Sunday, September 06, 2015

5 best foods to fight inflammation

Today's another big travel day for me. I'm heading from the Music City, Nashville, to the Mile High City, Denver.
We had a great time in Nashville, teaching over 45 personal trainers and nutritionists how to help more people. But now it's time for lots of meetings at our head office. One amazing person I'll be learning from is Missi Holt, CTT, and creator of the awesome free Yoga DVD we've been giving out here.
And because I'm traveling today, I've asked Missi to fill in with an excellent, even life-changing nutrition article for you today. If you add these foods, and subtract some of the processed, sugary junk we all love to snack on, your joints will feel better and the belly fat will practically fall right off. Over to Missi! - Craig
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The 5 Best Foods to Fight Inflammation
By Missi Holt, CTT
 
Redness, swelling, heat, pain...they may not be fun but they are vital reactions to a healthy inflammatory response.

Ongoing stress, fatigue, pain, suffering and disease on the other hand, are not healthy. They signify chronic inflammation and symptoms of a distressed system.

Unfortunately, they seem to be prominent components of the average American lifestyle…I know, I was once struggling with all of those debilitating issues.

As a Fitness and Nutrition Therapist I knew that I had powerful tools to fight chronic inflammation. I began to explore the healing power of food, which led to the development of my creative and delicious anti-inflammatory recipes! I have a great one for you below. But first…

Here are 5 of the Best Foods to Fight Inflammation:

Cherries: (Along with any other red, purple or blue fruit) The presence of phytonutrients called anthocyanins, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, can help relieve pain by neutralizing free radicals that contribute to inflammation and also by blocking the enzymes that cause tissue inflammation. Cherries are great for aiding recovery from oxidative stress associated with exercise.

Spices/Herbs: Adding fresh or dried herbs and spices to meals is a delicious and nutrient dense way to boost flavor without adding any calories. Loaded with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins the powerhouse spices and herbs that fight inflammation include Ginger, Turmeric, Cinnamon, Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme. Studies show that even at normal doses the positive effects of herbs and spices can be seen in quieting the inflammatory response.

Kale: (Along with other dark leafy greens) Contain powerful antioxidants, flavonoids, carotenoids, and Vitamin C—all of which protect against cellular damage. These nutrient dense plants should be a staple in every diet. They are versatile, nutrient dense, hydrating, and low in calories—it's a win-win for fighting inflammation and staying lean.

Mushrooms: Shiitake mushrooms, in particular, are among the best sources for immune support, cardiovascular health, and fighting chronic inflammation. Shiitake mushrooms have an adaptogenic effect on the body—meaning they increase or decrease a system's function to achieve homeostasis (balance). For example, shiitake mushrooms will calm an overactive immune response or conversely, will boost an immune response if it is dampened. Polysaccharides in shiitake mushrooms have a wide array of immune-related effects, including aiding recovery from exercise stress, reducing exposure to inflammation-producing toxins, and can help lower total cholesterol levels.

Wild Caught Alaskan Salmon: Animal-based omega-3 fatty acids—found in wild Alaskan salmon, trout, and sardines—are more efficiently absorbed and utilized since they do not have to be converted into a usable form like plant based fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids effectively reduce inflammation and oxidative stress by suppressing the enzymes that cause inflammation.

Try adding in more anti-inflammatory foods into your daily diet. Here's one of my favorite recipes to help you get started:

Anti-Inflammatory Power Salad             makes: 1 serving

  • 1-2 cups Kale, torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup Shiitake Mushrooms, sliced (option to sauté with 1 tsp. coconut oil)
  • ½ cup Red Cherries, pitted and halved  (or other dark berry)
  • 1-2 T. Ginger Thyme Vinaigrette (dress to taste)
  • 4-6 oz. Wild Alaskan Salmon, season with sea salt, black pepper and olive oil. Roast at 400° for 10-20 minutes depending on size and thickness of filet.
Assemble first 4 ingredients allowing kale, mushrooms, and cherries to "marinate" in dressing for 10-20 minutes. Top salad with Roasted Salmon.

Ginger Thyme Vinaigrette

  • 1/3 cup organic extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh minced ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh minced thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh minced garlic
  • 1/2 teaspoon tamari (wheat-free soy sauce)
Place dressing ingredients in blender and purée for 1 minute.

Enjoy!


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Thanks Missi!

Looking forward to learning even more of your fitness and nutrition secrets this week.

Tomorrow: Missi and I team up to give you an amazing 10-Minute Metabolism Boosting Circuit.

I'll send that over soon.

To an amazing week with Missi,
Craig Ballantyne, CTT
Certified Turbulence Trainer
  PS - From Missi...

Healing starts on the inside...Begin today to fuel your body with foods that promote healing, energy, and vitality! Make a powerful commitment to take care of your body and develop a habit of eating superfoods that support your health and happiness today!

2 comments:

Fitness Supermarket said...

This is a really helpful and in-depth article, thanks!

Unknown said...

Inflammation in joints can be reduced by consuming a glass of Goji Berry Juice for 1 month. I have tried it on my own and found the results within a month. This article is very useful for those people who want to get remedies for their joint pain.

Regards,
Mantis Hugo