Find the Right Food Balance FOODS THAT CAUSE AND REDUCE INFLAMMATION
The food you eat plays a major role in how your body functions on the cellular level. Some foods can wreak havoc on your body, while others can make you feel great. This is especially true when it comes to that all-too-common ailment, inflammation.
Here are a few examples of foods that lead to inflammation:
Sugar: One of the biggest culprits behind inflammation, sugar is far worse than eating fatty foods. It’s best to skip foods that have added sugar (and this includes sugar of any kind, including corn syrup, fructose, and sucrose). Many manufacturers now label food with more specific kinds of sugar to hide the fact that they added sugar to their product. Be sure to read labels carefully! Refined carbs: Basically anything made from white flour falls into this category, including bread, pasta, baked goods, and cereals. Research suggests that refined carbs may be a bigger contributing factor than fat in obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Alcohol: Too much alcohol puts a burden on your liver, an organ that helps flush toxins out of the body. You know all of those detox diets? They don’t work. In fact, the only way to detox is to let your liver do its job. When you consume alcohol, it’s harder for the liver to pump out the toxins in your body. When it can’t do its job properly, the result is inflammation. I am partial to the principles that address physical health, nutrition, and stress management, and I have incorporated them into my own life by being more active, eating healthier, and taking small moments throughout the day to self- reflect. Even if none of these principles pique your interest, I challenge you to use the month of September — National Self- Improvement Month — to set some goals for your own self- betterment. While our primary job at Lake Oconee Dentistry is to address your dental health, our support goes far beyond your teeth! When it comes to your dreams and aspirations, we are here to help every step of the way. –Dr. David CONTINUED FROM COVER ...
Now, for the good stuff. Eat these foods to reduce inflammation:
Blueberries: Many studies call blueberries one of the best fruits you can eat to ease symptoms of inflammation. These blue orbs of goodness are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, polyphenols, and so much more. Eat a handful every day! Salmon: As a source of healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is one of the best protein choices for people with inflammatory conditions or for those who want to keep inflammation at bay. Broccoli: One of the most nutritious and easily accessible vegetables around, the little green buds that cover the tops of broccoli are loaded with anti-inflammatory compounds. When it comes to eating paleo, side dishes are almost always a bigger challenge than mains. If you’re in need of a flavorful vegetable dish, check out this recipe for spicy, savory cauliflower. Roasted TURMERIC CAULIFLOWER
Ingredients • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets • 2 tablespoons coconut oil • 1 teaspoon turmeric • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper • 1 clove garlic, minced • 2 tablespoons water • Chopped fresh basil, to garnish
Instructions 1. Heat oven to 400 F. 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together coconut oil, spices, garlic, and water. 3. Lay cauliflower across a large baking sheet, season with salt and pepper, and top with mixture. 4. Roast for 30 minutes, garnish with basil, and serve.
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