The first disease I will talk about in relation to the omega 3s is heart disease. As you know, omega 3 is a power anti-inflammatory. So it is not surprising that studies have shown a significant decrease in the number of sudden death from heart disease in those individuals that take an omega 3 supplement. In fact, in one study of 11,000 people talking omega 3 supplements, there was a 45% decrease in the risk of sudden death from heart disease.
It is pretty well accepted today that if you are at risk for heart disease because of family history or for any other reason, you should be taking an omega 3 supplement. You can also get omega 3 from fish, but you need to eat wild fish not farm fish. Of course my favorite is salmon.
Showing posts with label Anti-Inflammatory. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anti-Inflammatory. Show all posts
Monday, July 19, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
10 Healthy Foods for Less #2
The next healthy food is beets. These are best when you can buy locally grown in season. Beets are very high in fiber, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. They also have anti-inflammatory properties.
Again, if you can buy them fresh instead of canned, they are usually less expensive. I often cook them and cut them up with greens, a couple boiled eggs and onion. You can use a little mayonaise, or what we like best is a little olive oil and lemon or lime juice. Makes a tasty salad or sometimes we just eat this as our main course.
A word of warning. Beets will give the stool a bright red color and the water in the toilet will look like bright red blood. Don't be alarmed, this is just from the beets.
Again, if you can buy them fresh instead of canned, they are usually less expensive. I often cook them and cut them up with greens, a couple boiled eggs and onion. You can use a little mayonaise, or what we like best is a little olive oil and lemon or lime juice. Makes a tasty salad or sometimes we just eat this as our main course.
A word of warning. Beets will give the stool a bright red color and the water in the toilet will look like bright red blood. Don't be alarmed, this is just from the beets.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Tumeric
I've talked about tumeric before, but it bears being mentioned again. You will see this spice used in Asian cooking and in curry dishes. The greatest thing about tumeric is that it is a very potent anti-inflammatory agent.
As I mentioned a few days ago, the heart disease and cholesterol piece is more related to inflammation than cholesterol. There are a plethora of diseases that tumeric may help prevent and help. Some of these are disease such as Alzheimer's, pulmonary disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, Parkinson's, arthritis, and psoriasis. Studies out of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have shown that tumeric affects gene activity in cancer cells. Tumeric actually starves and kills cancer cells. Multiple studies and Universities are now testing tumeric to determine it's affect in various types of cancer.
As I mentioned a few days ago, the heart disease and cholesterol piece is more related to inflammation than cholesterol. There are a plethora of diseases that tumeric may help prevent and help. Some of these are disease such as Alzheimer's, pulmonary disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, Parkinson's, arthritis, and psoriasis. Studies out of the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center have shown that tumeric affects gene activity in cancer cells. Tumeric actually starves and kills cancer cells. Multiple studies and Universities are now testing tumeric to determine it's affect in various types of cancer.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Other Anti-Inflammatories for the Brain
Yesterday I was talking about the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric. The last brain food I want to mention is another anti-inflammatory food. I should actually say foods, because it is any of the omega 3 fatty acids.
Foods in this category are things like flax seed oil, olive oil, avocados, and fish such as salmon. I have written many things about the omega 3 foods, you can see these postings under omega 3.
Bottom line is that these are also anti-inflammatory foods and they help protect the brain from stroke.
Foods in this category are things like flax seed oil, olive oil, avocados, and fish such as salmon. I have written many things about the omega 3 foods, you can see these postings under omega 3.
Bottom line is that these are also anti-inflammatory foods and they help protect the brain from stroke.
Monday, March 16, 2009
A Spice That Helps Your Brain
I have written about this spice before as an anti-inflammatory and it is part of the anti-inflammation diet. Turmeric which is often used in soups, stews and casseroles does indeed help the brain as well.
Turmeric helps keep the brain healthy by decreasing oxidation which occurs with increased inflammation. Turmeric also decreases plaque in the blood vessels.
The brain is similar to the heart in that plaque in blood vessels can become oxidized and break free. In the heart this causes a heart attack, in the brain it causes a stroke.
Turmeric helps keep the brain healthy by decreasing oxidation which occurs with increased inflammation. Turmeric also decreases plaque in the blood vessels.
The brain is similar to the heart in that plaque in blood vessels can become oxidized and break free. In the heart this causes a heart attack, in the brain it causes a stroke.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
More Brain Health Foods
To fight inflammation which is a key problem in the brain, a good source of omega 3 is essential. Nuts are one of the best sources. Specifically almonds, pecans, and walnuts. I have written about almonds and walnuts before, but nothing about pecans.
Pecans are high in antioxidants as well as containing omega 3 fatty acids. This makes them very beneficial in terms of decreasing free radical damage, but also to decrease inflammation in the brain and decrease plaque in the blood vessels in the brain, putting you at less risk for a stroke. Stroke like a heart attack is not from the high cholesterol, but rather from the high degree of inflammation in the brain which causes a chunk of plaque to break loose and become lodged in a blood vessel.
Pecans are high in antioxidants as well as containing omega 3 fatty acids. This makes them very beneficial in terms of decreasing free radical damage, but also to decrease inflammation in the brain and decrease plaque in the blood vessels in the brain, putting you at less risk for a stroke. Stroke like a heart attack is not from the high cholesterol, but rather from the high degree of inflammation in the brain which causes a chunk of plaque to break loose and become lodged in a blood vessel.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Brain Health
I said I would talk more about foods that help your brain stay healthy and functioning at it's best. One of the things that really helps brain health is to reverse or minimize oxidation and inflammation. Oxidation occurs because of free radicals, so there is a huge need for us to decrease this potential damage to the DNA in our brain cells. The way to do this is with antioxidants.
The best antioxidants for the brain are the darker colored vegetables and fruits. Vegetables include spinach, brussels sprouts, beets, and eggplant. Fruits include berries, plums, prunes, cherries, red grapes, and oranges.
For the anti-inflammatory foods, go back and review the anti-inflammatory diet information starting on 2/13/09.
The best antioxidants for the brain are the darker colored vegetables and fruits. Vegetables include spinach, brussels sprouts, beets, and eggplant. Fruits include berries, plums, prunes, cherries, red grapes, and oranges.
For the anti-inflammatory foods, go back and review the anti-inflammatory diet information starting on 2/13/09.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Sugar
The other white mentioned yesterday is sugar. So how does it set off the inflammatory process?
When you eat something that contains a lot of sugar, the pancreas puts out a large amount of insulin in response to the sugar. This increase in insulin turns on the inflammatory genes to begin producing inflammation in the body.
Not only does this set off the inflammatory genes, but the as we gain weight from eating the refined sugars, we have a yo-yo effect of our blood sugar going up and down and stress on the pancreas. This ultimately can result in Type II Diabetes. Another reason to get rid of the excess sugar in our diets.
When you eat something that contains a lot of sugar, the pancreas puts out a large amount of insulin in response to the sugar. This increase in insulin turns on the inflammatory genes to begin producing inflammation in the body.
Not only does this set off the inflammatory genes, but the as we gain weight from eating the refined sugars, we have a yo-yo effect of our blood sugar going up and down and stress on the pancreas. This ultimately can result in Type II Diabetes. Another reason to get rid of the excess sugar in our diets.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Cutting Out or Back on White Foods
In the anti-inflammatory search, cutting back on the white foods in your diet can certainly help. White foods are things like milk, sugar and refined grains.
Dairy and white flour can kick the inflammatory process into high gear. The gut sees these as invaders which makes the immune system go into action with an inflammatory response. Those of you have celiac disease or are lactose intolerant are aware of the problem because when you eat these foods you begin to not feel well almost immediately.
There is an exception to the diary rule and that is eggs. Especially those that are from free range chickens. These are high in omega 3.
Dairy and white flour can kick the inflammatory process into high gear. The gut sees these as invaders which makes the immune system go into action with an inflammatory response. Those of you have celiac disease or are lactose intolerant are aware of the problem because when you eat these foods you begin to not feel well almost immediately.
There is an exception to the diary rule and that is eggs. Especially those that are from free range chickens. These are high in omega 3.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Anti-Inflammatory Diets
Over the past several days I gave you the components of one of the anti-inflammatory diets. I found several others, but most of them are pretty much the same as the components I listed.
The major component to most of these diets is to increase your omega 3 intake either by supplementing with a fish oil or by eating fish. The problem with eating fish is that there are many not so great things in the fish because they have been contaminated. So if this is concern for you, then be sure that you supplement with a good fish oil - at least 2000 milligrams a day. Make sure that the fish oil that you are taking has both EPA and DHA.
The major component to most of these diets is to increase your omega 3 intake either by supplementing with a fish oil or by eating fish. The problem with eating fish is that there are many not so great things in the fish because they have been contaminated. So if this is concern for you, then be sure that you supplement with a good fish oil - at least 2000 milligrams a day. Make sure that the fish oil that you are taking has both EPA and DHA.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
The Last 2 Components of the Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Here are the last two components of the anti-inflammatory diet. Use anti-inflammatory herbs such as ginger and turmeric. I have written about ginger on October 23, 2008. I talked about anti-inflammatories on November 22, 2008 and mention the effects of turmeric.
The last thing mentioned in the anti-inflammatory diet is to consider taking grape seed extract. This herbal contains polyphenols which are potent antioxidants. In addition, grape seed extract is potent anti-inflammatory.
Now you have the one of the anti-inflammatory diets. Let just say that this is not the only one, just one that I ran across in my reading and thought I would share with you.
The last thing mentioned in the anti-inflammatory diet is to consider taking grape seed extract. This herbal contains polyphenols which are potent antioxidants. In addition, grape seed extract is potent anti-inflammatory.
Now you have the one of the anti-inflammatory diets. Let just say that this is not the only one, just one that I ran across in my reading and thought I would share with you.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
More of the Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Continuing with the anti-inflammatory diet, next is to eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortenings - basically anything that contains hydrongenated or partially hydrogenated oils. I have written a series of posts about hydrogenated fats starting on September 6, 2008. The listing for this piece of the diet goes on to say to avoid any foods which contain trans-fatty acids. This seems to be the new designer word for unsaturated fats. What you should be using is extra virgin olive oil.
Next on the anti-inflammatory diet list is to increase your intake of Omega 3. There is more on omega 3 starting in my posts on September 10, 2008. You will usually need to be taking some form of dietary supplement with fish oil. Contact me via this blog if you would like more information.
The last 2 components of the anti-inflammatory diet will come tomorrow.
Next on the anti-inflammatory diet list is to increase your intake of Omega 3. There is more on omega 3 starting in my posts on September 10, 2008. You will usually need to be taking some form of dietary supplement with fish oil. Contact me via this blog if you would like more information.
The last 2 components of the anti-inflammatory diet will come tomorrow.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Anti-Inflammatory Diet
I was reading an article yesterday about vasculitis and ran across the anti-inflammatory diet. This was pretty interesting to me.
The very first thing on the list was to eliminate cow's milk and cow's milk products and substitute other sources for calcium. We know there are lots better sources of calcium than cow's milk. See my September 23, 2008 posting. I won't go off on the milk tangent here, but suffice it to say that milk can promote inflammation within the body.
The second thing on the list is to eat more organic fruits and vegetables. Certainly this makes sense since fruits and vegetables increase antioxidants and decrease inflammation. The reason for organic is in my October 15, 2008 posting.
I'll give you two more components of the anti-inflammatory diet tomorrow.
The very first thing on the list was to eliminate cow's milk and cow's milk products and substitute other sources for calcium. We know there are lots better sources of calcium than cow's milk. See my September 23, 2008 posting. I won't go off on the milk tangent here, but suffice it to say that milk can promote inflammation within the body.
The second thing on the list is to eat more organic fruits and vegetables. Certainly this makes sense since fruits and vegetables increase antioxidants and decrease inflammation. The reason for organic is in my October 15, 2008 posting.
I'll give you two more components of the anti-inflammatory diet tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Chamomille Tea - A Healthy Choice
Whether you are a tea drinker or not, you may want to consider drinking Chamomille Tea. This particularly tea has many health benefits. The basis of the health benefits are two things, hippurate and glycine (an amino acid).
These two compounds contribute to multiple health benefits. One of the greatest benefits is the calming effect not only on anxiety, but also relaxation of muscles. So cramps or muscle spasms can be helped by Chamomille tea. Ladies, this includes menstrual cramps.
Along this same line, it combats inflammation because of its strong antioxidant effect. As you know antioxidants strengthen the immune system, thus helping to prevent illness and disease.
As a relaxant, Chamomille may also be helpful in helping one sleep. Many individuals experience an overall relaxed feeling which assists them in going to sleep at night.
More tomorrow.
These two compounds contribute to multiple health benefits. One of the greatest benefits is the calming effect not only on anxiety, but also relaxation of muscles. So cramps or muscle spasms can be helped by Chamomille tea. Ladies, this includes menstrual cramps.
Along this same line, it combats inflammation because of its strong antioxidant effect. As you know antioxidants strengthen the immune system, thus helping to prevent illness and disease.
As a relaxant, Chamomille may also be helpful in helping one sleep. Many individuals experience an overall relaxed feeling which assists them in going to sleep at night.
More tomorrow.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Walnuts
Walnuts are another super food with many benefits. Of course most of you probably know that walnuts are rich in omega 3, but there are many other benefits to walnuts. They are also a wonderful source of fiber. How many people out there do not eat nuts because they are "high in fat"? That is not the issue here. The fat in walnuts is good fat, omega 3. In addition, if you eat a handful or so a week it will help with constipation, one the biggest complaints of people over the age of 65. Walnuts are both a soluble and insoluble source of fiber. They bind with fatty acids, decrease the stomach emptying time and thereby decrease the speed at which sugar is absorbed into the blood stream. Diabetics out there, can you see how this might help you?
Walnuts are also a rich plant source of protein and besides the omega 3s, they are also have B vitamins and Vitamin E.
Walnuts have been shown to help protect against heart disease and they also have been shown to decrease C-Reactive protein. See my notes about C-Reactive protein on 11/20/08. This leads me right into my thoughts about anti-inflammatories which is the key to many diseases.
Walnuts are also a rich plant source of protein and besides the omega 3s, they are also have B vitamins and Vitamin E.
Walnuts have been shown to help protect against heart disease and they also have been shown to decrease C-Reactive protein. See my notes about C-Reactive protein on 11/20/08. This leads me right into my thoughts about anti-inflammatories which is the key to many diseases.
Friday, January 9, 2009
More on Blueberries
There is a lot of research out there supporting eating blueberries in terms of cancer. Because it is a strong antioxidant, it helps in the prevention of cancer cells. They also help if taken in the months prior to chemo to eliminate the nausea that comes with the therapy.
There is some research out of the University of Mississippi that demonstrates that blueberries have lipid lowering properties. The compound that has been identified by Dr. Rimando is pterostilbene which is similar to resveratrol. Resveratrol is the substance in grapes and red wine thought to help in lowering cholesterol.
More importantly as far as I'm concerned are blueberries anti-inflammatory effects. They have been shown to decrease inflammation and may be of help in people with arthritis.
There is some research out of the University of Mississippi that demonstrates that blueberries have lipid lowering properties. The compound that has been identified by Dr. Rimando is pterostilbene which is similar to resveratrol. Resveratrol is the substance in grapes and red wine thought to help in lowering cholesterol.
More importantly as far as I'm concerned are blueberries anti-inflammatory effects. They have been shown to decrease inflammation and may be of help in people with arthritis.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Pomegranate Juice and Inflammation
I found this next little bit of information about pomegranate juice particularly interesting since I believe our problem is inflammation not high cholesterol and makes sense to me why it would help prevent heart disease. Studies have shown that pomegranate juice decreases inflammation and decreases the activity of enzymes which break down cartilage. More extensive research is needed to show its benefit in arthritis, but it certainly looks like it may help.
The fact that it is a strong antioxidant helps in the decrease in inflammation. Not everything works for everyone, but this is worth a try and it won't hurt you.
The fact that it is a strong antioxidant helps in the decrease in inflammation. Not everything works for everyone, but this is worth a try and it won't hurt you.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Vitamin C Deficiency
Here are some of the signs and symptoms you might experience if you are not getting enough Vitamin C.
Some of these you may be familiar with, like bleeding gums, gingivitis and weakened tooth enamel. You may also experience dry and splitting hair, rough dry and scaling skin, easy bruising, nosebleeds and anemia.
Swollen painful joints and the inability to fight off infection and inflammation are related to the weakened immune system, which requires Vitamin C.
There is also the possibility that you will gain weight because of a slowed metabolism related to a low level of Vitamin C.
My best advice is be sure you're eating foods with natural vitamin C and if you're not eating many of those, be sure you supplement with Vitamin C.
Some of these you may be familiar with, like bleeding gums, gingivitis and weakened tooth enamel. You may also experience dry and splitting hair, rough dry and scaling skin, easy bruising, nosebleeds and anemia.
Swollen painful joints and the inability to fight off infection and inflammation are related to the weakened immune system, which requires Vitamin C.
There is also the possibility that you will gain weight because of a slowed metabolism related to a low level of Vitamin C.
My best advice is be sure you're eating foods with natural vitamin C and if you're not eating many of those, be sure you supplement with Vitamin C.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Inflammation Reducers
I was speaking a few days ago about inflammation in our bodies. I just ran across some research from John Hopkins where the researchers were looking at curry. Curry has been known for a long time as a strong antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties. The ingredient in curry that is active is turmeric from which curcuma is dervived. The curcume is really the ingredient that has an effect.
Because of it's anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric helps in any inflammatory diesease such as arthritis, heart disease, cancer and many other inflammatory diseases processes. In addition, it has been demonstrated to assist with protection of the brain where there is oxidative stress like Parkinson's Disease.
If you're looking at a turmeric product, you may see that Bromelain is also in the product. Bromelain works synergistically with turmeric to enhance the anti-inflammatory effects.
Because of it's anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric helps in any inflammatory diesease such as arthritis, heart disease, cancer and many other inflammatory diseases processes. In addition, it has been demonstrated to assist with protection of the brain where there is oxidative stress like Parkinson's Disease.
If you're looking at a turmeric product, you may see that Bromelain is also in the product. Bromelain works synergistically with turmeric to enhance the anti-inflammatory effects.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Anthocyanins and Diabetes continued
Another effect of anthocyanins in blood vessels is that they relax the vessels. This relaxation of the blood vessels may assist in decreasing the mortality related to cardiovascular disease. It may also have some effect on blood pressure.
One of the things that also contains anthocyanins is red wine. You may have heard that red wine is good in moderation for cardiovascular disease in all individuals. The presence of anthocyanins in red wine is thought to be the reason why.
Tomorrow I will talk a little more about how anthocyanins work to reduce inflammation.
One of the things that also contains anthocyanins is red wine. You may have heard that red wine is good in moderation for cardiovascular disease in all individuals. The presence of anthocyanins in red wine is thought to be the reason why.
Tomorrow I will talk a little more about how anthocyanins work to reduce inflammation.
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