Inflammation

Some of you know that I have spent much of the last year dealing with Frozen Shoulder. It's technical name is Adhesive Capsulitis and it is considered an inflammatory process. As a result, my integrative physician suggested that I should follow an "anti-inflammatory diet" as one step toward addressing my health. There are lots of versions of an anti-inflammatory diet, but basically, it is based on a "Mediterranean Diet" which is made up of primarily fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans and other whole foods. The Mediterranean diet uses olive oil for cooking and uses dairy sparingly (if at all) along with whole grains. What it doesn't include is sugar (other than what is naturally occurring in fruits etc), processed foods and meats, and flour or white starches like corn, white potatoes, and white rice. Caffeine is discouraged. Some wine (preferably red) is Ok.

I have to admit that I had heard of these diet recommendations before, but when I got to the part about my favorite food group (carbs and starches in the form of bread, cereal, pasta, potatoes and crackers) and an elimination of most dairy (No cheese??? Are you kidding me??) I quickly dismissed it. When  the day came that I was facing a painful condition like Frozen Shoulder that was impacting my work and favorite practice: yoga, I suddenly became willing to try ABSOLUTELY ANYTHING. I have known for years that I could be eating a healthier diet, but I felt I was doing pretty well with food and movement  and maintaining my weight and really did not have the motivation to behave differently until pain free movement seemed to be slipping away. Months later, my shoulder is improving, I have lost 12 pounds, and I have grown to like the taste of unsweetened almond milk and I'm eating more veggies.

So, what does all this have to do with you...especially if you do not have frozen shoulder? Here's the deal; more research is being done all the time that is now linking a whole host of medical conditions to inflammation in the body. Things like allergies, asthma, RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis), Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Heart Disease, Alzheimers, and Depression. Not to mention weight gain and obesity.

This is HUGE people! We live in a society where we want things immediately and urgently. Medicine has followed suit and offered people medications that are sometimes helpful, sometimes not, all in an effort to provide a "fix" or a pill for whatever ails us. We all have heard the adage "You Are What You Eat"...yet we continue to eat processed foods full of ingredients we cannot pronounce, fast food that is greasy, fatty and full of sodium, sugary snacks and way too much meat. Then we wonder why our bodies just don't feel and perform at their best, or why we cannot lose weight and keep it off no matter what we try.

I was at a mental health workshop yesterday, led by an area psychiatrist, and a full hour of the 3 hour presentation was on INFLAMMATION and gut health as it relates to depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns.  I am certainly not saying that we should abandon modern medicine as it is helpful and essential. What I am saying is that perhaps we all need to start taking our health into our own hands and begin to change our ways so that we can live healthier, more productive lives. Yoga is certainly a big step in that direction (see my prior post about how much it can reduce your need for health services!) but we have power to do more by choosing to fuel our bodies effectively and well.

I'll close with a quote from Michael Pollan who wrote the book In Defense of Food: "Eat Food. Mostly Plants. Not too Much." Instead of reaching for a box of crackers,  grab an apple or some olives or some nuts for a snack. Make some small changes. Don't wait for a "medical event" to begin to fuel your body with wholesome food.

Need more inspiration? I have a Facebook group going called Eating Well, for folks that want to share good recipes and healthy eating tips. Let me know if you want me to add your name. Do some yoga....breathe deeply and feel grateful for each day. Savor and enjoy delicious whole foods. Be your best!

Research and Yoga

"....yoga does so much for your health that studies show people who do yoga use 43% fewer medical services." from Harvard Medical School Healthbeat.

Many of you already know that yoga is a practice that you enjoy and a practice that helps with gaining strength and improving flexibility. Yoga is also great for stress reduction, helps with forming a better body image, and promotes relaxation. Quite simply, yoga has been around for ages because it works on so many levels.

With costs of healthcare continually on the rise, the medical community is beginning to take notice of "alternative" therapies and lifestyle choices that can reduce healthcare costs. As you can see from the quote I shared at the start of this post, research is now finding that the practice of yoga is beneficial and can help us maintain good health by using fewer medical services. I have a yoga student who sometimes leaves a bit early from work to get to class and states "I have to leave, I have a Dr appointment." My student believes (and I agree) that her yoga practice is part of her overall wellness and treats her yoga practice just as seriously as she does regular medical visits.

Take time for yourself. Commit to good physical and mental health. See you on the mat!