5 Best Anti-Inflammatory Drinks and How They Work

5 Best Anti-Inflammatory Drinks and How They Work

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11.19.2019 0 comments

Author icon Author: Trisha Houghton, CNS, ASIST

Did you know that inflammation is a sign of internal damage? Not just obvious damage like a broken bone, or a sprained ankle. We’re talking micro-damage, like tissue in your intestines being destroyed or your joints being slowly brown down by an auto-immune condition.

Low-grade inflammation has been closely linked to chronic disease and numerous health risks, and it’s characterized by immune system markers in your blood. A number of chronic diseases—everything from cancer to certain types of arthritis to digestive problems—can stem from chronic inflammation that goes unchecked.

That’s why it’s so important to get inflammation under control.

Why Anti-Inflammatory Drinks Matter

Thankfully, you’ll find the best way to deal with inflammation can also be the tastiest: through food and beverages.

Many plants, colorful fruits, and vegetables contain anti-inflammatory chemicals and compounds that will help to reduce and eliminate low-grade inflammation. Natural antioxidants, polyphenols, and flavonoids are just a few. Mix them up into a delicious drink, and you’ve got an anti-inflammatory remedy you can sip all day long!

And the best part is that anti-inflammatory drinks boast a laundry list of secondary benefits outside of lowering inflammation, including reducing your chances of developing cardiovascular disease and boosting your immune system, according to this study published in Nutrients in 2020.

Here are some of our favorite anti-inflammatory drinks you can make and take wherever you go. They are all great additions to any anti-inflammatory diet.

1. Berry Blast Smoothie 

The antioxidants and polyphenols in berries make them excellent to help you combat inflammation. With a bit of Vitamin C-rich freshly squeezed orange juice as the base for this smoothie, you’ll find you have everything you need to get rid of inflammation and get your body back on track.

How Berries Combat Inflammation

According to Harvard Medical School [1], berries are some of the best foods to fight inflammation in your body. It’s all thanks to the potent antioxidants and toxin-fighting plant compounds found in massive doses in berries like blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.

Recipe

In a blender, combine the juice from 1 fresh-squeezed orange with two cups of frozen berries (of your choice). Try to use as many blueberries, Acai berries, Goji berries, and blackberries as possible, but raspberries and strawberries will be an equally flavorful choice.

Add ice, blend until smooth and chilled, and enjoy!

berry smoothie in a blender

2. Ginger and Parsley Juice 

This one’s definitely not for the faint of heart! It’s bold and earthy, sure to wake up your taste buds while delivering robust inflammation benefits.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits of Carnosol and Zingerol 

Parsley has a very strong flavor, but it’s also loaded with a potent plant compound called carnosol [2], which has shown promising results as both an anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agent. It can specifically target inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Research shows that ginger [3] is another amazing anti-inflammatory food. The antioxidant compounds it contains, such as zingerol, can help to reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, reducing the amount of inflammation caused by low-grade damage in your body.

It can also aid in digestion and reduce muscle pain and soreness—what’s not to love?

Recipe

Run one handful of parsley and 1 to 2 inches of ginger through your juicer. For flavor, run a single green apple through the juicer as well.

Squeeze a whole lemon into the resulting juice, stir in ice to chill, and drink!

3. Cherry Pineapple Lemonade

If you love cherries, you’re in luck! cherries are one of the best anti-inflammatory foods.

Role of Anthocyanins and Bromelain

This study published in Nutrients in 2018 shows that cherries are loaded with anthocyanins, antioxidants that will combat your body’s natural inflammatory response. Tart cherry juice will also speed up recovery time after a workout and prevent muscle soreness by reducing inflammation resulting from the low-grade damage caused by your workout.

Throwing pineapple into the mix just makes this drink all the more awesome. Pineapple is loaded with bromelain, which can help to reduce swelling, pain, and bruising following surgeries or resulting from injuries.

Recipe

Mix up a cup of cherries in the blender with half a cup of cubed pineapple (frozen or fresh). Blend until smooth, add sparkling water, and enjoy!

Cherry Pineapple Lemonade

4. Lemon Turmeric Tonic 

This one’s going to be an amazing choice for those who want to kick up their digestion a notch and combat low-grade inflammation in their intestines.

Curcumin’s Anti-Inflammatory Effects 

The curcumin in turmeric [4] can reduce the body’s inflammatory response, reducing inflammatory cytokines. Not only that, but curcumin may also be effective at reducing the pain caused by inflammation in the joints (the result of MS and rheumatoid arthritis).

Plus, with lemon as the base of the drink, you know you’re getting a hefty dose of nutrients, like Vitamin C—another inflammation-fighting antioxidant!

Recipe

Squeeze four lemons into one liter of water. Then stir in two tablespoons of turmeric, one tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper.

5. Bone Broth

Go savory instead of sweet with bone broth, and your body will thank you. This nutrient-dense liquid can deliver the inflammation reduction effects you’re looking for.

How Collagen and Amino Acids Aid Recovery

Bone broth is loaded with collagen, as well as amino acids like glycine and arginine [5] that can help to reduce inflammation. Chicken and beef bone broth, in particular, are rich in those anti-inflammatory compounds your body needs to fight inflammation.

Brew up a batch of the delicious bone broth, pack it in a thermos, and bring it to work as your healthy midmorning or mid-afternoon savory snack. It’ll fill you up, improve digestive system function, and leave you a whole lot healthier in the process.

Recipe

Throw the bones of three whole chickens into a slow cooker, along with one onion, two stalks of celery, two carrots (diced), a gallon of water, and a tablespoon of vinegar. Add a bit of salt, pepper, bay leaves, and chili pepper flakes, and you’re ready to cook.

Set it on low heat and simmer for up to 48 hours. Skim the fat from the broth occasionally.

When it’s ready, discard all the solids and strain it until only the broth remains. The result is delicious and extremely good for your health.

Additional Anti-Inflammatory Beverages to Try

Having the same lineup of drinks on a regular basis can quickly become boring. And that’s what we don’t want. Extend your list with the following anti-inflammatory beverages so you’ll have choices galore: 

  • Golden milk: A soothing blend of turmeric, milk (or plant-based milk), and warming spices.
  • White teas: Light, delicate, and full of polyphenols that support overall health.
  • Pomegranate juice: Rich in antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress.
  • Green tea: Famous for its catechins, which help reduce inflammation and support metabolism.
  • Black teas: A robust option with powerful flavonoids to aid heart and immune health.
  • Chamomile tea: Calming, helps reduce stress-related inflammation.
  • Ginger tea: Naturally anti-inflammatory and soothing for digestion.
  • Lemon water: Hydrating and alkalizing, with vitamin C to fight oxidative stress.
  • Matcha: A powdered form of green tea with even more concentrated antioxidants.
  • Tart cherry juice: Known to reduce muscle soreness and joint inflammation.
  • Beet juice: Packed with nitrates and antioxidants to support circulation.
  • Rooibos tea: Caffeine-free and rich in aspalathin, a unique anti-inflammatory compound.
  • Peppermint tea: Refreshing and helpful for soothing the digestive tract.
  • Cranberry juice (unsweetened): High in antioxidants that may support urinary tract and heart health.

Mix and match based on your mood, season, or health goals – this way you’ll always have something refreshing and healing on hand.

a cup of anti-inflammatory tea

Tips for Maximizing the Health Benefits of Anti-Inflammatory Drinks 

Are you ready to get the most out of a healthy diet featuring anti-inflammatory drinks? Here are some other tips to keep in mind as you reclaim your health through your diet:

  • Pair your anti-inflammatory drinks with inflammation-busting foods, like fatty fish, leafy greens, and whole grains.
  • Avoid generally unhealthy foods like hot dogs and other processed meats, french fries, red meat, trans fats, and items with added sugars or lots of saturated fat. Weight gain is a known risk factor for inflammation, per this Harvard Health resource.
  • Keeping to low to moderate drinking, as alcohol carries an increased risk of inflammation, making your efforts counterproductive.
  • Incorporate healthy fats where you can. Adding sources of omega-3s, like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or a splash of fish oil, can enhance a beverage’s anti-inflammatory effects and even support your heart and brain health.
  • Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. Whenever possible, use fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs in your drinks instead of processed juices or powders. They retain more of their natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Conclusion: Embrace a Healthier Lifestyle Through Anti-Inflammatory Choices

Getting foods that promote inflammation reduction is a substantial way to promote long-term health. When you drink anti-inflammatory drinks as part of your daily routine, you’re giving your body the raw materials it needs to fight inflammation, lower your risk of potentially dangerous diseases, maintain healthy joints, and support your overall health. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best as you work to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

While anti-inflammatory drinks are a powerful daily habit, sometimes your body needs deeper cellular support to address the inflammation and damage happening beneath the surface. Pairing these lifestyle choices with targeted nutrients can further strengthen your defenses, enhance regeneration, and promote whole-body resilience.

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Click here to learn more about Restore Life and find out how it can change your future for the better by helping your body regenerate, improving autophagy, and allowing you to live your best, youngest, and healthiest life!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you reduce inflammation in your body ASAP?

You can reduce inflammation in your body ASAP in several different ways, but the best option for you may differ from the next person’s. For some, it all comes down to a healthy diet – others may need anti-inflammatory medication or close monitoring and care from a physician. It all depends on the individual. If youre concerned about inflammation and want tailored advice, we recommend speaking to your primary care physician for advice.

Is coffee inflammatory?

Coffee can be inflammatory in some people, according to this evidence-based source, but it can prevent or reduce inflammation in others. The general recommendation for coffee in people with inflammation concerns is to ensure you’re not drinking too much of it.

What is the #1 best drink to reduce inflammation?

There’s no #1 best drink to reduce inflammation, but drinks like ginger and parsley juice, bone broth, and golden milk work excellent for the purpose.

How do you flush inflammation out of your body?

Technically, it’s not possible to flush inflammation out of your body, but if you’re looking to reduce inflammation, diet modification and weight control are two of the most promising ways to do so.

Sources

Carnosol: A promising anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory agent
Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ginger in Health and Physical Activity: Review of Current Evidence
Therapeutic Roles of Curcumin: Lessons Learned from Clinical Trials
L-Glycine: a novel antiinflammatory, immunomodulatory, and cytoprotective agent
Foods that fight inflammation
Impact of Alcohol on Inflammation, Immunity, Infections, and Extracellular Vesicles in Pathogenesis
Strengthening the Immune System and Reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress through Diet and Nutrition: Considerations during the COVID-19 Crisis
A Review of the Health Benefits of Cherries

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