ANTI-INFLAMMATORY FOODS

As much as I hate to admit it, I have a few of those painful joints after 25 years of running, tennis, walking, and now golf. Inflammation or inflammare (Latin word) meaning "on fire" is the first response to infection or irritations. The signs are swelling, redness, and pain when we first hurt ourselves or some kind of infection. However, recent research has shown that eating the wrong foods can case inflammation within our bodies. In fact, being overweight can, itself be the cause of inflammation: TOO MUCH SUGAR IS DECIDEDLY INFLAMMATION PROMOTING AND SHOULD BE CONTROLLED. NOT ENOUGH WATER, TOO MUCH POLYUNSATURATED FATS, HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OILS, FOODS WITH PESTICIDES, AND NON- ORGANIC MILK ARE THINGS WE SHOULD STEER AWAY FROM.

These are a list of foods that can help reduce inflammation and supply us with loads of vitamins that will boost our immune system.

1. Kelp

2. Turmeric and ginger

3. Salmon (preferably wild caught) 2-3 times a week and try to find high quality Omega 3 fish oil

4. Shiitake mushrooms

5. Matcha Tea and Green Tea

6. Blueberries (the antioxidant powerhouse), strawberries, blackberries, raspberries,

and cranberries.

7. Papaya (fruit of the angels) and pineapple. Try to stay away from dried fruit that is full of

preservatives. Fresh is better.

8. Extra virgin olive oil. I was once told by a chef to save your expensive olive oil to use on

salads or things where you don't put heat to it, because the heat can destroy the nutritional

value. Avocado oil (alligator pear) is another good source of reducing

inflammatory issues and is also good for cooking because of higher smoke point. Fresh

avocados are great, also.

9. Broccoli and cauliflower

10. Sweet potato, spinach, and dark green vegetables. (preferably organic)

11. Water seems the answer to almost everything...it actually can accelerate our body's

metabolism and speeds up the removal of harmful by-products of our metabolism. Try to drink filtered water.

As the years creep up on us, we simply have to do all we can as far as nutrition goes and KEEP MOVING! I truly believe that these things can help us physically and emotionally. QUALITY LIFE IS MY GOAL! Fresh air and sunshine does wonders for our spirits. Enjoy what God has given us and always be thankful. I love Philippians 4:8 "Whatever is True, Noble, Right, Pure, Lovely, Admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." This can make all the difference in how we feel every morning when our feet hit the floor. We have control of every thought that enters our mind. Be on the alert. Should that thought be told to stop or permission to continue. It is up to you the attitude you will carry throughout the day and how you respond to others. May God bless you with a renewed mind...a mind like CHRIST. AMEN