Fill Your Plate with Anti-Inflammatory Immune Boosting Foods

Adopting an anti-inflammatory diet this fall could do wonders for avoiding illness into the winter months. By reducing inflammation, we improve the function of our bodies on a systemic level. This includes immune function!

The top inflammatory foods you may be consuming are added sugars, trans fats, red and processed meats, an abundance of omega-6 fatty acids, and/or refined carbohydrates.

Added sugars: Many packaged and processed foods contain added sugars. Manufacturers use them to improve flavour. Granola bars, crackers, bread, and store-bought salad dressings, all contain added sugar that contributes to inflammation by inundating the blood stream with sugar. Insulin spikes and tries to place these sugars within our fat cells, causing them to swell.

If you need a convenience item, select packaged foods with fewer than 4 grams of added sugar per serving.

Trans fats: Hydrogenation causes trans fats. These are damaged fats that aren’t helpful to be consumed in any amount. We find them in baked goods and other processed foods. Consuming trans fats can raise cholesterol levels and lead to heart disease and diabetes. Avoid foods that list “hydrogenated oils” or “partially hydrogenated oils” on their labels.  

Red and processed meats: High amounts of saturated fat can contribute to inflammation. Reduce meat consumption and treat it like a side dish. Protein can come from many other sources. When consuming meat, choose options that contain fewer than 4 grams of saturated fat per serving.

Too many omega-6 fatty acids: Omega-6 fatty acids are pro-inflammatory in the body and found in many commercial oils, including canola, corn, safflower, sunflower, and peanut oils. These are present in lots of processed foods. Omega-3s and 6s are intended to balance each other out for normal growth and development. Strike a balance by increasing omega-3 foods and lowering your consumption of omega-6 foods.

Refined carbohydrates: White bread, crackers, and sugary cereals are void of nutrition and important blood-sugar balancing fibre. Without fibre, the sugar in these carbohydrates spikes blood sugar too quickly and aren't used fast enough. In this panicked process of trying to disperse all the sugar, inflammation occurs. Opt instead for high fibre, complex carbohydrates. 

Removing Inflammatory Habits

If you’re looking to reduce inflammatory lifestyle factors, start with sleep. Balancing energy levels and tapping into your circadian rhythm will also help reduce our reliance on artificial stimulants like added sugars and refined carbohydrates.

There are many reciprocal connections between the central nervous system (CNS), sleep, and our immune system. Proper sleep supports the functioning of our adaptive immune system. This is the system responsible for receiving information from new threats, adapting accordingly and defending against infection.

Sleep loss can also contribute to dysregulation of vital inflammatory and antiviral immune responses. This dysregulation can lead to overreactivity and an abundance of inflammation, as well as deplete vital resources for responding to actual infection and illnesses.

Regular exercise and movement is a vital component of healthy living. To maintain mobility and proper physical functioning, our bodies require lubrication, flexing, and stretching. Living a sedentary lifestyle can reduce the functionality of our joints and muscles. Engage in regular physical exercise to ward off inflammation and pain, and enjoy the outdoors. Adequate time outdoors in the fresh airs keep our immune system functioning optimally.

Our stress levels also contribute to inflammation. When we perceive stress, physical or psychological, our body goes into fight-or-flight mode. The immune system’s response is to prepare to defend the body from incoming threats by triggering pro-inflammatory reactions. The part of our brain called the amygdala is where our fight-or-flight activates from, releasing hormones, cortisol and adrenaline. Regardless of the scenario, our brain can’t recognize whether it’s actually a life-or-death situation.

Stress is stress to the body. And when we live in a state of chronic stress, we can contribute to chronic inflammation. By taking action to reduce stress levels, we can also reduce our inflammation.

Top Anti-Inflammatory Foods

You may be familiar with some of the trendier anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, salmon and other omega-3-rich foods, acai berries, and avocado. But what about grapes, broccoli, mushrooms, peppers, kale, and dark chocolate? Try to consume more anti-inflammatory meals to counteract the effects of any occasional inflammatory foods.

For example, if you’re going to have refined carbohydrates in the form of white pasta, have a smaller serving and pair it with lots of mushrooms. Mushrooms are rich in anti-inflammatory B vitamins, as well as selenium! For an anti-inflammatory, phytonutrient-rich, vegetarian meal, make a dish packed with kale and lentils for their immune boosting nutrition.

Finally, if you’re indulging in dessert, opt for 70% dark chocolate or higher, to reap the rewards of cocoa’s antioxidants.

Anti-Inflammatory & Immune Boosting Foods

Which anti-inflammatory foods double as immune boosters? Most of them, actually! There’s more to supporting immunity than just citrus fruit and chicken soup.

Avocados contain specific sugars that block proinflammatory action in the body and help regulate our innate immune responses. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli contain an anti-inflammatory compound called sulforaphane, a powerful antioxidant which also supports immunity and fights free radicals.

Antioxidants in general, support the strength of our immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells. Fill your plate with antioxidant-rich carrots, cabbage, beets, spinach, and beans.

Immune Boosting Adjustments for the Fall

As we head into the fall and the kids head back to school, it’s time to refocus after a summer of fun. We’re settling into new routines and it’s a great time to make adjustments to improve our health.

Top tips for seasonal changes include…

- Making more meatless meals at home. Focus instead on bean dishes that are packed with antioxidants.
- Avoiding red meat. If you do have meat, look for what is low in saturated fats.
- Limiting inflammatory foods and habits. Get to bed earlier, take a walk outdoors first thing in the morning to tap into your circadian rhythm and limit afternoon sweet treats.
- Enjoying delicious, in-season produce that is nutrient-dense and great for your health!
- Eating more anti-inflammatory foods to fend off illness and support mental wellbeing also.

Implement these changes one at a time. Adopt as many as is manageable for you and your family. Fight illness and infection this fall with delicious and nutritious foods, and a health supportive lifestyle.

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