Most of us have been taught that inflammation in the body is bad for you – and it is – if the inflammation is systemic and chronic. But please note, inflammation can be bad AND good!
Remember, God made the body so that the natural inflammatory process releases healing cells to an injured area, such as when you sprain your ankle or twist and fall or when your body is fighting infection. Immediately popping anti-inflammatory pain pills will stop that healing process, thus we recommend that people avoid them and only take them occasionally.
Systemic inflammation that occurs chronically can lead to break down in the body, accelerating disease processes and even lead to weight gain. Some evidence of the widespread increase in incidence of chronic systemic inflammation is the rise in auto immune diseases.
Studies show that what we eat plays a major role in fighting and/or preventing systemic inflammation.
As you know, we encourage a plant-slant diet. Adding superfoods to every meal with high levels of antioxidants can help you stay healthy and ward off disease. We have access to so many great fruits and vegetables here in SW FL with our local grocery stores, Farmer’s Markets, and produce delivery options such as Misfits and SWFL Produce. Make it a lifestyle, not a diet!
Include nutrient packed foods such as berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries), cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, arugula, collards, and cabbage), green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, and romaine); celery; avocado; fatty fish (salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, anchovies); as well as spices like turmeric and ginger; and oils such as extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil. And the good news, include dark chocolate, organic cocoa, and red wine (especially good is Sardinia, Italy’s Cannonau red). We eat these (and other plants) regularly and truly enjoy them and we know you will too!
As we stated above, inflammation occurs naturally in the body when the body is sick or injured. Chronic and sustained inflammation, however, is linked to many chronic diseases such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. These foods, however, can be the cause of inflammation and pain in your body, so it is best to avoid them: fried foods; vegetable oil high in omega-6 fatty acids; grain-fed meats (choose grass fed); highly refined white flour products; sugar; high levels of alcohol; dairy products; trans fats (hydrogenated oils and margarine); processed meats; additives and dyes; iodized salt; and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame; and pasteurized juices.
Help your body stay strong, fight disease, and function optimally by choosing foods that are health promoting versus health deteriorating! If you are receiving regenerative injections treatments at Caring Medical in Fort Myers, you will heal faster and accelerate your recovery if you eat a super food packed diet! Our aim is to help keep you active for life!
