I write to you this month about a subject that comes up alot in consultations with my clients – inflammation. While we don’t necessarily begin our sessions with complaints of inflammation – after all – most people who come to see me want to get their weight in check – the topic of overall health comes up and I hear concerns over arthritis, chronic aches and pains, and diabetes. Most of my clients are not aware of the mounting body of science that suggests these conditions, and others such as heart disease, auto immune disorders, cancer and Alzheimers, can be caused by inflammation in the body.

What causes inflammation in the body? The list is not too long

• A diet that is high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, processed foods and unhealthy fats
• Lack of exercise or excessive exercise
• Stress
• Hidden allergens or food sensitivities to food or environmental toxins

What can you do to avoid and reverse an inflammatory condition in your body? It can be amazingly simple.

• Eat healthy fats from olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds and Omega 3 fats from small fish like wild salmon, sardines and herring.
• Eat a whole foods, high fiber, mostly plant based diet, which is by nature, anti-inflammatory. Avoid processed foods, refined sugars and trans fats.
• Exercise, primarily engage in exercise that is pleasurable and stress reducing.
• Explore the possibility of food sensitivities and allergies.
• Take a good quality probiotic to help your digestion and improve the balance of healthy bacteria in your digestive tract.
• Take a good quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement which help to relieve inflammation.

FIVE FOODS THAT FIGHT INFLAMMATION

A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods is also naturally detoxifying and alkalizing; promoting good health and natural healing

Dark Green leafy Vegetables and Sea Vegetables- high in fiber and phyto-nutirents. these vegetablees also serve to create an alkaline environment in the body, as opposed to a more acidic one which promotes inflammation.

Wild-Caught Salmon – this fish provides healthy doses of omega 3 essential fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and are essential for brain health.

Shitake Mushrooms – common in Chinese and Japanese cooking, shitake mushrooms provide anti-cancer benefits in addition to anti-inflammatory properties. They have been used medicinally in Chinese medicine for over 6,000 years.

Sweet potato – This starchy vegetable is rich in anti-oxidants such as vitamins B6 and C, and the anti-stress mineral magnesium. Their naturally sweet flavor and high fiber content make them perfect for curbing sweet cravings.

Tumeric – This spice is known as “nature’s Advil”, containing the same COX 2 inhibitors found in most anti-inflammatory drugs; without the side effects.

FINALLY STOP DIETING AND START LIVING!!!!