Who's been making small changes and feeling a bit brighter lately, since we've been talking about brain health? Today, let's continue focusing on some things we can actively do to minimize our chances of developing memory problems like Dementia or Alzheimer's in the future.

Yesterday we focused on heart-healthy tips to increase brain function (since heart disease seems to be linked with Alzheimer's) and I shared a heart-healthy recipe with you. Today, we'll focus on inflammation.

While research isn't clear yet on the causes of brain function deterioration, inflammation is almost always found in the bodies and brains of those suffering from memory loss. Studies haven't concluded whether the inflammation is secondary to the disease, or a direct cause of it. Regardless, inflammation can exacerbate problems in the body (whether in the brain, or otherwise). So, it's best to control inflammation in the body as best as we can.

There have been some preliminary studies showing that anti-inflammatory foods, such as the turmeric spice, have been effective in preventing brain damage. Inflammation, which is always found in those with early stage memory loss, is something that can be easily controlled through diet. By avoiding certain foods and incorporating a steady supply of others, it can be relatively easy to eliminate inflammation in the body.

It's important to note that inflammation is almost always a result of some other issue. In many cases, when we look at diet, consuming certain foods can produce an inflammatory response. In those instances, it's best to avoid those specific foods. In other cases, there are underlying problems in the body and an inflammatory response is sometimes triggered.

With inflammation there is heat, swelling, and pain (just think about what happens after accidentally smashing a finger or toe). In isolated incidences like a smashed toe or finger, the inflammation is going to eventually fade and that body part will return to health. However, when the inflammation is wide-spread through the body, and chronic in nature, it's a sign that something major is going on. Finding the root of the problem is vitally important, of course.

Many individuals who suffer with ongoing inflammation find relief when they change their diets. It's proven that certain foods definitely contain either pro- or anti-inflammatory properties. Avoiding the former and incorporating more of the latter in one's diet can bring about tremendous benefits (both overall in the body, but also in the brain if there is any inflammation present there, as well).

Here's a list of some foods that cause inflammation and others that eliminate it.

CAUSE INFLAMMATION

• Processed foods (which include saturated fats, sugar, artificial ingredients)
• Organ meatsHydrogenated oil (and any products made with it)
• Fried foods
• Processed meats
• Fast foods
• Saturated fats (meat, dairy, eggs)
• High fructose corn syrup and soft drinks
• Most polyunsaturated vegetable oils (safflower, sunflower, corn, peanut and soy)
• Common allergens (casein and gluten)

ELIMINATE INFLAMMATION

• Olive oil
• Omega-3 foods (walnuts, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds)
• Avocados
• Nuts
• Tart cherries
• Onions and garlic
• Pineapple
• Spinach
• Turmeric and ginger
• Orange-colored vegetables and fruits

The more whole and natural the food, the less likely it is to cause an inflammatory response in the body.The opposite is true, too, of course: the more processed and unnatural the foods you eat, the greater chances of triggering an inflammatory response in the body.

To minimize the chances of developing memory problems, eliminate as many inflammation-causing foods and incorporate as many anti-inflammatory foods as possible. The following recipe not only reduces inflammation, it is also delicious and super easy to prepare!

Pineapple Smoothie

• 1 ripe pinapple
• Few handfulls fresh spinach
• Few pieces if ice (optional)

Directions:

Remove outer skin of pineapple. If you have a Vitamix, or similar high-powered blender, you can simply chop the pineapple into large chunks and drop into the Vitamix container. Use the tamper to force the chunks down into the blades as it blends into a smoothie.

If you are using a standard blender, you'll need to remove the core of the pineapple (since it won't blend well), and also cut the pineapple into small chunks (and you'll need to slowly add the pinapple pieces to your blender, so they can process). You may need to add some water to the container, as well, if it's not blending for you.

Blend the pineapple chunks and then add a few handfuls of spinach to the mix and blend a bit longer. You can also add a little bit of ice, if desired, to create a colder smoothie. This is so easy and so delicious!

Remember, the less inflammation you have in your body, the better your chance of less inflammation in your brain (which has been found in those with Dementia and Alzheimer's). Continually work on extinguishing inflammation before it causes a problem in your body.

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Photo by olgucz on Flickr (Creative Commons).