Decrease Pain and Inflammation with Ingredients Found In Your Own Kitchen Cabinet

Filed in archive Ingredient Spotlight on November 2, 2009

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Each year, the use of NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs), account for an estimated 7,600 deaths and 76,000 hospitalizations in the United States. NSAIDs include: aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, ketoprofen, and tiaprofenic acid. Researchers are now linking inflammation to an ever-wider array of chronic illnesses such as hay fever, heart disease, depression, diabetes and colon cancer.

ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner, Dr. Steven Arculeo, DC, suggests cleaning up your kitchen cabinets to help alleviate pain and inflammation without the risky use of NSAIDS.

Foods often found in kitchens that cause inflammation in the body and should be avoided include:

• Hydrogenated or Trans Fats


• Processed foods


• Caffeine


• Red Meat


• Sugar


• Soda


• Alcohol

Instead, fill your kitchen with fruits, vegetables, lean meats and cooking ingredients which can decrease inflammation and rid yourself of sickness and pain:

• Apples & Blueberries: these fruits are packed full of nutrients and are natural anti-inflammatories


• Kale: contains over 80 nutrients per serving


• Fish: one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory foods, fish contains heart healthy and anti-inflammatory Omega-3 fatty acids. Choose cod, salmon or tilapia instead of the fatty deep water bottom dweller fish such as shrimp or catfish


• Ginger: aids in digestion


• Garlic: lowers hypertension and cholesterol


• Basil, Parsley, Rosemary, Turmeric, Thyme, Chili Peppers & Cinnamon: all are proven to have anti-inflammatory properties


• Oil: use cold pressed extra virgin olive oil to aid in decreasing inflammation

So what's in your kitchen?