Inflammation

These suggestions are not intended to replace appropriate professional advice.  Please consult your pharmacist if you take prescription medications.

Inflammation is the immune system’s response to injury, infection, or acidosis and is an essential part of the healing process.  If healing is not accomplished, usually because the underlying cause is not eliminated or symptoms are suppressed, inflammation becomes chronic and an individual becomes susceptible to more serious diseases.

These dietary, supplement, and lifestyle suggestions are intended to build good health by design!

An Alkaline/Acid Balanced Diet

• Drink 7-10 glasses of unchlorinated water.
  
  
• Consume a diet that is 75-80% alkaline forming with fresh vegetables, fruit, raw nuts and seeds, beans, legumes, and whole grains as the mainstays of your diet. Eat wheat only if sprouted. 
  
  
• Go organic. Chemicals and pesticides can exacerbate inflammation.
  
  
• Fermented foods correct pH and improve gut health.
  
  
• Limit intake of nightshade vegetables - potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, and eggplant - all contain solanine, an alkaloid that interferes with muscle enzymes and can trigger inflammation.
  
  
• Animal products are a source of inflammatory arachidonic acid. Enjoy sparingly.
  
  
• Have complete protein no later than lunch for better digestion of amino acids.
  
  
• Have 1-3 tbsp of flax, chia, or hemp seeds daily.
  
  
• Replace salt with Herbamare for all of the flavour but 1/3 the sodium.
  
  
• Pomegranate and cherry juices have anti-inflammatory properties.
  
  
• Have 1-2 tsp apple cider vinegar and honey (optional) in room temperature water with meals improves digestion and corrects pH.
  
  
• Eliminate alcohol, deep fried or processed food, cold cuts, white sugar, and white rice.
  
  
• Cook gently.  High heat generates acrylamides & advanced glycation end products.

Basic Supplements to avoid common deficiencies

• Bio-Strath – corrects many nutritional deficiencies and pH, speeds recovery.
  
  
• Vitamin D 8,000 IU for one month then reduce to upper limit of 4,000 IU – steroid precursor, anti-inflammatory.  We recommend testing every two years.
  
  
• Vitamin C 500-1,000 mg – antioxidant, necessary for repairing damaged tissue.
  
  
• Magnesium malate – this form of magnesium is of particular benefit for inflammation of soft tissue in conditions like fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and excess acidity in muscle tissue. Increases mitochondria activity.
  
  
• Omega 3 fatty acids – modulates inflammation.
  
  
• Probiotics – to improve overall pH and strengthen immune function.

Anti-Inflammatory Supplements - For Short-Term Use to Promote Recovery

Following the dietary and basic supplements suggestion will ultimately remove the major causes of inflammation. For a faster result one or more of the following can help.

• Inflammation is associated with acidosis. One of the best ways to monitor your health is to test urine pH. Test daily first thing in the morning and adjust your diet until readings are consistently between 6.5 – 7.4.  Test weekly thereafter.
  
  
• Serrapeptase – taken on an empty stomach - an enzyme that digests stored waste underlying inflammation i.e. excess fibrin from old injuries.  If fungus, bacteria, or parasites are at the root of inflammation, Serrapeptase breaks down their protective biofilm to promote elimination.
  
  
• Perform a 30 day detox, which could include 2-3 days of juice fasting. This is one of the quickest ways to eliminate acid and toxins.  

Additional Suggestions

• Emotions cause powerful chemical changes that can effect pH and exacerbate inflammation. When stressed relax and have a cup of herbal tea and focus on protecting your well-being.

• Epsom salt or Dead Sea salt baths help if inflammation is generalized.
  
  
• Keep all pathways of detoxification clear. Dry body brush to stimulate lymphatic flow and open skin pores. Take enough vitamin C and magnesium to keep bowels moving easily.
  
  
• Fresh air, sunshine, and exercise help reduce inflammation.  A buildup of acids due to inactivity and shallow breathing can result in acidosis.  Get some daily exercise in the fresh air and breathe deeply, exhale thoroughly.

Keep a journal and track your progress.  When inflammation has been resolved,

following the diet and basic supplements guidelines will maintain your gain.

Remember, you are meant to be healthy, happy and pain free!

*Revised December 2024