There is a causal link between what you eat, how you feel, and how much you weigh. The more good foods that we put into our bodies, the better our health and the easier it is to manage our weight. Consuming processed foods causes a volatile reaction caused inflammation. It manifests itself as food allergies, swelling, sickness, and weight gain. This is the body's natural response to foreign substances via the immune system.

According to an article entitled, "The Top Ten Inflammatory Foods" published on http://www.dlife.com, Jack Challem writes:

"Chronic, low-grade inflammation almost always lurks beneath the surface of diabetes and excess weight. You can’t usually see or feel the damage, but this type of inflammation significantly increases the risk of coronary heart disease, the leading cause of death among people with diabetes. Low-grade inflammation has also been linked to an increased risk of cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Your doctor can measure it with the “high-sensitivity C-reactive protein,” or CRP, test."

The article goes on to discuss the effects of white sugar and refined starches on the body:

"Processed sugars and other high-glycemic starches increase inflammation, just as they raise blood sugar, according to an article in the March 2002 American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and many other drugs reduce inflammation, but they pose a risk of side effects and no doctor’s going to suggest taking these drugs on a regular basis because your CRP is elevated. However, many foods have anti-inflammatory benefits, and the only side effects are other stellar health benefits."

Challem offers a list of the top 10 anti-inflammatory foods. Visit the site to read more about these foods: http://www.dlife.com/dLife/do/ShowContent/food_and_nutrition/top_10_anti_inflammatory_foods.html

1. Salmon
2. Green tea
3. Olive oil
4. Salads (Dark-green lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, and other salad veggies
are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants)
5. Cruciferous vegetables
6. Cherries
7. Blueberries
8. Turmeric
9. Ginger
10. Garlic

I would like to offer a recipe for an immune-boosting, anti-inflammatory soup. It is easy to prepare and should be eaten several times a week year-round. Use fresh, organic vegetables whenever possible:

2 cups spinach leaves
3 medium sliced carrots
1 medium yellow or white onion diced
2 stalks chopped celery
3-4 cloves minced garlic
1 tablespoon chopped ginger
1 bunch fresh chopped parsley
1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
1 tsp. Himalayan Sea Salt or Real Salt
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice

Combine all ingredients in a pot and cover with distilled water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until the carrots are tender. Enjoy!

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