It does not matter which physician or practitioner I work with. When I go to them with the aches and pains, stresses, and pressures throwing my life off balance, they always ask about how much sleep I am getting, the challenges of my lifestyle—and my diet. My physician will send me a link to updated information on inflammation, and the acupuncturist will bring out an extra pack of needles before walking me through the map of roadwork we need to do so I am not fighting against my body but working with it.
I know I am preaching to the choir, but I am telling you, nothing helps my body withstand the stress of the job and daily strains of living—or helps me sleep better at night—than fruits and vegetables. As the marketplace and the consumer pivot more toward messaging about food as medicine (not to replace traditional medicine, but as a supplement), it makes sense that we begin to assess and reassess our lifestyles, from the furniture we work on to the food we put in our bodies.
Food’s anti-inflammatory properties are gaining more and more ground, especially as the science and philosophy around the way we live our lives evolves. While some inflammation is normal due to healing…
“Chronic inflammation is more severe and puts stress on your body. It can last for long periods—months and even years. Chronic inflammation can happen in response to lifestyle factors, like stress. Or it can happen due to certain health conditions, like autoimmune disorders. Some research shows that chronic inflammation may contribute to health issues such as heart disease and cancer. One way to help manage and lower inflammation is by making healthy lifestyle choices—like eating a healthy diet,” according to Jaime Betters, a Kaiser Permanente Registered Dietitian*.
Here is a short list of items to promote at retail and on menus for the ever-evolving health-focused way of messaging food, also from Betters:
Berries, for example, contain fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Blueberries, cherries, and red or black grapes are all good fruits to add to
your diet.
For vegetables, Betters recommends purple cabbage, broccoli, peas, and dark leafy greens.
Fun tip: Try the color trick**. The more colorful the plant, the more antioxidants it contains. And foods high in antioxidants can help reduce inflammation.
I can see it now. I am walking through a produce department and passing the berry destination. Signage catches my eye: How are those joints feeling today? Try me for your anti-inflammatory needs.
I have come a long way from whiskey on the rocks for aches and pains to a bowl of kale, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. 
