In turn, experiencing chronic inflammation throughout your body can alter your hunger and metabolism hormones, which can trigger insulin resistance and lead to further weight gain — especially water weight.
It’s due to this vicious cycle that some people will experience problems with losing weight through traditional methods of diet and exercise.
If you’ve had weight-loss surgery to treat obesity, you can supplement your diet with foods that will help lower your body’s inflammation levels and spur further weight loss. Add these six superfoods to your diet to fight inflammation and future weight gain.
1. Salmon
The human body contains compounds known as prostaglandins, which help fight and regulate inflammation. The more weight you gain, the more your body will be prone to attacking these healthy compounds. Increase your body’s prostaglandin levels by eating more omega-3 rich fish such as mackerel and salmon.
2. Blueberries
Blueberries are one of the best superfoods for fighting inflammation since they are high in antioxidants known as bioflavonoids that combat inflammation. Add blueberries to your breakfast smoothies or eat them as a snack throughout the day.
3. Tart cherries
Researchers at Oregon Health and Science University say that tart cherries have the “highest anti-inflammatory” content of any food. Tart cherries are high in antioxidants known as anthocyanins, which some experts say have the ability to reduce inflammation more effectively than most pain medications.
4. Flaxseeds
If for some reason you don’t enjoy eating fish, you can get plenty of omega-3 from flaxseeds. The Cleveland Clinic says that flax contains the highest concentration of plant-based omega-3s compared to any other food. Add flaxseeds to salads, soups, sandwiches, yogurt, smoothies, applesauce, and baked goods to benefit from this inflammation-fighting superfood.
5. Edamame
Edamame, which are young soybeans still in their pods, are rich in omega-3s and a compound is known as isoflavones — the latter of which is also an inflammation-fighter. Eat edamame by itself, as a dip, with rice, or add to salad.
6. Curry
Curry is rich in turmeric, which is a yellow-colored herb best known for its ability to ward off inflammation. Turmeric contains a high amount of bioflavonoids and suppresses proteins in your body known as NF-kappa B that are known to trigger inflammation.
