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Did you know most people don’t know they are suffering from inflammation? That’s right! A lot of people have felt poorly for so long that they don’t have any idea that how they feel doesn’t have to be normal.
Inflammation from an acute illness or injury is pretty obvious. Bang up your knee and the swelling is front and center. Cut your finger and the swelling is pretty noticeable. That’s not always the case with chronic swelling. People who live day-to-day with chronic pain… sore backs, stiff knees and hips, painful ankles… don’t always realize inflammation is part of the problem.
If you are living with chronic aches and pains, it could very well mean you have inflammation and could benefit from a fast for quick relief and better health. An easy way to kick-start your healing comes from an inflammation fast. An inflammation fast includes stopping inflammation-inducing foods and starting anti-inflammation foods. The combination of reducing and increasing certain foods gives inflammation a one-two punch and promotes healing.
Here are the guidelines for a successful inflammation fast
NO: White flour pasta or white rice
NO: Refined starches
NO: Fried foods
NO: Processed meats
NO: Saturated fats
NO: Sugar
NO: High sodium products
YES: Fresh leafy greens
YES: Healthy fish
YES: Nuts and seeds
YES: Water
YES: Anti-inflammatory spices
YES: Healthy fats – olives, avocados
YES: Natural sweeteners
The items on the NO list should be completely cut out for maximum and expedient results. Each item on the list contributes greatly to inflammation and pain. Many foods you eat have a healthy counter part and the ones that don’t should be avoided altogether.
Here are some swaps that make things easier:
- Swap out white rice for brown rice or riced cauliflower
- Swap out sugar for dates or raisins in your favorite sauces or baked goods.
- Swap our processed foods that come in boxes for fresh versions. Instead of instant potatoes, make fresh potatoes.
- Swap out vegetable oil for olive oil or use broth instead of oil
Reducing foods that hurt and replacing them with foods that heal promises to help you feel less pain and have more energy. Reducing swelling and feeling better is not only great for your body, it’s great for your mental health. Do yourself and your family a favor – go on an inflammation fast and see how everyone benefits. Once you reduce inflammation and start to feel great, you may never want to go back to eating the same ol’ way again. Or, you can slowly introduce foods back into your diet and analyze which ones really contribute to pain and swelling. Once you know which food combinations work best in your family, you can create a lifestyle that promotes healing and health with ease.
Another option is to add in intermittent fasting, which is fasting for periods of 12-24 hours at a time and then eating only according to the guidelines listed above. Intermittent fasting also helps to reduce inflammation and will do so more quickly than just eating a healthy diet. For more information about intermittent fasting you can sign up for my free 10 day challenge.
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