Evidence shows that chronic inflammation is the root cause of pain, many serious diseases, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s and many cancers. The foods that appear to protect against chronic Inflammation are varied and can be delicious – focus on the ones you and your family like best while finding creative and fun ways to introduce new ones.
Eating too much of certain foods may increase inflammation, you may feel better if you avoid:
Fried foods, including many fast-food items.
Cured meats with nitrates, such as hot dogs.
Highly refined oils and trans fats.
Refined carbohydrates, such as sugar, pastries or white bread.
When trying to calm inflammation, it's vital that you give your body the absolute best tools to work with. Eat plenty of organic vegetables, healthy fats, and quality proteins, like supplementing with a daily dose of collagen powder.
Black cod: I do love salmon, but pound for pound, wild caught black cod (also known as butterfish or sablefish) has even more omega-3 fatty acids than salmon. It also has a buttery taste that makes it the finest fish I have ever eaten. Ask for it at your local fish market. Omega-3 fatty acids “inhibit” an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which produces the prostaglandin hormones that spark inflammation. The action is similar to what happens when one takes an aspirin, which disrupts the COX-2 signaling pathway, thus reducing inflammation and pain.
Bok choy: Cruciferous vegetables in general are among my favorites – they have potent anti-inflammatory, hormone-balancing and anti-cancer effects. But bok choy stands out in that it has higher concentration of beta-carotene and vitamin A than any other variety of cabbage. Buy fresh in the produce section – use raw in salads, or cut up & freeze for smoothies, use in soups, stews, stir-fry’s or as a steamed side dish.
Berries: I love the taste of all kinds of berries, which are among the most healthful foods one can eat. For example, a study at Ohio State University found that black raspberries reduce the incidence of certain cancers in animals by 50 percent. The juice of sea buckthorn berries (known as olivello juice) is one of the most concentrated natural sources of vitamin C ever discovered. Add berries to your grocery list and choose organic when possible. Boost flavor in plain yogurt, smoothies, or enjoy as a snack or dessert.
Collagen Powder: Collagen's anti-inflammatory super power comes from the role that it plays in our gut health. A healthy gut can reduce inflammation throughout the whole body. Poor gut health, on the other hand, leads to stomach lining permeability where particles can leak into the rest of the body, which then triggers inflammation in the body.
Collagen has been shown to support the gut's lining, as well as containing key amino acids for gut health.
It contains glycine, an amino acid with proven anti-inflammatory and immune system-supporting effects. Additionally, glutamine, one of collagen's other amino acids, is key for managing inflammation and inhibiting oxidative stress of the intestines. The supplement's ability to help promote balance in our digestive tract makes it vital to managing inflammation.
Collagen doesn't just help inflammation, of course. It's one of the most abundant proteins in the body, and plays an essential role in supporting your overall health; skin elasticity, connective tissue flexibility, joint and bone strength plus so more more.
Ginger: It’s a potent anti-inflammatory that is an extraordinary carminative (which means a substance that helps reduce the formation of intestinal gas) and anti-nausea agent. Grate some fresh ginger root into stir-fries, smoothies, herbal teas and try ginger lemonade made with grated ginger, lemon juice, honey (stevia) and water.
It can be challenging to transition to a new way of eating, so the following tips may help:
Pick up a variety of fruits, vegetables & healthy snacks during your weekly shop.
Gradually replace fast food meals with healthful, homemade lunches.
Replace soda & other sugary drinks with herbal teas, smoothies or flavored waters.
If you don’t have time to prepare foods, try organic powders, simply add to your water or smoothies. We recommend the following and wish you success in your journey to feeling better. ;o)