Treating Joint Pain with Anti-inflammatory Foods

Many factors can lead to chronic joint pain. More often than not, the root cause is systemic inflammation, not old age. The pain that you experience is your body’s way of telling you that it’s irritated and needs some help. So instead of brushing it off or tuning it out with a pill or two, take the time to listen.  One way to address the condition is to group foods as "Inflammatory Hot foods" vs "Anti-inflammatory Cooling foods".  A summary of these food categories is given below: 

Inflammatory Hot Foods - Avoid These:

• Fried foods
• Red meat from corn-fed animals raised with antibiotics and/or hormones
• Partially hydrogenated (trans) fats (found in margarine, chips, processed baked goods)
• Saturated fats (e.g., animal fats such as butter and lard)
• Corn oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil or soy-based oils
• Soft drinks, including both diet and regular soda and fruit juices
• All forms of sugar, including natural and refined
• White flour and other processed grains
• Most fast-food and prepackaged meals

Anti-Inflammatory Cooling Foods - Eat More of These:

• Dark green vegetables (including spinach, kale, and seaweed)
• Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, as well as vitamin C and E supplements
• Raw nuts and seeds (including almonds, pecans, and walnuts)
• Omega-3-rich fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and anchovies (or supplements containing EPA/DHA)
• Cold-pressed oils such as virgin olive, macadamia nut, grapeseed, and avocado
• Soups made with free-range poultry or meat bones
• Limited amounts of gluten-free whole grains, especially amaranth, millet, and quinoa

Get Electrolytes!

Electrolytes are essential muscles and neurons.  As most of you know, the over-sweetened sports drinks are not the answer to real hydration.  Below are 4 ways to replenish your electrolytes naturally and give your body some serious nutrition at the same time:

1. Juice Celery + Apple + Lemon - This juice combination works wonders for replacement of electrolytes. The celery has a natural source of sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, and phosphorus. Apple provides additional potassium and natural sweetness. Lemon is the highest electrolyte containing citrus fruit.


2. Stir Sea Salt + Baking Soda + Lemon Juice + Maple Syrup into 8 ounces of Water – This is a great natural remedy for serious endurance athletes – You might think drinking baking soda is a little weird, but it’s been used for centuries to treat various aliments. In this case, it’s added to the mix because it makes the body less acidic and provides an additional source of sodium bicarbonate.


3. Shake Raw Coconut Water & Chia Seeds - Raw coconut water has a ton of electrolytes and potassium that will not only help you stay hydrated but also keep your body from getting any cramps. It is completely natural and very low in sugar. Combine this with a packet of chia seeds and you have a 1-2 punch! Chia seeds are an incredible energy food – full of omega 3 fatty acids, protein, fiber. These seeds have the ability to keep you from getting dehydrated because of they can hold 9 times their weight in water!


4. Blend Frozen Banana + Almond Milk + Kale – This smoothie is extremely hydrating. The banana provides a good source of potassium and magnesium which help regulate your fluid stores. Almonds are extremely rich in magnesium and potassium. When you make your almond milk, make sure you add sea salt (store bought almond milk already has salt added to it). Kale is a superfood and another excellent source of magnesium and calcium.