your entire body. Omega-3 is one of the most powerful ingredients that fight the effects of inflammation. Typically found in cold-water fish and walnuts, omega-3 gives your system a gentle protective coat that serves to reduce the risk of heartburn and inflammation. You can also find omega-3 in flax seeds and pumpkin seeds. Several vitamin companies also produce a concentrated form of omega-3 in pill form to help you get the required amount that you need.



Olive oil is another anti-inflammatory product that is good for your body. Mainly, it can reduce the pain and discomfort that is normally associated with inflammation and heartburn. In addition to reducing the chances of inflammation, olive oil has other positive aspects. People who get a regular portion of olive oil in their diet have also been known to have less chance of acquiring cardiovascular disease.

Protein is one of the best anti-inflammatory foods that you can eat to minimize your chances of getting inflammation. The best types of protein to eat are lean poultry as well as fish and seafood. Just a small serving of some of these foods will provide you with the amount of protein that your body needs each day. You can also get lean protein from nuts and legumes. For the more dedicated healthy eater, soybeans, tofu, and soymilk are also ideal sources for lean poultry.

Other anti-inflammatory foods come from the grain section of the major food groups. Include whole grains as well as fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber to limit your risk of inflammation. Apples, bananas and grapes are just a few of the fruits that you can enjoy without the concern of getting heartburn. Dark green leafy vegetables, such as leaf lettuce and spinach, are also ideal foods for getting proper nutrients for your body without the risk of inflammation.

Finally, you can find some anti-inflammatory drinks. Water is the best thing you can drink to prevent inflammation in your joints and heartburn. It keeps your body well hydrated and everything flowing smoothly. Tea and fruit juices can have a similar effect as well. Try to drink decaffeinated tea, though. Caffeine has a tendency to contribute to acid reflux pain and discomfort. The more fluids you drink, the less likely you will be to acquire inflammation.


If you cannot make the necessary changes in your diet, you can get several medications over-the-counter at your local pharmacy or drugstore. Some of these products need to be taken daily with a meal in order to regulate and repair your digestive system. Other products are designed to be taken when the symptoms of inflammation begin. The choice is yours to make on the method you prefer for getting pain relief.

Although it might seem like a minor ailment, heartburn and inflammation can be both uncomfortable and painful. Waking up in the middle of the night with one of these problems can cause you to be restless and less productive the next day. Rather than taking medicine after having heartburn pain, make some minor changes in your diet to prevent it from happening. This is the best and most natural way to keep your digestive system in its optimum working order.

Always Consult Your Physician First
Although it is helpful to get health information by reading and talking with friends, make sure you consult your doctor first before trying any new treatment or changing your diet. Remember that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate the strength, purity or safety of herbs and supplements. Be sure to always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, speak with your doctor before taking medical action or changing your health routine. This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. LifeScript disclaims any liability for the decisions made by its readers based on the information provided.