I recently read an article in Seattle Magazine about an island in the state of Washington that was taken by storm when introduced to an anti-inflammation diet.
The TQI diet – To Quiet Inflammation – was created by Vashon Island resident Kathy Abascal. It is based on the known fact that certain foods cause inflammation in the body, triggering a number of diseases, from arthritis, cholesterol to immuno deficiencies and even cancer.
Inversely, others foods reduce inflammation and help our bodies be these well-oiled, lean and mean machines that they were built to be. This is what Abascal found out while struggling with joint pains and other malfunctions related to aging and weight, and started poking around for remedies that did not involve white coats and prescriptions. Abascal changed her diet and embraced it as a lifestyle, only focusing on quieting down joint pains. Weight loss happened as a very welcome collateral. I relate to her experience as I myself stumbled into a gigantic universe of health through food by just looking for simple, natural remedies to acne; and in the process lost 25 lbs.
I don’t particularly like that TQI is called a diet, because it is anything but restrictive and punitive on my opinion. It is based on the guidelines that one should eat local, fresh (unprocessed), seasonal ingredients, loads of plants, healthy fats… Recommended proportions are 2/3 fresh fruit and vegetables, 1/3 protein and carbohydrates.
This is nothing new, and yet we appear to constantly have to be reminded that this is how we were meant to eat. Major kudos to Abascal for taking on this mission, and successfully creating a loyal (now healthier) following to TQI.
TO QUET INFLAMMATION,
DO EAT:
- Whole, unprocessed foods
- Lots of fruits and vegetables, preferably organic
- Small amounts of proteins
- Small amounts of carbs, preferably whole grains
- Healthy fats (avocados and nuts)
- Eggs
BANISH:
- Processed foods
- Too much sodium
- Refined carbs
- Foods with additives, preservatives
- Refined sugars
- Gluten for Gluten-sensitive individuals
- Alcohol during the initial phase
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