Got Inflammation?
Did you know that most, maybe all, diseases are now thought to be connected to chronic inflammation?
So, what is inflammation anyway? In effect, it’s your body’s way of “calling in the troops” - trying to protect you from things that shouldn’t be present in a healthy body.
Not all inflammation is bad.
Think of that time you cut yourself. You may have noticed some inflammation in the wound area. That actually helps in healing. It’s acute inflammation, meaning it doesn’t stick around.
But when your body is out of balance it leads to chronic inflammation. When inflammation is chronic, it affects your body on so many levels including mood, energy, brain function and even aging.
One of the most powerful triggers of inflammation is oxidative stress.
Causes of oxidative stress include pollution, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, and diets high in fat, sugar, and processed foods.
So what can you do?
Fight oxidative stress with the foods you eat! Eats foods high in antioxidants.
On average, plant foods have 64 times more antioxidants than meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. This alone represents a powerful argument to eat a plant-based diet!
Want to bump up your antioxidant intake even more? Here are some foods extremely high in anti-oxidants that I eat just about every day:
Berries (I eat mostly blueberries, but any berry is great).
Hibiscus Tea (cold brewed for higher antioxidant levels) - also great for treating high blood pressure,
Beet powder sweetened with a tablespoon of pomegranate juice (also high in antioxidants).
Cacao powder – add a tablespoon or two into your coffee or morning smoothie for a tasty treat.
Brightly colored leafy greens like red leaf lettuce and purple kale.
Flaxseeds and walnuts – great with your morning oatmeal or smoothie.
Spice blend of turmeric, ground fenugreek seeds, garlic powder, and black cumin seed – add to soups, stews, salads, etc.
Green tea with a half teaspoon of ginger powder.
What are your favorite antioxidant foods?
Let me know in the comments below.
Need Meal Inspiration?
These are the cookbooks I’m loving lately:
The How Not to Diet Cookbook by Michael Greger, MD
I love the way the recipes incorporate so many healing spice blends to create wonderful flavors. Even the hubby has been impressed with the dishes! The meals are also great if you’re trying to watch your weight.
Bonus: The book’s a great deal at less than 50% of original listing price.
The Fiber Fueled Cookbook by Will Bulsiewicz, MD
This book not only helps you find the root of your gut issues but provides simple, flavorful recipes along the way. Be sure to check out the chapters on fermentation, sourdough bread, and sprouting!
The 30-Day Alzheimer’s Solution by Dean Sherzai, MD & Ayesha Sherzai, MD
If you didn’t read their groundbreaking book The Alzheimer’s Solution then you’ll love the recap in the first part of the book. The photography is stunning and the recipes are easy to follow and prepare. I especially love the chapter on dips and dressings.
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