Although it is not news to those of us that see clients with a variety of conditions relating to inflammation and see the positive impact of dietary modification as part of wellness programs. It seems even the big guns are starting to get the message. That is progress!

According to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide; what you eat can fuel or cool inflammation, a key driver of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions (1)

Well, I will be damned. They said it. We already know it. Happy days… so if you are still in denial that sugar is contributing to your inflammation, then perhaps it is time to accept the challenge to make some powerful changes for the better.

Our friends at Harvard are promoting simple lifestyle strategies to help ease inflammation which definitely get my tick of approval (actually, I would be inclined to give them a round of applause for being so spot on!)
Their recommendations include;

  • Swapping trans-fats for olive oil, as it has potent anti-inflammatory effects or polyunsaturated fats, especially omega 3 fish oil.
  • Avoiding refined foods such as softdrink, chips, white bread and white rice as they increase the levels of inflammatory messengers; cytokines.
  • Increasing your intake of fresh produce, because in their words ‘The more fruits and vegetables you eat, the lower the burden of inflammation. Why? They contain hundreds, perhaps thousands, of substances that squelch inflammation-rousing free radicals; some act as direct anti-inflammatory agents’… Yep, they said that. I am impressed!!!
  • Add nuts and seeds to your diet
  • Include herbs and spices such as turmeric, ginger, garlic and basil as part of your diet, as many have anti-inflammatory properties.

I couldn’t have said it better myself.

Focus on eating the foods with the least human interference factor – closest to how they are found in nature. If they are not found in nature and they have a very long shelf life, then treat them with the caution that they deserve… unless of course, we are talking about a block of 80% cocoa dark chocolate, then proceed knowing that you are on to a good thing! (In moderation, of course!)

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