The Anti-Inflammatory Diet

The Anti-Inflammatory Diet

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As I continue my graduate studies in holistic nutrition, I have become very educated in understanding the impact food has on the mind and body. For those who suffer from acute or chronic inflammation, the Anti-Inflammatory Diet (AID) could be life-changing. This is a diet protocol that I have come to be very passionate about. I have successfully coached and witnessed first-hand the influence and impact proper diet can have and how the AID has helped clients to overcome conditions and illnesses related to inflammatory markers and auto-immune disease.

WHAT DEFINES INFLAMMATION

Inflammation occurs when the immune system recognizes and removes harmful-foreign stimuli to begin the healing process. This is a natural defense mechanism, and in my eyes, an AMAZING example of what the body is capable of doing to protect itself. Defined as the inflammatory response, this is the process the body takes to increase the production of white blood cells, immune cells, and cytokines (immune fighting helpers).

There are two categories of inflammation, acute or chronic. Acute inflammation is a short-term response to tissue injury with an onset of minutes to hours. Common signs include redness, loss of function, pain, swelling, and heat. These “processes” are initiated immediately to limit damaging effects to the tissue or area of injury.

Chronic inflammation affects nearly 125 million Americans and is characterized as slow and long-term. This begins when the body prompts the immune system to send white blood cells to attack healthy tissues and organs, igniting chronic inflammation, and the inflammatory response. In turn, when the immune system fails to respond and eliminate these inflammatory problems, the inflammation will remain active and progressive in nature.

DISEASE – ILLNESS – OTHER CONTRIBUTING FACTORS

Both acute and chronic inflammation can occur due to disease and illness (including but not limited to):

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Psoriasis
  • Arthritis
  • Diabetes and blood sugar related issues
  • Bad cholesterol
  • Asthma
  • Hashimoto’s Disease and thyroid-related issues
  • Parkinsons
  • Eosinophilic Esophagitis
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Colitis
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Heart Disease
  • Lupus

And can also occur or exacerbate as a result of:

  • Age
  • Obesity
  • Unhealthy diet
  • Low activity levels
  • Smoking
  • Environmental toxin exposure
  • Decreased sex hormones
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Heightened stress
  • Poor sleep habits and patterns

SYMPTOMOLGY OF INFLAMMATION

The potential for acute and chronic inflammation increases when there is a combination of the above or an exacerbation of the disease/illness. Understanding and identifying inflammatory symptoms can help proactively counteract the short and long term effects of inflammation on the body. These include:

  • Increased body pain, joint pain (arthralgia), and/or muscular pain (myalgia)
  • Chronic fatigue or insomnia
  • Mood disorders
  • Depression and/or anxiety
  • Weight trouble including gain and loss
  • Frequent infections and poor healing
  • Gastrointestinal troubles such as acid reflux, diarrhea, and/or constipation

WHAT IS THE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET?

The AID focuses on fueling the body with a high intake of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, healthy oils, and omegas/fish. In other words, the goal is to detox the body. The AID eliminates processed foods while flooding it full of antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids to support anti-inflammatory effects.

A quick note on antioxidants: these are the reactive molecules that are naturally created by the metabolism but can lead to inflammation if they are not monitored correctly.

COACHING FOR CHANGE

Through an educated and closely monitored nutritional coaching approach, I can support clients through the AID by teaching them how to follow specific serving guidelines, monitor their intake amounts, practice proper elimination techniques, find nutritional balance, and learn to read their body and its response to food.

When correctly followed, the AID can successfully:

  • Reset the immune system
  • Prevent the inflammatory response
  • Reduce symptomatology
  • Prevent the occurrence of secondary symptoms, illness/disease

MEET DANI, HEAR HER SUCCESS STORY

I began the AID right as quarantine started, which I think was perfect timing! While I lost my overall fast paced and physical work environment and workout routine, I was able to focus on what I was putting into my body and how it could help my inflammation.

My Psoriatic Arthritis leaves me with aches and pains, but refining my diet to the guidelines provided by Aubree and sticking to a routine helped me feel major changes. By tracking what I was eating I was able to lose weight and figure out what foods made my body feel better. Being able to tell which foods trigger my inflammation (red meats, certain fruits, etc.) has helped me stay away from them and overall feel much better.

I’ve noticed a major decline in the swelling of my fingers and joints. And, not only do my joints feel great during my at home workouts, but my energy, focus, and sleep schedule have really improved while I try to navigate the new norm of work from home life!

LET’S CHAT

If you or someone you know suffers from acute or chronic inflammation, please reach out to me today! You don’t need to suffer or feel hopeless in your pursuit of an improved quality of life. Through simple dietary and lifestyle changes, we can begin you on the path of true internal healing. It’s time to discover newfound happiness in your wellbeing. I’d love to connect, feel free to email me anytime. I can’t wait to hear from you.

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