Eating to Naturally De-flame Inflammation...
We've all heard about anti-inflammatory drugs- as well as their sometimes catastrophic side effects. The risks of commonly-used anti-inflammatory and pain medications are considerable. Doctors of chiropractic (DCs) are trained in natural methods to address inflammation while balancing inflammation's inherent value to healing. Furthermore, DCs will help tissues recover, fast, using hands-on methods designed to maximize short-term and long-term function. But what if your own dietary choices are working against you? Here are some facts and tips, courtesy of your doctor of chiropractic.
Excessive inflammation can cause a number of problems, including (1) pain, (2) disuse and related mis-patterning that can predispose to future injury, and (3) risk of chronic inflammation. Omega-6 fatty acids from grain, flour, and many oils start an inflammatory cascade that ramps up pain - and possibly even heart disease and cancer.
Here's a brief list of foods to limit:
- Grains
- Cereals
- Flour products
- Most processed packaged foods
- Soybean oil, peanut oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, cottonseed oil... and products rich in these oils
- Grain and corn-fed domestic meat and eggs from unfit and/or obese animals
Omega-3 fatty acids are 'good' fats that have anti-inflammatory properties.
Here's a brief list of healthy sources:
- Kale
- Swiss Chard
- Chicory
- Collard Greens
- Most oily fish
- Chia and Flax seeds
- Omega-3 eggs
- Meat, chicken, and eggs from grass-fed, fit animals
Check out one of my past blogs on the importance of the whole essential fatty acid ratio here: Know Your Polyunsaturated Fats...
We can do a simple finger prick test/blood analysis to determine your current Omega-6 to Omega-3 ratio. It is a good starting point for someone wanting to change their health. The ratio should be close to 1:1, but many people are 20:1 or even worse. Once you are aware of your ratio, it is an eye-opener for change and accountability.
Stay tuned for next week's blog about one of the most overused anti-inflammatory little pills -aspirin.
Yours in Health,
Dr. David R. Mason, D.C.
Be Fit. Eat Right. Think Well. Get adjusted