This topic of a refined sugar free lifestyle is from my Women’s Wellness Wakeup Facebook Series. Enrollment is open and I’d love to have you in the group. Here is a bit more about it and the results you can expect!

If you are confused about inflammation, where it is found, why everyone says to avoid it and how to understand your symptoms, this is just the post for you. In my Private Facebook Series, a few members requested the topic of healthy foods that cause bloating so we dove straight in. If you’d like to join the exclusive membership series, here is the link with more information. I’d love to have you!

Here’s what you’ll learn in this post:

What inflammation is

How to avoid it & its symptoms

What foods are linked to inflammation

Healthy anti-inflammatory foods

Recipes that will support your body

A few comments that came up in the live video call when I asked the members to write out their symptoms:

“Fatigue even with a good nights sleep.” Come here my response in the group!

“Low energy, bloating, nauseousness, acne, hair loss.”

“Lactose intolerant and bloating if I eat anything.”

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is the bodies way of signaling the immune system to heal and repair damage in the body. This is okay when it is acute (short and sweet) but when it becomes chronic (continues over a long period of time), things get sticky. If we didn’t have inflammation we would be dead so, don’t hate on it. Instead, think of it as your bodies way of protecting you from damage and foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria.

A few autoimmune diseases: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Celiac, IBS, Type 1 Diabetes, Hashimoto’s, Lupus, Graves Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn’s Disease, Ankylosing spondylitis and many more. 49.9 million American’s have arthritis and 294,000 of those are kids under the age of 18. It is a $635,000,000,000 industry and we can’t continue to be a part of it!

Particular foods and chemicals can pose an inflammatory threat; even if they are “health foods”. Healthy foods that cause bloating are a hidden culprit! This is why it’s so important you work with a nutrition professional to understand what is best for you. Not what’s best for me or your mom but you. Below, I am going to tell you about some foods that are otherwise known as healthy that could be contributing to your inflammatory load.

Come find out the 7 MUST DO’S I share with my clients that get’s them better sleep!

Inflammatory vs anti-inflammatory foods

Foods that can cause an inflammatory response:

Nightshades: potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, okra, gogi berries, ashwagandha, cumin, paprika, cayenne, curry

Refined sugar

Artificial sweetener, colors, flavors

Non-sprouted nuts, grains and seeds (contain physic acid and enzyme inhibitors)

Legumes: peanuts, beans, lentils, soy

Corn, refined corn products (especially GMO)

Dairy (especially conventional) yogurt, ice cream, butter, cream, milk

Gluten-containing products and grains (rye, spelt, kamut, wheat, bread, crackers, noodles, cookies, doughnuts)

Anti-inflammatory foods:

Turmeric (contains curcumin, a potent anti-inflammatory compound)

Healthy fats: avocado, wild caught fish, unrefined/unprocessed oils (avocado, hemp, coconut and olive oil), hemp hearts

Organic berries: strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries

Brassicas: broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage, brussel sprouts, bok choy and turnips

Bone broth, gelatin and organ meats (from pastured animals)

Sprouts: broccoli, bean, dandelion

Dark leafy greens: dandelion, kale, spinach, arugula

Let’s talk about peanuts

One of the so-called healthy foods that cause bloating

Peanuts aren’t a nut; they are a legume. They contain a mold spore called aflatoxin (B1) that is the most potent natural liver carcinogen known to humans. Aflatoxin cause inflammation and is most commonly found in grains and peanuts from SE America (Florida).

Peanuts that have little to no aflatoxin are jungle peanuts. Another better source is Valencia Peanuts from New Mexico. Look for this “Organic Valencia Peanuts” with no other added ingredients except maybe sea salt. You want to avoid the grind-yourself peanut machines since they can become a breeding ground for the bacteria aflatoxin feeds on.

Random questions asked in the group call

I’ll answer some below. As always, none of this is intended as medical advice or to replace what your doctor says. Always consult with a medical professional.

• Why don’t I sleep well?
  • Could be a number of issues like too much screen time, imbalanced neurotransmitters, magnesium deficiency, too much light in the room & many other factors
• Magnesium, is it okay to take when you’re pregnant?
• Is it safe to take magnesium if you aren’t sure if you’re deficient?
• Is inflammation genetic?
  • You have complete control over what you put into your body and have in your home. While genetics play a roll into our lives, they’re not the reason or cause. Don’t use this as a cop out. Take control of your health and eliminate the so-called healthy foods that cause bloating.
• Which 5 foods could I cut out right now?
  • Coffee, potatoes, tomatoes, refined sugar and peanuts

The game plan

1. Remove triggers and healthy foods that cause bloating and inflammation so your body can focus on what it needs to, detoxing and healing!
2. Adding in nutrients and foods to calm your body and heal the gut
3. Supplementing where it’s needed for extra support and rocket fuel! (entry code: SIMPLHOLISTIC)
4. Join the private Facebook Series to get more a more hands-on approach to your healing + access to me

My favorite anti-inflammatory recipes

Golden Milk Latte

Butternut Squash Soup

Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner