INFLAMMATION PART 4 OF 4- INFLAMMATION AND DIET IN BATON ROUGE, LA
While chronic inflammation can be linked to many factors including stress and lack of exercise, dietary choices can also play a significant role. In addition to anti-inflammatory medication and natural alternatives, adopting a healthier diet can help reduce the risk of long-term disease. As luck would have it, there are many healthy ingredients and spices that are staples for many Cajun and Creole recipes. Fit these foods into your diet, and you'll be on your way to a healthier you.
Odds are, your favorite Gumbo, Jambalaya or Étouffé dish started with the Cajun holy trinity (onions, peppers, and celery). This common base in Cajun cuisine includes green and red peppers, an anti-inflammatory super food. According to the Journal of Food Science, red peppers contain the highest amount of inflammatory-reducing vitamin C and can help reduce the risk of inflammation. Onions are also well-known for their anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties. They have been proven to fight diseases, prevent colds and flavor some of your favorite Cajun dishes.
Crawfish is also a staple in Cajun and Creole dishes, and for good cause. They taste great and are an excellent source of high-quality protein, Vitamin B12, niacin, and iron. Crawfish are also low in saturated fats, calories, and cholesterol. Crawfish boils are a great one-pot dish with seasoned crawfish, potatoes, and corn.
Seasonings and sauces are an important part of Cajun cuisine that you don’t have to forgo to combat inflammation. With influences from all over the world, some Cajun and Creole dishes call for a flavorful mix of exotic spices (like cumin and turmeric) and homegrown staples (like black pepper and chili peppers). These ingredients have all been shown to have an anti-inflammatory effect in your body. So, word to the wise, don’t skip the sauce! Seasonings are a wonderful alternative to high-fat flavor boosters like butter or lard.
No matter where you are or what’s on the menu, you can up the anti-inflammatory (and nutritional) value of your favorite dishes by following a few basic guidelines:
DO:
- Prepare meals at home to monitor ingredients.
- Add a wide-variety of fresh, organic (if possible) fruits and veggies.
- Drink more water - or drinks that are mostly water (tea, diluted fruit juice, or sparkling water with lemon) throughout the day.
- Drink green, white or ginger tea instead of coffee.
DON’T:
- Add refined flours, sugars, and synthetic sweeteners to food or drinks.
- Eat processed, “mystery” meats regularly.
- Consume large amounts of alcohol.
- Eat fried, greasy foods.
- Leave home hungry. It can lead to fast, unhealthy choices that can increase inflammation.
Sonnier Chiropractic provides the Baton Rouge area with quality chiropractic care. We encourage a healthy lifestyle, a healthy diet, and a healthy you. For more information or to schedule an appointment call us in Baton Rouge at (225) 766-2952 or at our Zachary clinic at (225) 658-1407. You can also find us online at www.SonnChiro.com. We look forward to seeing you healthy!
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