A Natural Approach to Treating Inflammation

 

Inflammation is the body’s response to irritation, infection, and injury.

At low levels, inflammation is actually necessary for the body, it helps the body fight pathogens like bacteria and has a role in repairing damage. Chronic inflammation on the other hand, is problematic and can attack the body’s own tissues.

Scientists now believe that chronic, low-level inflammation plays a major role in almost every chronic, Western disease including; heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, Alzheimer’s and various degenerative conditions.

While there are many medications to help treat chronic inflammation, extended use may lead to future complications or side effects.

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For a natural approach to aid in the fight against inflammation there are many different herbs, spices and foods that have fantastic anti-inflammatory properties that can be easily incorporated into your diet.

5 EASY ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS TO ADD TO YOUR DIET

TURMERIC:

Turmeric is the spice that gives curry its yellow color.

  • It has been used in India for thousands of years as a spice and medicinal herb.

  • Turmeric contains curcumin, an active ingredient that can help fight off a variety of viral infections and has powerful anti-inflammatory effects.

  • Curcumin is strongly anti-inflammatory and can help chronic inflammation.

  • Curcumin is unfortunately poorly absorbed into the bloodstream but when combined with black pepper, which contains piperine will enhance and support the absorption.

  • Consuming turmeric isn’t your cure-all for all inflammation but it is a natural ingredient without side effects that is certainly beneficial. 

GINGER:

Ginger has been used in cooking and medicine since ancient times.

  • Ginger is loaded with nutrients and bioactive compounds that have powerful benefits for your body and brain.

  • Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional and alternative medicine. It’s been used to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu, common cold and more

  • Ginger is high in gingerol, a substance with powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and can help lower the risk of infections.

BLACK PEPPER:

  • Black pepper is one of the most commonly used spices worldwide.

  • It actually has been deemed the “king of spices” and has been used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years due to its high concentration of potent, beneficial plant compounds. 

  • As we learned with Turmeric studies have shown that black pepper may increase the absorption of the active component curcumin by up to 2,000% because of the plant compound piperine.

  • Piperine is also know from having potent antioxidant properties.

  • Black pepper may increase the absorption of essential nutrients like calcium and selenium, as well some beneficial plant compounds, such as those found in green tea and turmeric 

KALE

Trendy but also super accurate, kale is full of anti-inflammatory properties along with detoxifying benefits.

It is a great source of:

  • Fiber

  • Vitamins A, C & K

  • Amino acids

  • Iron

  • Calcium

  • Magnesium

BLUEBERRIES

Tiny tasty little berries packed with a side of health benefits.

Blueberries are low in sugar and high in fiber. along with a variety of anti-inflammatory properties blueberries are also antioxidant rich and contain vitamins A, C, and E.

The antioxidant responsible for giving blueberries their signature color is anthocyanin.

FOOD AS MEDICINE

For thousands of years plants have been used for their potent medicinal properties along with seasoning and flavoring foods. 

Dr. Hilda Gonzalez DACM, L.Ac, MSTOM, CMT, is our lead practitioner and wears many hats INCLUDING being one of our favorite recipe artists. Check out her Anti Inflammatory Tonic recipe below for a must try a natural, easy anti-inflammatory addition.

ANTI INFLAMMATORY TONIC:

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This tonic recipe is our go-to for reducing systemic inflammation. It contains citrus to add sweetness & Vitamin C; ginger, cayenne pepper and turmeric for their incredible anti-inflammatory properties; and black pepper for its synergistic ability to enhance the properties of turmeric.

You can enjoy it as a morning revitalizing shot, or as a delicious mocktail by adding it to some sparkling water for an evening elixir.  

INGREDIENTS

Juice of 1 orange 

Juice of ½ lemon/lime

1 tsp of turmeric powder or ½ inch of fresh turmeric (peeled)

1 tsp of ginger powder or 1 inch of fresh ginger (peeled)

¼ tsp of black pepper

¼ tsp of cayenne pepper (or less if too spicy)

¼ cup of water

1 tsp of maple syrup (optional) 

STEPS:

Throw everything in your blender or NutriBullet until thoroughly blended. Strain if necessary with a fine mesh strainer.

Option to enjoy as a morning shot or mix it with sparkling water to indulge in an evening tonic.

You can make it ahead of time and keep it in a sealed jar for up to 3 days in your refrigerator.

Drink it daily or as needed. 

This is PERFECT for delayed onset muscle soreness, menstrual cramps, digestive bloating and seasonal allergies … Why?

You guessed it, they all have an inflammatory element :)



 
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