By Kristin Stephens, MS, NTP

Inflammation is now being studied as a root cause for many of today’s most prevalent diseases and illnesses. Heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and even obesity are all linked with systemic inflammation in the body. Unfortunately, many health care practitioners are not addressing the root cause, but instead prescribing medications to help combat the symptoms of inflammation.

At Pure Nutrition + Wellness, our focus is on getting to the root cause of an issue and helping you address it. This holistic approach to healing through nutrition allows your body to reset, heal, and function again as it is supposed to.

What is systemic inflammation?

Systemic inflammation is caused by a chronic immune response to a non-threat in the body. Simply put, the body attacks itself because it perceives undigested food, toxins, and bacteria as an enemy because they have leaked through the gut lining. In a healthy individual with a strong gut lining, the food and bacteria, and even some toxins, wouldn’t be seen as invaders. It is only when the body’s defenses are down that we see this reaction. Unfortunately, in today’s world of processed and packaged foods, many people suffer from a leaky gut and inflammation-induced illnesses, not knowing they can easily turn it around through proper nutrition.

How can I reduce my inflammation?

It’s actually a very simple answer- reduce your intake of highly inflammatory foods, and increase your intake of anti-inflammatory foods. Whole, real, unprocessed foods are your best bet for fighting inflammation. This includes foods you find in their whole, natural state at the grocery store or farmer’s market- think vegetables, fruits, properly-raised meats, and healthy fats. By avoiding the highly processed foods which cause inflammation, your body will stop attacking itself, and instead, work to restore balance while healing.

What are some anti-inflammatory foods?

The Pure Foods we ask you to focus on for the Pure Reset Diet are your best anti-inflammatory foods. They are nutrient-dense, which means they contain antioxidants and nutrients which fight off the free radicals which cause oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. These foods also provide the body with the building blocks necessary to repair damage and heal.

Pure Foods include:
Cruciferous Vegetables
– kale
– cabbage
– cauliflower
– broccoli
Leafy Greens
– mustard greens
– beet greens
– Swiss chard
– spinach
Brightly Colored Vegetables
– bell peppers
– tomatoes
– eggplant
– yellow squash
Healthy Fats
– avocados
– coconut oil
– ghee
Properly-Raised Meats
– grass-fed beef
– pasture-raised chicken
– grass-fed lamb
– sustainably-raised pork

Which foods should I avoid?

Polyunsaturated oils such as soybean, corn, and canola are some of the biggest offenders. They oxidize and go rancid which leads to potential oxidization of your cells. Pasteurized dairy, sugar, trans-fats, refined and processed foods, such as packaged cookies, cereals, and other treats, are also heavy hitters when it comes to inflammation. Our bodies were not meant to break down these types of foods and sugars, so there is a great amount of stress put on our systems when we are consistently feeding the body these things.

What should I do now?

Start simple: pick a few foods you can easily swap out for healthier options, such as using coconut oil or avocado in place of canola or vegetable oil in baking and cooking. Do your best to make more foods at home in order to reduce your intake of rancid oils and excess sugars. Drink a green smoothie each day. You can load your smoothies up with all sorts of anti-inflammatory foods, including kale, avocado, spinach, and some low-sugar fruits like blueberries and strawberries.

If you’re looking for support while you make this shift, you can sign up for the Pure Reset Diet. Working one-on-one, you’ll be guided through one or three months of the Pure Lifestyle which will reduce your inflammation while helping your body to heal. You’ll have several coaching sessions (via phone or Skype) with your Guide who will work with you to customize an anti-inflammatory program for you. You’ll receive motivational e-mails, new recipes (besides the 35+ already included in the Pure Reset Diet Guide), in addition to a nutritional assessment.

Interested in starting now? E-mail us at [email protected] to schedule a free 20-minute phone consultation and we’ll get you set up with the program! Or call us at 844-787-3935; we look forward to assisting you!

Be Well,

Donna Stephens, BCN, CNHP, LDHS
Kristin Stephens, MS, NTP

Kristin Stephens is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and a Guide for the Pure Reset Diet. She enjoys working with clients as a health coach, providing natural remedies, ancestral health information, and delicious recipes. She is passionate about the healing power of real foods and seeks to educate others as much as she can.