Tip for January 2009:
Nutrition and Inflammation, Pain, Fatigue and Aging
The adage “One man’s food is another man’s poison” finds particular relevance when we are dealing with inflammation, pain, fatigue and aging. Although dietary recommendations must always be customized for each individual, we can confidently make certain general recommendations to help people overcome their health problems and to feel and function better. We can organize our ideas about foods into the following categories:
1) foods to avoid
2) foods to consume
Foods to avoid
Many people are unaware of the pro-inflammatory nature of many commonly eaten foods. As long as one continues to consume pro-inflammatory chemicals in their foods on a daily basis, they will continue to fight an uphill battle against pain, inflammation, fatigue and aging. Generally speaking, eating is itself a pro-inflammatory event with sugars and fats inducing more inflammation than protein containing foods. Therefore, simple sugars and high fat foods should be avoided.
Foods to consume
Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of health promoting nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber and fatty acids and a wide range of phytochemicals. Components of whole foods have significant immune altering effects and have shown benefit in alleviating inflammation. Fruits and vegetables contain over 5,000 different phytochemicals that maximize antioxidant production and protect health. Diets with a strong foundation of whole fruits and vegetables help to increase the intake of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytonutrients while helping to reduce the intake of pro-inflammatory foods.
Foods to avoid when healing inflammation and pain or combating fatigue and aging:
1. All gluten containing foods like wheat, rye, oats, and barley which are commonly found in breads, pasta, and other products from refined flour.
WHY?
The most common allergies are caused by foods in this category. By avoiding these foods for a few weeks your system gets a chance to relax and clear out.
2. Alcohol, caffeine (coffee, black teas, and sodas), soda and fruit juices that are high in refined sugars.
WHY?
Alcohol, caffeine and refined sugar are hard on the liver. We want to approach the body with gentleness.
3. Pork, cold cuts, bacon, hot dogs, canned meat, sausage and shellfish.
WHY?
These types of meats and processed foods are high in hormones, antibiotics and other unwelcome ingredients.
4. Corn and tomato sauce
WHY?
These are very common allergens and contribute to pain and inflammation
5. Eggs and all dairy (milk, cheese, butter, yogurt etc.)
WHY?
Eggs and dairy products are very likely to cause allergic reactions and increase inflammation.
6. Citrus fruits and juices, strawberries and pineapples.
WHY?
These fruits are also common allergens and increase pain and inflammation.
7. Foods high in fats and oils, including peanuts, refined oils, margarine and shortening.
WHY?
This diet was designed to lessen the burden placed on your system by eliminating many foods, including those high in fats and refined and processed oils.
8. Any other foods not listed on these pages that you know that you are sensitive or allergic to.
The information presented here is meant to be a helpful start and can put many on a road to better health. Give it a try for 3 weeks and notice how your body feels and looks!
However, it is also important to work with a trained health professional and give sufficient attention to improving gastrointestinal status and immune function so that the immune system is no longer hyper-responsive to certain foods. At Beauty Through Balance, we offer a Bio-Detoxification Program that is customized for each individual. The program includes dietary adherence and the inclusion of recommended supplements to help with pain modulation, metabolic cleansing and regeneration and repair.