If you’ve made a commitment to shed a few extra pounds and you’re making an effort to eat healthier food, a non-inflammatory diet is a highly-effective way to accomplish this goal. “Inflammatory” foods such as grains, dairy, corn, processed carbohydrates, and white sugar tend to cause chronic inflammation, an inappropriate immune system response that adversely affects overall health and can interfere with weight loss. A number of factors can also contribute to chronic inflammation, such as poor sleep habits, infections, toxicities and food sensitivities.
There is no one-size-fits-all diet that works effectively for everyone, but starting with a framework of non-inflammatory foods is a great foundation for a personalized diet plan. Each human body is unique and reacts differently to specific types of food. The best approach is to start simple, observe the way that your body responds, and add or remove one type of food at a time. After 7 to 21 days of the clean non-inflammatory diet, reintroduce a new food and check for reactions for three days. A reaction can indicate a food intolerance, a food you want to avoid. If you make a conscious effort to keep your conscious attention focused on your body throughout the day—resisting the urge to compulsively think about your to-do list—you will naturally begin to notice your body’s responses to food choices.
Here are a few general guidelines for creating a non-inflammatory diet:
Include lots of non-starchy vegetables like kale, collards, broccoli and spinach.
Eat organic free-range meat, poultry, and wild fish (salmon, sardines, anchovies)
Eat a healthy amount of “good” fats, such as avocado, coconut oil, and extra virgin olive oil.
Choose organic vegetables and fruits when possible (with more vegetables than fruits).
Add natural probiotics such as fermented vegetables and kombucha tea.
Add starchy plants like yams and sweet potatoes in moderation.
Include Himalayan salt and spices.
Drink plenty of water (half your weight in ounces).
The non-inflammatory approach is a significant adjustment of habits and lifestyle, but the health benefits are enormous. Not only does this type of diet help with weight loss, but it also helps improve energy, stamina, immune function, and overall health. Give it a try!
Here are a couple of testimonials from patients who tried the non-inflammatory approach:
“All is well—still no headaches. I lost a total of 17 pounds. Still no flour!!! I feel great and if I say so myself I look great!”
-Al S., a patient with a history of pre-diabetes and a thyroid problem
“…As for the diet, I started it on Jan. 1. Holy crap. I am down 5 lbs (in 7 days). I can actually sleep, and I have sustained energy all day. I cannot wait to see where I am in a month. I feel strong again. I can’t thank you enough.”
-Matt C., just started the non-inflammatory diet