anti inflammatory diet

rkmeyer41

I am starting another journey into getting healthy...this time with a significant other. We both suffer with arthritis. Him hands..me knees and elbows (had a total knee replacement on my left leg last September). We just received the anti inflammatory diet book today. To my dismay many of the low fat high fiber foods I have been filling our diet with are deemed high on the inflammatory index by Monica Reinagel and Julius Torelli M.D.. I would love any input as to your experience with is diet or related subjects.

Robin

becajb

I have no idea but my naturopath said I needed to take fish oil tablets to allow more water to move in and out of my cells for hydration, cell health and to help with inflammation.

twistygirl

Bump

meshashesha2012

Good luck. I know ginger is a good anti inflammatory. Just get done root, peel it and steep it into a tea.

csheltra26

I took a fish oil supplement as well. I also did a lot of reading on inflammation and it can be caused by an undiagnosed food allergy. I realized through trial and error that I have a gluten allergy. Between the supplement and removing gluten from my diet (for the most part) my inflammation levels dropped into a normal range.

In my household, we eat more potatoes, rice, corn tortillas, etc. Things that are naturally gluten free. And lots of protein, fruits, veggies, nuts, and diary. The occasional gluten still shows up but I feel much better when I don't eat it.

LTKeegan

If you had asked me 6 months ago, I would have said its all bull****, but my mind has been changed.

My dad had HORRIBLE psoriasis. Like I don't think you would want to picture it, horrible. There were piles of dead skin on the floor of his car in the drivers seat. PILES. Gross. He couldn't wear shorts in public. This had been going on for about 10 years.

Anyways, around October, he got really really ill, like throwing up all the time, for about 3 months and no one could figure out what was wrong with him. And my mom, getting desperate, started researching and came across a naturopath who said that food linked to inflammation could be the cause when people have stomach issues and psoriasis. So he went on the diet (which basically means he can eat spinach, apples, and chicken-- I exaggerate but the list of foods isn't long) and I know you wont believe me but his psoriasis was gone within 2 weeks. I saw him a month after he went on this diet and it was as if he had never even had psoriasis before. And he stopped throwing up and has been healthier than I've seen him in years!!


So long story short, it worked for him really AMAZINGLY well. I know this wont work for everyone/everything, but its totally worth a try.

Just FYI, his doctor said it could take up to 6 months to notice results.

raaachelmarie

I have pretty bad arthritis in my ankles and hip. I've found that adding turmeric supplements have really helped. I also take a ginger root supplement since I can't get enough of it through food. Fish and krill oil seem to help people. but I haven't tried them myself.

Hope that helps

CynthiaT60

In.

brewji

Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory as a spice. I usually use some (you don't need much) in potato or white fish recipes.

I have Crohn's, which is a different auto-immune inflammation issue...but it might be worthy of a try.

Lesa_Sass

I have an auto immune disease which causes me a great deal of pain as well as arthritis in my hands, elbows, hip and spine. I started eating from Dr Andrew Weils anti inflammatory pyramid and it changed my life in ways I never thought possible.

I cut out a great deal of processed and refined foods, and my pain levels went from an 8 to a 2 on non barometric pressure days. I had someone in my life that thought they would prove to me it was all in my head and gave me something processed under the ruse that it was all natural and organic, I was in so much pain with in 45 minutes I considered going to the ER. She came clean to me at what she had done, talk about feeling like crap, she did. So it is not psychosomatic.

I ate a great deal of Morning Star Farms and Quorn products because I liked to eat mainly vegetarian, but found that it is better for me to eat all natural and organic meat instead of the processed fake meat products. I also notice a difference in my pain levels when I eat a good amount of sugar (which I love). I am finding that whole wheat products hurt me too. It is not as hard for me now as it used to be because 5 minutes of delicious is not worth 4 hours of pain.

So, for these reasons no one is going to ever be able to convince me that processed and refined foods are not unhealthy.

donyellemoniquex3

No

rkmeyer41

Thank you all so much for the great advise...and success stories.

Lesa_Sass

Good luck. I know ginger is a good anti inflammatory. Just get done root, peel it and steep it into a tea.

This, very much this! It does help. I get a big root, chop it into big chunks and freeze it, then pull it out and throw it in a cup of boiling water and let it steep until it cools enough to drink. I like spicy, which it can be rather hot if you use enough, which I do because it helps with my pain levels.

I also use turmeric, fresh raw turmeric that my grocer carries now. I will try to put it in what ever I can. When I was first discussing my move to India with my Rheumatologist, she was excited for me because of all the turmeric they use there.

Barbsunshine7

I have arthritis and fibromyalgia, so I've been researching anti-inflammatory diets for a while but haven't jumped fully into it yet. Being a big fan of Dr. Weil's for years now, I gravitated toward his diet. I just haven't had the willpower to give up all the sugar yet, but I'm doing better!

BeachGingerOnTheRocks

I don't know anything about this diet book, but some things that are supposed to have anti-inflammatory properties are turmeric (mentioned), ginger (mentioned), lemon, cinnamon, fatty fish, wild rice, soy, some dairy like greek yogurt, kale, spinach, beets, red and orange veggies...

A rheumatologist discussed this with me a few years back as I have a pain disorder. A lot of these are part of my regular diet, but honestly, I can't say that I've noticed much difference when I eat them versus when I don't eat them. When it comes to autoimmune disorders, doctors don't really know a whole lot in general (it's being studied in every way possible, though), so if going on a diet that is supposedly anti-inflammatory has the potential to work, then I would do it. It's not like any of these foods can harm you. They're all healthy and, except for kale, pretty tasty.

Lesa_Sass

I have arthritis and fibromyalgia, so I've been researching anti-inflammatory diets for a while but haven't jumped fully into it yet. Being a big fan of Dr. Weil's for years now, I gravitated toward his diet. I just haven't had the willpower to give up all the sugar yet, but I'm doing better!

I do not think I will ever give up sugar, I just love it too much! What I do is 1. eat it in moderation and 2. eat the highest quality that I can. So, I will make cookies with sugar in the raw or get the products from a high end bakery. Now there are times I reach for a processed "whatever" at the store and do end up paying for it later. But I find if I watch how much I consume and what it is exactly I am eating, I do still get to enjoy sugary treats. One thing I am sad about though is I can not eat the fiber one brownies anymore. They are not worth it, so I find 200 calories for a home made brownie when the mood strikes me.

Camera_BagintheUK

My mum used to pick nettles, stick them in a jug, pour boiling water on them and leave to steep, and then strain off a tot or two every time she passed it. She swore by it for her arthritis.

lousoulbody

Curcurmin its what gives turmeric its colour and a higher level of anti-inflammatory, tart cherrie juice (has to be tart has the highest of all foods), salmon, kelp, extra virgin olive oil, ginger, green tea, garlic,curry, coloured peppers,edamame, sweet potatoes, beets, mushrooms, onions, kale, chill/cayenne,cruciforms vegetables(broccoli, brussel sprouts, blueberries andy berry, walnuts & almonds. Phew i have been doing my homework and have been a work in progress for 2 weeks now and feel a difference. Add curcurmin, glucosamine and chondroitin, and and omega 3 supplements and you may as well add a daily multivitamin.

cheers:drinker:

pusheen12

Check out ground flax seed.

donnam40

Interested - I suffer from RA and have been considering this as an option.

AmandaLY17

http://nutritiondata.self.com/ great website for the nutritional info for foods... one of the things they list is the inflammation factor of whatever food you're looking at.

AmykinsCatfood

Omega's are really important to joint health so a salmon or fish oil capsule would be good for you. As well you should increase your vitamin D intake as well as consider a supplement with glucosamine, chondroitin and msm. All of these will help a tremendous amount... I know they have for me. I'm 24 and have arthritis in my hips, knees, hands and wrists.

Barbsunshine7

I have arthritis and fibromyalgia, so I've been researching anti-inflammatory diets for a while but haven't jumped fully into it yet. Being a big fan of Dr. Weil's for years now, I gravitated toward his diet. I just haven't had the willpower to give up all the sugar yet, but I'm doing better!

I do not think I will ever give up sugar, I just love it too much! What I do is 1. eat it in moderation and 2. eat the highest quality that I can. So, I will make cookies with sugar in the raw or get the products from a high end bakery. Now there are times I reach for a processed "whatever" at the store and do end up paying for it later. But I find if I watch how much I consume and what it is exactly I am eating, I do still get to enjoy sugary treats. One thing I am sad about though is I can not eat the fiber one brownies anymore. They are not worth it, so I find 200 calories for a home made brownie when the mood strikes me.

I like your approach! I can't tolerate sugar substitutes. I do use local honey in my tea and smoothies.

QuietBloom

If you have a food sensitivity or intolerance, yes, it can cause problems. Most people don't have these however. A diet high in antioxidants is usually all most people need. This whole food/inflammation 'theory' is highly theoretical.

Lesa_Sass

I have arthritis and fibromyalgia, so I've been researching anti-inflammatory diets for a while but haven't jumped fully into it yet. Being a big fan of Dr. Weil's for years now, I gravitated toward his diet. I just haven't had the willpower to give up all the sugar yet, but I'm doing better!

I do not think I will ever give up sugar, I just love it too much! What I do is 1. eat it in moderation and 2. eat the highest quality that I can. So, I will make cookies with sugar in the raw or get the products from a high end bakery. Now there are times I reach for a processed "whatever" at the store and do end up paying for it later. But I find if I watch how much I consume and what it is exactly I am eating, I do still get to enjoy sugary treats. One thing I am sad about though is I can not eat the fiber one brownies anymore. They are not worth it, so I find 200 calories for a home made brownie when the mood strikes me.

I like your approach! I can't tolerate sugar substitutes. I do use local honey in my tea and smoothies.

I am trying to navigate this thing called life while trying to be as pain free as possible and still enjoy the things I love.

I do not know how I made it through 2012. My pain levels were so bad I actually understood why people killed themselves due to pain. It was awful. I thought I had a back problem and was trying to eat kale and blueberries and go to the chiro to fix me. It was 18 months, 3 MRIs, 5 sets of Xrays and dozens of viles of blood before they came to realize I had an auto immune problem. They first thought it to be lupus.

I started my path to clean eating December of that year and by mid January life had taken a wonderful turn. It took a good 30 days before I noticed a difference though. I swear it is worth the time and effort.

Anyone that believes it is a theory is NOT a rheumatology patient with a great amount of pain whos life has changed through the world of anti inflammatory. People can spout opinions all day long, but if they do not have experience in the matter, I do not listen to them....period. I have no idea why it is important to people to try to convince them that something that would help them is not worth the time.

GlassslippersAndFairyDust

I have arthritis and fibromyalgia, so I've been researching anti-inflammatory diets for a while but haven't jumped fully into it yet. Being a big fan of Dr. Weil's for years now, I gravitated toward his diet. I just haven't had the willpower to give up all the sugar yet, but I'm doing better!

I do not think I will ever give up sugar, I just love it too much! What I do is 1. eat it in moderation and 2. eat the highest quality that I can. So, I will make cookies with sugar in the raw or get the products from a high end bakery. Now there are times I reach for a processed "whatever" at the store and do end up paying for it later. But I find if I watch how much I consume and what it is exactly I am eating, I do still get to enjoy sugary treats. One thing I am sad about though is I can not eat the fiber one brownies anymore. They are not worth it, so I find 200 calories for a home made brownie when the mood strikes me.

I like your approach! I can't tolerate sugar substitutes. I do use local honey in my tea and smoothies.

I am trying to navigate this thing called life while trying to be as pain free as possible and still enjoy the things I love.

I do not know how I made it through 2012. My pain levels were so bad I actually understood why people killed themselves due to pain. It was awful. I thought I had a back problem and was trying to eat kale and blueberries and go to the chiro to fix me. It was 18 months, 3 MRIs, 5 sets of Xrays and dozens of viles of blood before they came to realize I had an auto immune problem. They first thought it to be lupus.

I started my path to clean eating December of that year and by mid January life had taken a wonderful turn. It took a good 30 days before I noticed a difference though. I swear it is worth the time and effort.

Anyone that believes it is a theory is NOT a rheumatology patient with a great amount of pain whos life has changed through the world of anti inflammatory. People can spout opinions all day long, but if they do not have experience in the matter, I do not listen to them....period. I have no idea why it is important to people to try to convince them that something that would help them is not worth the time.

QFT

Sabine_Stroehm

As someone who gave up gluten a few years ago and wouldn't go back: good luck! And don't let any arrogant fool tell you not to try. What do you have to lose except some pain.

christa279

I have arthritis and a condition that causes joint issues. I've tried a few of these and some really helped. I can't say that any of the supplements did, but the others did. Ironically, my doctors had been recommending losing weight to take the extra pressure off my joints and I've been in more pain since losing weight. I'm hoping it's my body trying to adjust and it will settle out soon, plus we are having the worst winter in years here.

I've been cutting back on sugar and wheat products for the last year, and it seemed to help some with pain (but more with my tummy issues).

kellyskitties

I tried eliminating "inflammatory" foods at one point - no improvement.

I don't judge others though - if it's not harmful - and isn't making anyone else rich at your expense (aka over-hyped snake oil garbage) - by all means try it.

I can tell that as my weight goes down my knee hurts less - so weight loss might be anti-inflammatory - or it's just less pressure on the joint - but anyway - it's all good.

I did try hard not to roll my eyes at some folks that came to our health fair recently selling "veggie" gummies that contained a full day of veggies in just 1 gummy drop and claimed it cured everything known to man. No, they don't and no thanks. If it cures all, it's likely a farce.

Basic supplements you can try - like ginger tea - more power to ya - try it and report back! I work in a little curry powder now and then for anti-inflammatory reasons (and it's tasty too!).

My husband swears by whiskey soaked cherries - just raw cherries, washed good, fill jar, cover with whiskey. But then he stopped them - maybe addicting? LOL

CynthiaT60

About sugar: eating less of it doesn't make any difference as far as my "serious" pain is concerned. It definitely does make a difference with general achiness.

ArleneMobley

thumbs up!