Fw: [SoFlaVegans] Inflammation

February 24, 2008

Ronald A. Fells

N3VPU

Amateur Radio Operator

----- Forwarded Message ----Dly Plzr <dlyplzrSoFlaVegans <soflavegans >Sunday, February 24, 2008 7:34:03 AM[soFlaVegans] Inflammation

Inflammation: What to Eat to Reduce Your Risk of ManyDiseasesby Cathy Sherman (see all articles by this author)NaturalNewsFebruary 22 2008http://www.naturaln ews.com/z022701. htmlhttp://www.naturaln ews.com/022701. htmlInflammation is a double-edged sword. While it is verycritical for the healing of wounds, it is also abodily response that can become too much of a goodthing. Any infection, injury or toxicity probleminflicted on our bodies is handled by the inflammatoryresponse that occurs automatically. Unfortunately, ifcertain substances in our bodies become unbalanced,the inflammation switch can come "on" at the wrongtime or forget to go "off" when no longer needed.When inflammation occurs, it can be seen externally

asa rash or swelling. A more dangerous kind is thatwhich occurs internally. If it goes on too long it cancause damage to any organ or organ system. People withauto-immune and chronic inflammatory diseases are veryfamiliar with the problems inflammation can cause.Diseases in which inflammation plays a role are heartdisease, stroke, Alzheimer's, cancers, arthritis,gingivitis and other "itis" disorders.On the positive side, since the growth in suchdiseases can be correlated with and related to ourincreased diets of fast, convenient foods, it ispossible to end the inflammation process with a changein diet.Not only do we need to eliminate saturated andtrans-fats, refined sugars, starches, commercial meatsand artificial sweeteners, but we can reverse problemsof chronic inflammatory diseases by choosing certainfoods and herbs available at the grocery store.It is being

shown time and again that the commontherapy for inflammation – pharmaceuticals - has beena miserable and costly failure. Rather than submityour body to the side effects of such drugs, pleaseconsider the much healthier alternatives discussedbelow.Dietary polyphenols, found in many edible plants, arebeing found to have anti-inflammatory properties.Studies on animals in the lab have demonstrated suchproperties, and studies done on different humanpopulations have shown that those who consumepolyphenol-rich foods have lower incidences ofinflammatory disease.Fruits rich in this phytochemical includeblackberries, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries,sourcherries, pomegranates and cranberries. If you drinkthese in juices, make sure to read the label and avoidany with sugar added.Another group of dietary nutrients receiving muchpublicity today are the omega fatty

acids. Don't beconfused by the wording here. Omega-3 fatty acids areanti-inflammatory, while omega-6 acids can actuallyhelp cause inflammation. That is why we need tobalance the use of omega-6's with omega-3's. If yourdiet has been predominantly rich in the omega-6 oils,you will have to do more than achieve a balance byincreasing omega-3's and drastically reducing theomega-6's.Other foods rich in omega-3's include oily fish suchas herring, sardines, tuna, mackerel and salmon(preferably wild); oils made from these fish; hemp,flax, pumpkin seeds, walnuts and their oils;high-fiber, non-starchy vegetables such as dark leafysalad greens, spinach, kale, tomatoes, broccoli,cauliflower, collard greens, and onions.We often overlook the turnip, but from a Chinesemedicinal view, it and the radish both aid digestionby cooling and soothing inflammation and phlegm.Quercetin is a

flavonoid, and a very powerful one. Itis found in red grapes, red and yellow onions, garlic,broccoli and apples.Anti-oxidant properties in some foods also help fightinflammation by protecting the body from freeradicals. Vitamin C-rich foods fall into thiscategory, including carrots, orange winter squash,bell peppers and tomatoes.To reduce swelling and inflammation quickly, eat halfof a fresh pineapple or papaya daily. Pineapplecontains the enzyme bromelain and papaya containspapain. Pain and swelling should go down in two to sixdays.Eating at least five servings of such fresh fruits andvegetables daily is a minimum. If inflammation is aproblem, it is recommended to increase the intake ofthis food group. In fact, some natural health expertsadvise a diet that is 75% raw foods.The flavorings and herbs used in cooking your leanmeats and fish are very important as

well in fightinginflammation. Turmeric, and its yellowing substancecurcumin, are most commonly found in Indian foods likecurry and in mustards. The author makes capsules ofgrocery store-bought turmeric, which has helped witharthritis symptoms. At least one naturopath has statedit works much like anti-inflammatory pharmaceuticals,without the side effects.Ginger is another flavoring that has many healthfulproperties, one of which is an anti-inflammatory.Garlic has been the object of much research and hasbeen shown to inhibit the growth of 23 organisms,including bacteria, mold and yeast. It is also veryhelpful as an anti-inflammatory.Remember, while adding spices like turmeric, it isjust as important to decrease, if not eliminate,flavorings such as salt, sugar and artificialsweeteners. Also avoid colas, white flour products andjunk foods.Just one precaution: Herbs

and spices should be usedwith medical supervision if one is also takingmedications because their medicinal properties caninterfere with the drugs.When it comes to soy and soy products, the advice andresearch findings are contradictory. More research isneeded on these foods.In conclusion, if you want to reduce inflammation, eathealthier. Replace your processed foods with mealslike cold water fish, chicken, salads, and steamedvegetables. Avoid deep-fried foods and hydrogenatedoils. Bake or stir-fry instead of frying. Use oliveoil, an omega-9 fatty acid, instead of corn andrelated oils.About the authorCathy Sherman is a freelance writer with a majorinterest in natural health and in encouraging othersto take responsibility for their health. She can bereached through www.devardoc. com.Live Simply So ThatOthers May Simply Livehttp://groups. / group/Yoga- With-Nancy/http://groups. / group/SignSoFla/http://groups. / group/SoFlaVegan s/http://groups. / group/SoFlaSchoo ls/____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _Never miss a thing. Make your home page. http://www.. com/r/hs

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