My Top Ten

Inflammation-Fighting-Foods

Chronic, low-grade inflammation almost always plays a role in the development of diabetes, excess weight gain, as well as declining heart and brain health.

You can’t usually see or feel the damage, but this type of inflammation significantly increases the risk of coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death especially among people with diabetes.

Low-grade inflammation has also been linked to an increased risk of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Your doctor can measure it with the “high-sensitivity C-reactive protein,” or a CRP, test.

But should you immediately go on medications to lower your CRP level if you find out your CRP level is elevated?

"The FDA just gave the pharmaceutical industry the green light to market to folks with elevated CRP levels which quite frankly is a pile of CRAP in my opinion." -David Dansereau

So Get Ready: AstraZeneca plans soon to begin a new marketing and advertising campaign for Crestor, based on the new F.D.A.-approved criteria.

Under those criteria, an estimated 6.5 million people in this country who have no cholesterol problems and no sign of heart problems will be deemed candidates for statins. That is in addition to the estimated 80 million who already meet the current cholesterol-based guidelines — about half of whom now take statins.

Diet or Drugs ??

Aspirin, ibuprofen, and many other drugs reduce inflammation, but they pose a risk of side effects and no doctor’s going to suggest taking these drugs on a regular basis because your CRP is elevated. Right? Well, now with the FDA approval of statins for elevated CRP, and Big Pharma's deep marketing pockets we'll have to see.

What Pharma won't tell you...but I will

A diet alternative to drugs exists. Many foods have anti-inflammatory benefits, and the only (side) effects to adding these sides of real foods to your plate are perhaps numerous health benefits to lengthy to list in this article but obviously not as sexy as the sale of statins.

My 2 cents- forget about the barrage of statin commercials that will be coming soon to try to sell you on a pill plan to patch your poor diet.

Try these great inflammation fighting foods FIRST

1) Salmon

Coldwater fish, including salmon, contain anti-inflammatory fats called omega-3s. Wild salmon has more of these super-healthy fats than does farmed salmon.

Shopping tip: All salmon from Alaska is wild, whereas Atlantic salmon is usually farmed. Herring, sardines, and tuna also contain omega-3s.

2) Ginger

This relative of tumeric is also known for its anti-inflammatory benefits, and some research suggests that it might also help control blood sugar.

Suggestion: Brew your own ginger tea. Use a peeler to remove the skin off a piece of ginger, then add several thin slices to a cup of hot water and let steep for a few minutes.

3) Garlic

The research isn’t consistent, but garlic may have some anti-inflammatory and glucose-regulating benefits and it may also help your body fight infections. At the very least, it won’t hurt and makes for a tasty addition to food. Kitchen tip: Dice garlic and fresh rosemary, and rub them on a whole chicken before roasting.

4) Green tea

Like fruits and vegetables, green tea contains natural anti-inflammatory compounds. It may even reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Suggestion: Drink a 4-6 cups a day — or brew it like sun tea, refrigerate, and serve.

As opposed to traditional, grain-fed livestock, meat that comes from animals fed grass also contains anti-inflammatory omega-3s, but in lower concentrations than coldwater fish. Free-range livestock that graze in pastures build up higher levels of omega-3s. Meat from grain-fed animals has virtually no omega-3s and plenty of saturated fat.

Cooking tip: Unless it’s ground, grass-fed beef may be tougher, so slow cook it.

6) Dark Green Salads

Dark-green lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, and other salad veggies are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, nutrients that dampen inflammation.

Suggestion: Opt for olive oil-and-vinegar salad dressing (vinegar helps moderate blood sugar) and skip the croutons.

7) Cherries

A study in the April 2006 Journal of Nutrition showed that eating cherries daily can significantly reduce inflammation. Cherries are also packed with antioxidants and relatively low on the glycemic index.

Tip: Frozen cherries are available all year long and make a tasty dessert with a little yogurt or cheese.

8) Turmeric

This spice contains a powerful, natural anti-inflammatory compound, according to a report in the August 2007 Biochemical Pharmacology. Turmeric has long been part of curry spice blends, used in southern Asian cuisines. To use: Buy powdered curry spice (which contains turmeric and other spices) and use it as a seasoning when pan-frying chicken breasts in olive oil.

9) Blueberries

These delectable fruits are chocked full of natural compounds that reduce inflammation. Blueberries may also protect the brain from many of the effects of aging. Frozen are usually less expensive than fresh—and just as good.

10) Cruciferous vegetables

These veggies, which include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale, are also loaded with antioxidants. But they provide one other ingredient — sulfur — that the body needs to make its own high-powered antioxidants, such as one called glutathione.

Add this supplement to your Inflammation-Fighting-Foods if you don't eat fish at least twice per week

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