INFLAMMATION

So what if I told you that the foods you eat everyday are the cause of inflammation, pain, discomfort, headaches, joint pain, mental cloudiness, moodiness and disease. Are you ready to accept that the food you are consuming is the cause for all the conditions listed above? Guess what boys and girls, chances are this is EXACTLY what is happening. We want to blame it on so many other factors like genetics, allergies, environment and all that jazz. Is it so hard to believe that the way we eat affects the way we feel, move and think?! We are so quick to point a finger and to blame everything and everyone else instead of putting the blame on ourselves.

I know that I hit on nutrition with most of my posts but I want everyone to really understand how important nutrition is to your overall health. If we do not fix ourselves from the inside out, we will never obtain true health. If your GUT health is not at 100%, you can forget about the rest of your body responding and working at maximum efficiency. Proper digestion is vital for everything and for getting the most out of everything you eat. There are certain things we can take to take to aid digestion such as digestive enzymes and probiotics. Certain foods you can eat that have natural probiotics and digestive enzymes are organic sauerkraut, organic kimchee, Keir or yogurt from raw milk to name a few.

Jack Lalanne once said "If man made it, don't eat it. "If it comes in a box or bag, don't eat it." That's a pretty powerful statement! Here is a list of some of the top inflammatory foods. Don't be surprised when you see some of our old friends on this list!!

Sugar

Foods that convert into sugar quickly in the body have the potential to raise the level of blood sugar. In response to the rapid rise in blood sugar, the pancreas quickly releases insulin. Chronic and excessive overproduction of insulin can, over time, reduce the ability of the beta-cells in the pancreas to effectively release insulin, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Blood vessels can become damaged because of too much insulin, leading to a host of conditions, including kidney disease, cardiovascular disease and nerve damage.

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)

 (HFCS) is used as a sweetener in most commercially produced snack foods. Consumed frequently and in large quantities, HFCS may lead to diseases such as type 2 diabetes, gallbladder disease, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans consume roughly 20 percent more "added" sugar per day than they did 20 years ago. This statistic does not even include the naturally occurring sugars in fruits, vegetables and most dairy products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends no more than 6 tsp. of sugar per every 1,600 calories consumed. Most Americans consume 20 tsp. per day.

Refined grains

Refined grains are grains that have the bran and germ removed during processing. As a result, the nutrients that are in the bran and germ layers are also removed. Because the amount of fiber in refined grains is minimal compared to its original state, it is broken down quickly within the digestive system, causing a rapid increase in blood sugar. Sometimes referred to as "high glycemic" foods, refined grains reduce the body's sensitivity to insulin, causing "insulin resistance," which is known to contribute to excess weight gain and type 2 diabetes.
High consumption of refined grains is also believed to trigger excess production of pro-inflammatory regulatory proteins, throwing off the balance between the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory proteins. The body responds to this imbalance by activating its immune system, and inflammation soon develops.

Dairy

Though rich in calcium, the casein in dairy products can trigger auto-immune disease, asthma and bronchitis, according to the University of Michigan Department of Integrative Medicine. Milk casein is a protein found in most dairy products that has a tendency to irritate the body's immune system. Researchers believe that when dairy cows consume a diet high in grain, they produce large amounts of omega-6 fats. Consuming too much dairy can create an imbalance between the anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats and inflammation-causing omega-6 fats, triggering an inflammatory response. In addition, it is believed that up to 50 percent of the population is allergic to dairy. Consuming dairy products when a dairy allergy is present can also lead to chronic inflammation.

I just want all of you to really think about what you are putting in your body. Take the time, do some research, read my posts. We need to educate ourselves and take the time and invest in our everyday heath. You want to be around for a long time and continue to do the things you enjoy right?! Well it all starts with you. You have everything to lose and SO much more to gain...

BE THE PREDATOR, NOT THE PREY