Inflammation - It's all about the Gut!

Can what you eat influence chronic pain and illnesses? Current research says YES!

Inflammation plays a major role in your overall health. Ever heard about Garbage In Garbage Out in computer lingo? Well, the same applies to our bodies because we get from our bodies what we put into them. 

Junk food is never going to manifest in peak performance.

So why feast on inflammatory foods if you don't want an inflamed system? Some inflammatory foods should be eliminated from your diet altogether, while on the flip side there are other foods can have important anti-inflammatory properties. 

The nutritional foundation of chronic illness has been known to natural medicine practitioners for many years - basically the idea that our bodies can heal themselves if fed with the right foods has been around since Hippocrates. It seems senseless (even criminal) that western/modern medicine does not utilize this basic, proven knowledge. 

If you suffer from chronic pain, your food choices are increasingly important. Choosing the right kinds of foods will help your body heal faster, help you sleep better, and help your pain medications work better. Inflammatory foods will make the opposite happen.

Inflammatory Foods to avoid - a quick guide

Fast Foods, Alcohol, Sugar, Meat, Poultry, Wheat/White Flour, Dairy products, Hydrogenated Oils, Trans fats, Food additives

Anti-Inflammatory foods and supplements you should consume

Wild caught cold water fish, Nuts and seeds, dark or bright colored berries and vegetables, avocado pears, Grapes, premium grade Olive oil, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, kefir (for probiotics), fresh ginger, fresh turmeric, cinnamon, and Vitamins D and E.

A Note for Meat Eaters

You will notice that meat should be avoided, however meat eaters may want to experiment with grass-fed beef, chicken, turkey, and eggs, or at least those without hormones, to reduce levels of inflammation. Yes grass fed and organic foods are are more expensive, but if you reduce your portions you will probably not be spending any more than before.

White flour and sugar are two of the most common inflammatory foods, and some go so far as to call these foods 'white poison' - with good reason!

There is a ton of science out there that supports the basis of this article - so if you are skeptical and need the details you can Google them quite easily.  

Wishing you good health always!

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