Fight Inflammation with Food

You may have heard the term “anti-inflammatory diet” in recent years. In order to understand the benefits of this approach to eating, it’s important to know how chronic inflammation occurs and what the impact can be if allowed to continue.

The inflammation response is a normal part of the immune system’s healing process for acute situations (e.g. when you sprain your ankle) and the inflammation ends when no longer required. However, when the immune system is consistently overtaxed or weakened due to long-term stress, pollutants and other toxins, or poor nutrition, the inflammatory response continues to some degree and affects tissues and organs throughout the body.

In time, chronic inflammation can lead to fatigue, chronic pain or arthritis, cardiovascular disease, Type II diabetes, autoimmune conditions and age-related diseases including cancer. Proper balanced nutrition, incorporating foods with known anti-inflammatory properties and adequate rest can help to naturally reduce chronic inflammation thereby reducing the risk of developing these conditions.

Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Avoid all processed and refined foods
• Consume a diet rich in whole foods, a variety of:
  • fresh vegetables and fruits
  • whole grains o nuts & seeds
  • Omega 3-rich fish like salmon, halibut or sardines
  • small portions of antibiotic and hormone-free meats
• Use ginger, turmeric and fresh herbs often in your cooking
• Get enough sleep, during sleep is when our bodies repair and restore themselves Interested in learning more?

Join me and Chef Amy Stoddart on February 22 for a fun and informative cooking demo as we prepare and discuss a delicious anti-inflammatory tasting menu.

Sandy Badgley, BA, RHN

Sandy is a Registered Holistic Nutritionist who provides nutritional counseling services through her company Pinstripe Nutrition and as the in-house holistic nutritionist at Adara Integrative Clinic.  As a firm believer in food’s ability to transform our lives, Sandy helps guide people through manageable changes on the path to long-term health using natural food, tasty recipes and ongoing support.

Chef Amy owns and operates Say-She-Ate, a personal chef service, which helps people transition into healthier eating lifestyles. Whether it be getting some homemade meals into your fridge, learning how to plan and prepare meals for a special diet, or simply attending a fun cooking class to expand your recipe collection, Amy and her team of chefs will help you with whatever makes life easier at mealtime.