Since Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen’s chef revealed that the couple has sworn off a group of foods called nightshades because “they’re not anti-inflammatory,” the Internet has been throwing SHADE at inflammation! But inflammation isn't always bad, particularly acute inflammation. Simply put, it’s the ultimate defense your body naturally has after an injury or infection. Signals and chemical components recruit white blood cells to come in and tackle foreign bodies. It's necessary and normal for good health (and sports metaphors!)
But chronic inflammation, that's gotta go. Studies have linked this as the root cause of heart disease, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, digestive disorders, and even cancer. And in terms of our physical appearance, sagging skin, puffiness, dark circles, and hair loss are also triggered by this same source, inflammation.The effects of chronic stress.
If she’s not eating inflammatory foods, am I? Yes. We all do. Trans fats, processed foods, sugar, white bread, alcohol, and vegetable oils all trigger an inflammatory response due to a rapid rise in blood sugar. But one source you absolutely are ingesting (especially with this presidential race) is...STRESS. Chronic stress changes gene activity to increase inflammation. So stress will actually change your DNA so that immune cells are always ready to attack you-- even when there is no infection or trauma to fight!
But don’t stress it.
At Robert James Clinic, our holistic approach has always been to reverse inflammation topically and internally…in harmony! By identifying your specific source for hair loss, we then reverse it naturally three ways. How?-
- Strengthen and lengthen the hair growth cycle with laser therapy
- Repair scalp inflammation with enriching topical products
I feel better now…but also hungry. What can I eat?
From dark leafy greens and berries to organic, free-range proteins or raw nuts, seeds, and oils – just stick to the basics! Try these!- Swiss Chard & Bok Choy are mega high in antioxidants and vitamins A and C , as well as vitamin K, which can protect your brain against stress caused by free radical damage. All of this can restore your cellular health. Salad Brain!
- Beets & Broccoli help lower your blood pressure, boost your stamina and -- yep! – combat both chronic inflammation and the risk of developing cancer.
- Blueberries. The antioxidant king! This berry contains quercetin, a flavonoid that fights inflammation and even cancer. Another study found that consuming blueberries helped memory, motor skills, and brain function.
- Pineapple A special fruit with incredible abilities— it’s digestive enzyme prevents blood platelets from sticking together in the body. Which is good because this build up can cause strokes and heart attacks. Plus better digestion!
- Wild Salmon is an excellent source of essential fatty acids, especially omega 3-s, which are some of the most potent anti-inflammatory substances. It’s an essential beauty food.
- Bone Broth contains minerals that your body can easily absorb: calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silica, sulphur, and health-enriching collagen. Perfect for rebuilding lost strength in our hair, skin, nails, and joints. Hair Soup!
- Coconut Oil is literally everywhere. It’s full of strong anti-inflammatory compounds. One study in India, found that virgin coconut oil reduced inflammation and healed arthritis more effectively than leading medications. So if you’re going to eat that churro, fry it in coconut oil!
