5 Ways Yoga Can Help Boost Athletic Performance

 This is a great article from Brook Robert of Muscle & Fitness we just had to share! Check it out!

Ahh, yoga. Crunchy, serene, woo-woo yoga. But we've got news for you: It’s not just for hippies or girls in yoga pants anymore – just ask the Seattle Seahawks. If you think yoga is a waste of your precious lifting time, think again. Developing a steady practice can actually help you get stronger.

The dirty truth of the matter is that putting your body through any repetitive movement (even weightlifting) will eventually create muscular imbalances and lead to injury. So hard-chargers take note: Incorporating yoga into your existing routine might be exactly what your body needs in order to improve.

Here are five ways yoga can benefit even the most muscular among us.

1. Increased Power

Flexibility keeps muscles and joints safe. Chances are, if you've just been using the same muscles for repetitive movements, they’re going to be pretty tight. Top-flight bodybuilders and dedicated weekend warriors alike love a good massage for this reason. Maybe you've even noticed a one rep max plateau, or a speed block. If a muscle is so tight that injury is imminent, your body will start to recruit other muscles to help out with certain moves. And if those muscles are under trained, you’re looking at a torn muscle and -gasp- down time. Elastic muscles and supple joints move more efficiently, recover more quickly and continue doing their jobs. Increasing your flexibility will also increase range of motion, which means an increased power output due to greater muscle recruitment, and more efficient movements.

2. Better Muscle Function

Yoga is a lot of things but it is basically all about breath and movement, movement and breath. To fully be present and to full articulate each posture in yoga, a strong, focused breath is essential. Doesn't hurt that it tames busy brain or helps take the edge off your pre-workout drink. Getting in touch with your breath can help establish better breathing patterns and access parts of your respiratory system that you didn't even know you could control. Get ready for more efficient oxygen intake, more complete exhalation, and better muscle function. Hello, gains. Goodbye muscle fatigue, symptoms of asthma, ragged breathing, and side stitches. Just like you wouldn't restrict precious nutrients and protein from your muscles, you should also be feeding your muscles with more delicious blood flow and oxygen. This is also certain to develop positive respiratory habits that you can carry into the rest of your training endeavors.

3. Mental Toughness

One of the biggest benefits of yoga is its emphasis on the connection between body and mind. Whether through meditation, or through the holding a headstand for an extended period of time, your mental toughness and focus are likely to improve. This might be the hardest benefit to achieve but once you begin to get your head in the game the benefits are almost unlimited.

4. Control   

“Pull your belly button to your spine,” “feel your lungs expanding,” “roll down your spine, one vertebrae at a time,” are all common phrases in yoga classes. It’s this constant cuing to pay attention to the smallest of sensations that helps build the neurological connections between our brains and our muscles (See No. 3). Yoga builds body awareness, and this can help you analyze your form during your workout to both optimize your lifting techniques, and help prevent compensation based injury. Again, this carries over into your normal cadre of sets-and-reps: the better you are able to “connect” mind and muscle, the more focused (read: efficient) each rep will be. Tough to think about the burn when you’re laser-focused on the effort.

5. Active Recovery and Muscle Repair

Active recovery typically means a light workout on an off day. These low-key days are a perfect way to slide yoga seamlessly into your schedule. Using specifically yoga as a form of active recovery can actually repair muscle fibers more quickly than other common forms, as the combination of stretching and relaxing muscles encourages blood flow to broken down muscle tissues. Do yoga, lift again sooner.

If you think yoga is just for slim, prissy girls with hot yoga pants on, think again. A great many of you out there likely have at least some familiarity with yoga through your TV-ordered set of P90X DVDs. Through yoga, you learn to control your body and your mind. And when it comes to building a stronger, leaner, more functional physique, that control can truly provide next-level results. 

Along with yoga a good nutritional diet will help keep your body balanced and ready for the next workout. Come see one of our certified nutrition specialist and let them help you balance out your diet!

Til next time,

Mikie

Nutrition and Martial Arts

Nutrition and Martial Arts

It happens at every school I have trained during my 15 years trying to get better at Jiu Jitsu and MMA, a new, young guy joins the school and is big, athletic and has a good amount of muscle.  A month later he is 15lbs lighter, nursing a bunch of injuries and probably has a cold or some other immune related illness.  A lot of the time the guy drops out and he is never seen at the school again, what a shame.  While many of us participate in martial arts for various reasons (to stay fit, to learn, to become a fighter etc.), it’s critical that we understand what we are doing to our bodies and how proper nutrition and supplementation plays a critical role in optimizing performance, recovery and the ability to grow and progress in the various disciplines we are competing in or learning.

First, what are we doing to our bodies when we train in this sport? 

Intense Interval and Over-Elated Heart Rates.  You expend huge amounts of energy in relatively short bursts, or rounds, when you spar, roll or drill followed by short rest periods.  This is called High Intensity Interval Training or HIIT.  During the round your heart rate likely soars to over 80% of its maximum heart rate.  Then in the rest periods we must quickly calm ourselves and prepare for the next round.  When your heart rate is over 80% of your max, we call this CARDIO training.  When your heart rate is between 60% and 80% of max we call this FAT-BURNING.  And when it is below 60% we call this NON-EXERTIVE.  At >80%, your body is essentially on full alert and is drawing energy from reserves and from the easiest available source to fuel you through the exercise.  Unfortunately, in “panic” mode, your body uses mostly carbs in your digestive system and protein which is in your digestive system or stored in your muscles because it can’t be patient and wait for your body to metabolize fat for energy.  So the first lesson is that you are tearing down your muscles to fuel your workout.  This results in the kid in the example dropping 15lbs of muscle in a few weeks of training.  Losing 15lbs is great, if and only if it we are losing FAT and not too much MUSCLE.  At heart rates between 60-80% of max your body is not panicking and has the time to burn fat and not reach into your muscles for protein.  Regrettably, our sport doesn’t let us keep our heart rate in this range as much as we would like.  (see below for how to calculate your target heart ranges)

1. Aerobic and An-Aerobic Exercise.  Our sport is a unique blend of aerobic (heart rate intensive, non-weight bearing) and an-aerobic exercise (weight bearing or resistance).  You have to have your heart pumping as you move your body and you have to be strong to punch, kick or get the 230lb monster off of you if you are rolling around on the mats.  His/her bodyweight and your movement create a unique blend of cardio and strength training rarely found in a regular gym.  An-aerobic or  esistance training is similar to weight training and what you are doing is breaking down your muscles through weight lifting so that they will grow back stronger.  The growing back stronger requires adequate rest and proper nutrition or you will do more damage to your body.
2. Stretching – Pulling – Kicking/Punching.  Your body is not made for all this stretching, reaching, pulling on joints and slamming or being slammed into.  Your body uses rest and nutrients you provide it to repair the damage.  Improper nutrition will not provide your body the means to recover if you need to keep training hard. 

OK, so what do we do to optimize our performance and health doing this sport?  As one of the Certified Sports Nutrition Coaches at 4X  Nutrition, I deal with these questions all the time and the answers are relatively easy.  I provide a few specific product names we have available in (brackets) so you know what to ask for when you are shopping.

1. Protein.  Increase your protein to at least 1g per pound of body weight per day.  For example, if you weigh 180lbs, then you should get AT LEAST 180g of protein per day.  Protein sources include chicken, lean meats, fish, dairy products, lean pork, protein shakes and protein bars.  Your body can only absorb about 40-50g of protein in one sitting and that will give you about 3-4 hours of repair and protection for your muscles with each serving.  Therefore, you must consume smaller more frequent meals of protein every 3-4 hours to reach your goal of 1g per pound of body weight.   With the right amount of protein, your body will protect your muscles during exercise and burn more fat, which is a good thing.  This seems hard to get this much protein, but at our store we have lots of great ways to reach your protein goals that taste great and are convenient through bars (Power Crunch) or shakes (Pro Complete 40, Myofusion Elite, Syntha 6).
2. Water.  You should be drinking at least a gallon of water every day and a little more on training days if possible.  Water helps to move nutrients around your body and helps revitalize the cells and speed recovery.
3. Vitamins – Minerals – Electrolytes.  A good multi-vitamin (Envie, Vita-Boost) will usually do the trick for replacing the vitamins and minerals you lose due to your intense training.  Right before, during and after your workout you should consider adding a sports drink with a little protein.
4. Glutamine.  Glutamine (CNS Glutamine) is the most abundant amino acid found in your muscle tissues and is found in most protein sources.  Glutamine reduces muscle soreness, fatigue and speeds the recovery of your body by increasing your growth hormone levels, improving the process of converting protein to energy and building your body’s immune system.  Take 5-10g of protein in your post-workout shake and one more similar dose before bed every day.
5. Joint Repair.  If you are experiencing joint and tendon pain, then you may also consider adding in a multi-faceted join formula (CNS Joint Support, Fluid Motion) that will help your tendons rebuild and repair.  Like Glutamine does with muscle fibers, Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM are three ingredients your body will use to ease the pain and improve overall joint health.
6. Other optional supplements.  A Pre-Workout Product (Cardio Igniter, NO Xplode etc.) that provides you a energy and endurance boost and perhaps some Creatine for additional strength may help you train after a long day at work.   Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) are your Omega -3, -6, and -9 fats that come from nuts, fish oils, flaxseed and the like.  If you don’t cook with these oils or have them in your diet then you may also consider adding them into your supplement regimen to aid in cardiovascular, joint repair and improve your body’s growth hormone levels.  

 Everything listed so far, can be taken by both men and women, but men in particular as they get over 30, may also want to consider a natural testosterone booster (Fina Flex 1-Alpha, Vita-T, Pure Test).  Testosterone levels decline as men age and if we naturally boost them we will aid our body’s ability to repair it, protect and grow muscle, maintain stamina, strength and energy.Putting the right combination of diet and supplements together for you will help you improve your performance in martial arts as well as re-make your body.  Every day, our Certified Fitness Coaches at 4X Nutrition Center works with our clients to determine the right diet and supplement program to reach their goals for their sport and their body.  We provide free diet and supplement consultations to all FFA members and FFA members also receive a discount in our store every time they shop.  

We are happy to help you too!  Check us out at www.4xnutrition.com

Til next time,

Stace

What is Glutamine??

What is Glutamine??

Often time we end up taking this that we have no idea really what they are for. It's in the big magazines or some awesome athlete is taking it and just smashed some cool record. Well we believe its time to get back to the basic and learn what's really in the supplements we are taking and what their function is. 

In our last blog Seth told us about Essential Amino acids and what they do and why they are important. This time I'd like to share a article from the University of Maryland Medical center about another amino acid that plays a huge roll in several body functions, Glutamine.

Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid (building block of protein) in the body. The body can make enough glutamine for its regular needs, 

but extreme stress (the kind you would experience after very heavy exercise or an injury), your body may need more glutamine than it can make. Most glutamine is stored in muscles followed by the lungs, where much of the glutamine is made.

Glutamine is important for removing excess ammonia (a common waste product in the body). It also helps your immune system function and appears to be needed for normal brain function and digestion.

You can usually get enough glutamine without taking a supplement, because your body makes it and you get some in your diet. Certain medical conditions, including injuries, surgery, infections, and prolonged stress, can lower glutamine levels, however. In these cases, taking a glutamine supplement may be helpful.

Woundhealing and recovery from illness

When the body is stressed (from injuries, infections, burns, trauma, or surgical procedures), it releases the hormone cortisol into the bloodstream. High levels of cortisol can lower your body’s stores of glutamine. Several studies show that adding glutamine to enteral nutrition (tube feeding) helps reduce the rate of death in trauma and critically ill people. Clinical studies have found that glutamine supplements strengthen the immune system and reduce infections (particularly infections associated with surgery). Glutamine supplements may also help in the recovery of severe burns. 

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

Glutamine helps to protect the lining of the gastrointestinal tract known as the mucosa. For that reason, some have suggested that people who have inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease) may not have enough glutamine. However, 2 clinical trials found that taking glutamine supplements did not improve symptoms of Crohn’s disease. More research is needed. In the meantime, ask your doctor when deciding whether to use glutamine for IBD.

Athletes

Athletes who train for endurance events (like marathons) may reduce the amount of glutamine in their bodies. It’s common for them to catch a cold after an athletic event. Some experts think that may be because of the role glutamine plays in the immune system. For this select group of athletes, one study showed that taking glutamine supplements resulted in fewer infections. The same is not true, however, for exercisers who work out at a moderate intensity.

Cancer

Many people with cancer have low levels of glutamine. For this reason, some researchers speculate that glutamine may be helpful when added to conventional cancer treatment for some people. Supplemental glutamine is often given to malnourished cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments and sometimes used in patients undergoing bone marrow transplants. (See Interactions below.)

Glutamine seems to help reduce stomatitis (an inflammation of the mouth) caused by chemotherapy. Some studies, but not all, have suggested that taking glutamine orally may help reduce diarrhea associated with chemotherapy.

More clinical research is needed to know whether glutamine is safe or effective to use as part of the treatment regimen for cancer. 

Dietary Sources

Dietary sources of glutamine include plant and animal proteins such as beef, pork and poultry, milk, yogurt, ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, raw spinach, raw parsley, and cabbage. 

Available Forms

Glutamine, usually in the form of L-glutamine, is available by itself or as part of a 

protein supplement. These come in powder, capsule, tablet, or liquid form.

Standard preparations are typically available in 500 mg tablets or capsules. 

How to Take It

Take glutamine with cold or room temperature foods or liquids. It should not be added to hot beverages because heat destroys glutamine. 

Pediatric

For children 10 years and younger: Do not give glutamine to a child unless your doctor recommends it as part of a complete amino acid supplement. 

Adult

For adults ages 18 and older: Doses of 500, 1 - 3 times daily, are generally considered safe. Doses as high as 5,000 - 15,000 mg daily (in divided doses), or sometimes higher, may be prescribed by a health care provider for certain conditions. 

Source: Glutamine | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/glutamine#ixzz2ePFvPcak 

University of Maryland Medical Center Follow us: @UMMC on Twitter | MedCenter on Facebook 
Source: Glutamine | University of Maryland Medical Center http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/glutamine#ixzz2ePFW8h5G 

 Stop by 4X Nutrition Center todya and let us show you the different Glutamines we have in the store we even have samples for you to try it!!

Til next time,

Mikie 

Five Tips for Recession Supplement Shopping

FIVE TIPS FOR RECESSION SUPPLEMENT SHOPPING

1.Cover The Basics:  Protein and a good Multi-Vitamin are essential for your body and your workouts.  Without these two key items, all of your hard work will suffer.  Beyond these, you should also consider EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids, Omega -3,-6,-9) or Glutamine as part of your Tri-Fecta Stack of products that will focus your precious dollars on the essentials.

2. Don’t Skimp On Protein:  Protein is the key macro-nutrient your body uses to re-build and repair lean muscle tissue.  In tough economic times it may seem wise to downgrade your choice in protein to a low-cost or generic brand to save money.  But remember, it’s cheap for a reason!  Just like you wouldn't buy the package of chicken that is marked down because it’s past the expiration date, buying a cheap protein may mean you are buying lots of fillers or not getting the full label amount of protein per serving. It's OK to splurge on a quality protein like Intek, Myofusion or Pro Complete 40.

3. Using Supplements to Save Money:  The other day a customer came into the store.  I had been recommending a Meal Replacement Bars (MRB) for him for almost a year.  But because meal replacement bars tend to cost a lot, he had declined the recommendation.  Then last week, he came in and bought two boxes of them and explained how he is going to use them to SAVE money.  He currently goes to a deli or restaurant for lunch every business day and spends around $12-$15.  The per serving cost of the MRB he bought is $3.00 (he bought the most expensive one in the store).  He estimates by dropping the restaurant lunch four days a week, he will save between $150 and $200 a month.  The MRB gives him a full compliment of nutrients and vitamins and fills him up.  Plus the extra time at his desk allows him to get ahead at work!

4. But I Really Want the Cool Stuff I Saw in the Muscle Mag:  Pre-workouts, post-workout, pro-hormone, specialized recovery and other cool products are great to have, but they are not essential.  But there is no reason to deny your access, just be smart.  Let us help you assess what type of workouts you are putting your body through and what your goals are and we can help find the best one or two products matched to your goal versus just buying what is “new” or “in all the mags”.  Many times the “hot” product are just basic, simple ingredients re-packaged and plugged with a lot of marketing.  Not to pick on any brand, but take Muscletech’s Leukic Hardcore…good product that runs anywhere from $60.00 to $90.00 depending on the size, but you can substitute a good old fashioned Branch Chain Amino Acid (BCAA) product for it and get the same results for only $20 - $25.  Let our Certified Nutrition Coaches help you figure out if your supplement list has room for these kind of switches.

5. Buy in Bulk:  If you love the pre-workout drinks or bars or your favorite protein powders think VOLUME to save!  We sell all our Ready To Drinks (RTD’S) and bars in single serving or case quantity.  Case quantity buying automatically saves you 15% off the price because we don’t have to break it open, price it and stock it to the various shelves so we pass those savings on to you.  As for protein, think, PER SERVING COST!  Most protein powders are priced to be less per serving the larger container you buy.  You’ll pay more upfront, but save money in the long run.  For example, Intek 5lb is $67.99 (not including your Frequent Buyer Club Credit) and with over 50 servings it costs about $1.30 per serving.  The 2lber costs about $1.42 per serving, that’s a 22% savings!  Also, related to #3 above, that’s $1.30 a serving for the equivalent nutrient value of a 6oz chicken breast…good luck buying a chicken breast at the store (uncooked) or at a restaurant for $1.30.

We hope this helps you save money and feel better about your purchase here at 4X Nutrition Center! Feel free to stop by and speak with one of our certified nutrition staff and let them help you make the most cost effect choice that will still keep you headed toward your goals.

Til next time,

 MIkie

What are Essential Amino Acids???

What are Essential Amino Acids???

An amino acid is considered essential because the body cannot make it from other dietary components. Therefore if one's diet does not contain a full complement of the essential amino acids, a nutritional deficiency exists.

Consuming amino acids in the form of whole-food proteins is preferable to taking them in through supplements, however certain amino acid supplements can offer health and fitness benefits.

During exercise, protein breakdown increases with no rise in protein synthesis. This means that training and competing can be very catabolic times, no matter what type of exercise you do. Fortunately, during the post-exercise period, this muscle catabolism can be slowed as protein synthesis begins to rise.

However, this increase still isn't enough to counter the protein breakdown that's still occurring. The net result of this workout and post workout catabolism is that muscle recovery and improvement (if endurance exercise is your thing) or growth (if strength exercise is your thing) is hampered.
Current reach in dietary supplementation has targeted these catabolic times, attempting to minimize the catabolism and maximize the anabolism (including recovery, improvement, and/or growth). This research has demonstrated that essential amino acids (alone or with carbohydrates) ingested before, during, or after exercise promote huge increases in protein balance.

Essential Amino Acids are basic dietary components that comprise all of the proteins we eat. However, the provision of these amino acids individually (or as part of an easily digestible complete protein like Intek Evolution or Intek Isolate whey protein) can lead to more rapid digestion and absorption and faster recovery.

Choice Nutrition System EAA

Furthermore, 3 of the 9 essential amino acids are the often-discussed branched chain amino acids (BCAA). These amino acids are important to muscle metabolism and may prevent central fatigue.

Strength and endurance athletes will benefit from approximately 6g per 70kg mass of EAA ingested immediately prior to and/or during exercise.
Alternatively, athletes could choose to consume 0.4g/kg of rapidly digesting protein like Syntrax Matrix or whey concentrate/isolate like Elite Gourmet or Myfusion. For further benefit add 0.8g/kg carbohydrate to enhance the recovery effects of these amino acids.

Starting in Septemeber we will be giving away a FREE Essential Amino Acid with any purchase of  3 or more products! A $30 value stop 4x Nutrition today!

Til next time 

Seth

Gaining Muscle Myths and Bulking

TO BULK OR NOT TO BULK THAT IS THE QUESTION......

There are two big mistakes commonly made when trying to put on muscle; one is not eating enough and the other is too much cardio.

If you want to gain muscle you have to eat. Many people claim they eat enough when in fact they don’t because even if you weren’t gaining muscle you would at least be gaining body fat. If neither of those two things is occurring than clearly you aren’t eating enough. Yes, you most likely will gain some body fat when you are trying to put on muscle but that doesn’t mean cut calories to keep body fat low, it doesn’t work like that. To put it simply, in order to gain muscle you have to fuel your body with protein, carbohydrates, fats and get a sufficient amount of calories. To keep from putting on too much fat while you are trying to gain muscle you would want to create a diet that’s about 400-500 calories over maintenance. On average you may gain 0.5-1lb per week. Some of that weight gain will come from muscle and some fat. You can cycle your diet to try to cut some fat between gaining cycles. On training days eat more calories then non training days to help keep the fat down while gaining. Also more calories on training days will help to fuel your workouts. You have to monitor your body. If you aren’t gaining any weight then increase your calories. If you are gaining much more fat than muscle then change your diet.

I mentioned that you need not only protein but carbs and fats too. Don’t get in the mind set that all you need is protein in order to put on muscle. It’s almost impossible to get enough calories through protein alone, unless you want to eat 2-3 pounds of chicken breast per day for you small girls and much more if you’re trying to gain. Also protein isn't a sufficient source of energy. Studies have shown that, once protein requirements are met, more muscle is gained by adding carbs and fat than from just adding in more protein.

For my second point, Cardio!  Diet isn't the only mistake people make. Over doing it with cardio is also a big mistake. I do recommend cardio to just keep a healthy heart. Cardio for about 20 minutes maybe 3 times a week, low intensity is fine. For the guys and girls that burn a ton of calories from weight lifting, some cardio may help to increase appetite and keep some fat off while gaining but again nothing crazy like an hour on the elliptical or stair climber 5 days a week.

There’s a horrible myth that if you starve yourself and do an excessive amount of cardio that you’ll burn fat. Too much cardio will put your body in a catabolic state and burn muscle. Losing muscle leads to loss of strength and slower metabolism.  Too much cardio increases cortisol levels which weakens immune system.

Here at 4x Nutrition we can help you meet your goals by setting you up with a meal plan and also getting you the right supplements if your daily food intake isn't enough to reach your goal. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Til Next time,

Seth

Inflammation Consternation

FOODS THAT FIGHT & WORSEN INFLAMMATION

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to an injury or infection caused by anything from allergies and toxins to a virus or blunt injury. Common types of inflammation plaguing individuals in combat and impact sports or extremely physical training regimens include acute inflammation as a result of a physical injury or trauma; low-grade chronic inflammation caused by stress within the body as a reaction to an environmental trigger; and chronic inflammation as a result of an injury that never healed completely or properly.

Depending on the site and cause of damage, the response is slightly different. But ultimately, the body calls on immune cells to begin fighting the injury by destroying cells and repairing damage at the site of invasion. Inflammation may be better understood when viewed as an immune response.

The immune response is quite simple. Damaged cells release histamine, bradykinin and prostaglandins. These cause surrounding tissues to be inhabited by fluid, which leaks from blood vessels. The result is swelling, which helps contain the infection during the healing process. White blood cells are drawn to the site and begin consuming the invading cells. This process is called phagocytosis.

While there are many physical treatments that address the result of inflammation in the body, this article will focus primarily on nutrition. We’ll take a look at the top foods that fight inflammation as well as foods that contribute to it.

Top 5 Inflammation-Fighting Foods 
1. Cultured or Fermented Foods The most common examples are plain yogurt and kefir. Other foods fermented by the probiotic group lactobacilli include sauerkraut, pickles and kimchi. However, most commercially prepared versions of these foods are not lacto-fermented and have been prepared with vinegar instead. Look for versions that specifically say they have been made through lacto-fermentation to make sure you’re getting these good bacteria aplenty. Or, opt for making your own yogurt or sauerkraut. These powerhouse bacteria provide many benefits to the body, and chief among them is boosting the immune system and fighting inflammation. They also allow the vitamins and nutrients from the foods you eat to be better digested and utilized by the body. These foods should be eaten every day, preferably multiple times a day, for the most benefit.

2. Oily Fish Salmon, sardines, mackerel, trout, herring and tuna are rich in omega-3 fats, which are known inflammation fighters. In general, wild caught fish is healthier than farm raised. Farm raised fish have been given antibiotics, contain 10-15 percent more fat versus protein, and have more omega-6 and less omega-3 fatty acids. Add oily fish to your diet twice a week. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid King mackerel due to its high mercury content.

3. Onions and Garlic These super meal enhancers boast nutritional benefits to boot. They contain quercetin, an antioxidant that fights inflammation. Cook your meats and vegetables with some chopped onion and minced garlic. Add raw onion to fresh salads. Onion and garlic are also great added to soups, stews and slow cooker dishes.

4. Ginger and Turmeric These tasty spices help fight off attacks by ingredients called gingerols and curcumin, respectively. Turmeric produces a mild, spicy flavor and a bright yellow color and pairs well with cinnamon and cumin. It tastes great on cooked squash, brown rice or quinoa, or on poultry as part of a tagine-style dish. Fresh ginger can be added to anything from stir-fry meat and vegetables to hot tea.

5. Nuts and Seeds Choose types that have higher amounts of omega-3 versus omega-6 fats. Pumpkin seeds and flax seeds are among the highest omega 3-rich seeds, while walnuts and macadamia are great nut sources for omega-3. By eating 1 oz. of nuts or seeds a day, you will also enjoy the benefits of reduced risk for chronic disease and illness. Nuts and seeds also add protein and fiber to the diet, helping with feelings of fullness and satisfaction, and aiding in weight management. Eat a handful of nuts for a snack, and add seeds to oatmeal, stir-fry dishes or fresh salads. Honorable Mentions: Apples (contain quercetin), broccoli (high amounts of vitamin C, folate and beta carotene) and cranberries (rich in antioxidants).

Top 5 Inflammation-Causing Foods 
1. Refined Sugars As if there needed to be another reason to avoid sugar, here it is. Sugars contribute to inflammation in a major way. Non-sweet foods that cause a high insulin response cause inflammation, too. So in addition to refined sugars and high-sugar sweeteners, be careful of eating high-glycemic foods such as processed and refined grains, high-starch vegetables and potatoes. Read food labels to be sure you’re not getting them from a hidden source. Instead, opt for lower-glycemic, natural sweeteners like raw honey and Stevia.


2. Food Additives This includes trans-fats, aspartame, MSG, sulfites, nitrates, artificial colorings and preservatives. Processed foods, restaurant and fast foods are the worst sources of food additives. Avoid or limit dining out to once a week or less. Create your own home-cooked versions of your favorites, such as sesame chicken and pizza. Choose breakfast and processed meats that are natural, uncured and do not contain hormones, antibiotics or nitrates/nitrites.

3. Polyunsaturated Fats (PUFAs) Because these fats are unsaturated, many people think they’re healthier options. However, PUFAs (found in vegetable, grape seed, safflower and sunflower oils) are extremely high in omega-6 but nearly void of omega-3, a combination that promotes inflammation and breeds inflammatory diseases. The weak and vulnerable structure of PUFAs makes them susceptible to structural changes through hydrogenation, processing and cooking. Even extra virgin olive oil is susceptible to heat damage during cooking. When these fats get oxidized, they prohibit inflammation and have been linked to various chronic diseases, including cancer. The best fats for cooking are stable and saturated, such as coconut oil, butter or ghee and animal fats.

4. Commercially-Raised Meat All grocery-store and restaurant meats, unless otherwise specified, come from animals fed a diet high in omega-6 grains and feed. They also contain toxins in the form of pesticides, hormones and antibiotics. While pricey, your best bet is to acquire a source for grass-fed, farm raised meat, poultry and eggs. Check your local farmer’s market or visit EatWild.com.

5. Highly-Allergenic Foods Some individuals, due to weak immune systems, nutrient deficiencies, low stomach acid, lack of beneficial bacteria, or other reasons, are allergic or intolerant to foods that most people can easily digest and enjoy on a regular basis. The most common among these are wheat and other grains containing the protein gluten, dairy due to the protein, casein, or the milk sugar, lactose; soy, corn, nuts and eggs. If you suspect food intolerance, the best course of action is to try a food elimination diet for two weeks. Upon reintroduction of each food one at a time, it should be fairly easy to tell if you have a reaction to it. Reactions will include allergy and immune type responses. Keep a food diary, see how you feel, note your mood and digestive system health.

Misdemeanor Offenders: Alcohol (irritates esophagus, larynx and liver and can lead to cancer) and red meat (some people are sensitive to high amounts of arachidonic acid, a fatty acid rich in red meat).

 -------- Supplement It!
Probiotics – In addition to eating cultured foods, a good probiotic supplement can yield many of the same benefits. Look for a brand containing at least 6 strains of live bacteria, with at least two from the Lactobacilli group and two from the Bifidobacteria group. We have some great Probiotic products in the store, mention this blog and receive 25% Off!

Bromelain – This fighter comes from pineapple, and in addition to anti-inflammatory properties, it acts as a digestive enzyme for proteins. Fish Oil – In addition to including oily fish in your diet, taking a daily fish oil supplement will provide a consistent amount of omega-3 fatty acids.

Glucosamine – This supplement helps in joint and cartilage repair and growth. It’s been shown to be effective in treating multiple types of arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

 -------- Other Ways to Fight Inflammation 
– For chronic pain, old injuries and scar tissue, consider non-invasive treatments. Dr. Todd Sullivan, DC, of NOVA Chiropractic & Wellness points out that “Foam rolling, Active Release Techniques and Graston Technique are also great muscle therapies to reduce tissue inflammation.” Flexibility
– By engaging in regular, structured stretching programs, your body maintains better balance among opposing muscle groups, greatly reducing your risk of injury in the first place. Icing
– Dr. Sullivan also recommends icing for 10 to 15 minutes at a time, allowing the muscle to come back to room temperature before repeating for a total of four cycles. Compression Apparel
– Clothing such as socks, tights and shirts, and ergogenic aids including wraps and braces can help, too. Dr. Sullivan adds, “Compression clothing improves circulation and reduces swelling"