Do me a favor.

Stop what you are doing and close your eyes.  Evaluate your body.  Do you have any parts that are “talking to you” right now?  Aches, pains, itchy skin, throbbing?  If the answer is yes, then you may be dealing with inflammation.

Dr. Tanya Edwards, director of the Center for Integrative Medicine, states that inflammation is recognized as the “underlying basis of a significant number of diseases.”

Without going into too much science, I do want to say that inflammation is a natural and normal response.  Are you wondering, if that is the case, then why are people saying that it can be the basis of many diseases?  It’s because it is the wrong kind of inflammation. When inflammation becomes chronic or dysfunctional, it is as a result of our body not  “turning off ” the immediate immune response.

Diseases linked to chronic inflammation can include but not limited to: arthritis, eczema, depression, cancer, obesity, digestive disorders and skin problems.

 WHAT ARE THE WORST OFFENDERS THAT TRIGGER INFLAMMATION?

• Stress
• Excess weight
• Poor dietary choices (high sugar, trans fats, refined carbohydrates)
• Toxins

WHAT ARE THE BEST FIGHTERS OF INFLAMMATION?

• Anti-inflammatory foods such as fiber, fruits, vegetables
• Allium vegetables like chives, garlic, leeks, onions, scallions and shallots
• Healthy herbs and spices like basil, chili peppers, cinnamon, curry powder, garlic, ginger, rosemary, turmeric, and thyme
• Omega 3 fatty acids like cod liver oil
• Probiotics
• Good clean water
• Movement of the body and the right kind of exercise, decreases fat cells which fight the inflammation and quiet the immune system
• Breathing/relaxation techniques, which help to reduce stress and keep your immune system in check
• Reducing toxins, which is what you put in and on your body. This will be another blog topic 🙂
• Healthy fats and oils like avocado, coconut or olive oil

If you are trying to get in shape this summer by starting out a new program or re-kindling an old one, inflammation can result by over taxing the body.  Soreness and pain can develop and tissues will get inflamed.

Speaking from personal experience, I prefer to reach for natural resources instead of taking an OTC pill or medication to squelch those aches and pains.  Medication comes with side affects and focuses on the symptoms instead of getting to the root cause.  Trust me, I understand popping a pill may seem easier, but it will not addressing the true problem.

Inflammation is the inspiration behind the recipe that I am sharing with you today.  This is a 2 part process, but not a difficult one, that is worth its weight in GOLD.

TURMERIC PASTE

Ingredients

• ¼ cup of turmeric
• ¾ cup (and more if needed) water

To make the paste- you combine the turmeric and water and stir for 6-10 minutes. This is where you will add more water to get desired thickness of a thick paste (gravy). You do not want it clumpy. Remove from the stove and allow cooling. When cooled, place in a glass container. This will last for 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator.

This paste can be used in various ways which include:

• directly eating a ¼-1/2 teaspoon
• adding to meats or soups
• adding to smoothies
• add to rice or eggs
• make a tea or milk (this is what I did)

GOLDEN MILK

Ingredients

• 8 oz. almond or coconut milk
• ½ teaspoon or more if desired, of turmeric paste
• Small pinch of black pepper
• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil (or oil of choice)
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey

To make the Golden Milk,  you combine the milk of choice, pepper, turmeric and oil. Depending on the oil you use will depend on if you add it while heating or after you remove from the heat. I used coconut oil, which can be heated. Warm the above ingredients and remove from heat. Add the sweetener and place into a cup and ENJOY.

WHY DO WE ADD OIL AND PEPPER?

THIS IS AN IMPORTANT STEP SO DO NOT FORGET IT.

Both of these ingredients enhance the bio-availability of curcumin. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric and responsible for its golden color (which stains, so be careful) and is not readily absorbed by the body. Piperine (the heat in black pepper) helps make curcumin more bio-available as it temporarily slows the liver from removing it from the blood.

I also want to remind you that I will be starting the “Gettin’ Ready for Summer” cleanse on June 6th!  I have added a few bonuses such as additional smoothie recipes, daily exercise suggestions, and daily motivational tips. For more details on the cleanse and to jump on board click here.