Is your body is under the attack of Inflammation? What would you do?

Inflammation is a condition designed by nature to help your body recover which causes the occasional ache or pain. In small doses, this is fine. But if you’re constantly putting your body under stress — whether from work, illness, or even exercise — your body flips into the protection mode. The inflammation that’s meant to protect you instead causes your body to fight against itself. The system breaks down and you become more vulnerable to injury or even diseases.

But the process of healing your body can be improved with several small, simple changes. For example, many foods contain anti-inflammatory compounds that can alleviate pain and swelling, and help protect your body. Here are the top 10 foods that provide the most powerful boost to your body’s ability to regulate and reduce inflammation:

Cinnamon
Cinnamon is one of the world’s oldest and most coveted spices. Research has shown that cinnamon not only reduces inflammation but also fights bacteria, assists blood sugar control and enhances brain function. Sprinkle cinnamon over yogurt, cereal or oatmeal. You can even add it to a smoothie or a glass of low-fat milk.

Ginger
This flavorful root is available all year and used in everything from soda to stir-fries. Ginger contains several anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols which may relieve joint pain, prevent free radical damage, protect against colo-rectal cancer and increase immunity. Ginger is also a natural anti-emetic, often used to alleviate motion sickness and morning sickness. Steep a couple of slices of ginger in hot water for ginger tea or blend it with soy sauce to top a stir-fried dish.

Onions
Onions are packed with sulfur-containing containing compounds which are responsible for their pungent odor and associated with improved health. This widely-used and versatile vegetable are believed to inhibit inflammation and linked to everything from cholesterol reduction to cancer prevention. Try using onions as a base for soups, sauces and stir-fries. Other foods with the same benefits include garlic, leeks, and chives.

Cherries
One of the richest known sources of antioxidants, cherries are an anti-inflammatory powerhouse. Research suggests that cherries offer pain relief from gout and arthritis, reduce exercise-induced joint and muscle pain, lower cholesterol and improve inflammatory markers. Drink a glass of cherry juice in the morning with breakfast or combine dried cherries with nuts for a snack.

Walnuts
Walnuts are one of the healthiest nuts you can eat. They’re loaded with anti-inflammatory, heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids and provide more antioxidants than Brazil nuts, pistachios, pecans, peanuts, almonds, macadamias, cashews, and hazelnuts. Walnuts are also a great source of protein and fiber. Top yogurt or salad with a handful of walnuts or eat raw walnuts as a snack.

Turmeric
A mustard-yellow spice from Asia, turmeric is often used in yellow curry. It gets its color from a compound called curcumin. This curcumin helps improve chronic pain by suppressing inflammatory chemicals in the body. Make a homemade curry with turmeric or mix it into other recipes once or twice a week.

Pineapple
This tropical yellow fruit contains the enzyme bromelain which is helpful in treating muscle injuries like sprains and strains. This enzyme also helps to improve digestion for people suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease along with aches and pains associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Add pineapple to a smoothie or salad to help improve your body’s tweaks and twinges.

Flax seed
Flax seed is packed with omega-3 fatty acids which can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Omega-3 found in flax seed helps in blocking pro-inflammatory agents. Grind flax seed to release the oils, and then add a spoonful of it to your salad, oatmeal, or yogurt. For more omega-3-rich foods with anti-inflammatory benefits, eat soybeans, extra-virgin olive oil and fatty fish like salmon and tuna.

Carrots
Colorful orange carrots are rich in carotenoids, a group of phytochemicals known to help protect cells from free radicals and boost immunity. They also help regulate inflammation. Add carrots to your salad or cook them as a side dish for any meal. Other carotenoid-rich foods include apricots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, and pumpkin.

Greens
Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale are packed with flavonoids, a phytonutrient that boosts heart health and may help ward off cancer. Flavonoid-rich foods also reduce inflammation in the brain, possibly slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Eat a spinach salad a few days a week for a powerful punch of flavonoids. Other good sources are kale, soybeans, berries, tea or even a glass of wine.