I found out how precious particular foods can be for the body the hard way with a back injury. Gift your body with natural anti-inflammatories that could help you overcome an illness, fatigue or sickness. [spacer height=”20px”]
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The idea of this blog came about when I was at work last week. I was standing on the desk eating sweet potato, broccoli and chickpeas when one of the members who was training with another trainer approached me. He walks up to me and asks, “you used to suffer with a back problem didn’t you?” I go on to tell him the problems I had. He then tells me that he is asking because his wife is suffering with similar problems. I instantly feel bad for her as I remember the pain I was in with slipped discs and feel for anyone who is going through or has been through that pain. I have a feeling I know what’s coming. He asks my advice as his wife has tried everything!!! I say yes I recommend trying three things. These are not in order of importance as I think It will be obvious what one is the most crucial (you would think), My tips were:[spacer height=”20px”]
- Get a good oestopath (The one I seen was a specialist in backs and helped alot with some brutal deep tissue massage)
- Strengthen your core (Helps loads when you have a weak lower back)
- Look into certain foods (Obvious? Not so much)
So, the first two points he was nodding along with until I mentioned about food. He looked at me all confused and had a little laugh to himself. At this point I was a little shocked. The next comment from him was “no, food won’t do anything”. I couldn’t believe it. It made me realise that there are so many people that generally believe that food does not have an impact on the body. Let me tell you, everything you put in your body has an affect on you. After this conversation I decided I am going to write a blog on some anti-inflammatory foods that can help others. My top four are as follows:[spacer height=”20px”]
Turmeric [spacer height=”50px”]
Some would argue that it is not a food, which is true but it still has to be on the list. This spice has been around for years. Chinese and Indian cultures have used it for medicine purposes for years and curcumin is even in some Western medicine. Chronic inflammation is known to cause several western diseases such as cancer. Research has shown that this spice may help prevent and perhaps even treat cancer. Other diseases it has shown to help improve is age related chronic diseases, depression, and even alzheimers. It can be added to most meals and you can even make turmeric rice by simply sprinkling it over your rice when you put it on. If you’re not a fan of the taste then just add half a teaspoon to your smoothies.
Berries [spacer height=”50px”]
These are full of antioxidants. There are so many to choose from. When you say berries people only think of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. They overlook Acai berries and Goji berries, which are as good, if not better than your average berries when it comes to nutritional value. They are all full of vitamin C, help reduce inflammation, and may help prevent and manage arthritis. Great as a snack with some nuts.
Leafy greens [spacer height=”50px”]
Whether you like your greens or not, everyone should be having them regularly. Although these are not directly linked to helping reduce inflammation as such. They are full of fibre, vitamins, minerals, and improve your mood due to the production of serotonin from the excellent source of folate found in greens. If you are carrying an injury such as a back problem your mood isn’t going to be great as you will be in constant pain so you could do with as much as help as possible.
Ginger [spacer height=”50px”]
I would say from personal experience this is the best anti-inflammatory out there. I don’t know if it is a placebo but everytime I have this I feel great. The benefits of ginger are second to none. It tastes great as well. If I ever feel under the weather I will add extra ginger to everything such as green tea and smoothies and within hours I am feeling better. One advantage for the women out there is that ginger may significantly help reduce menstrual pain. It is more beneficial to take at the start of the menstrual period. Some other advantages of ginger is that is can help treat chronic indigestion, reduce muscle soreness, and treat forms of nausea specifically morning sickness. So a powerful spice in particular for women but everyone should be adding this into their daily ritual.[spacer height=”20px”]
If you want to start adding some foods to your daily routine then these would be a great place to start. If you have had any personal experience from these foods and spices yourself I would love to hear them.
By Ant
