Inflammation Nation

Doing the work of making Grass Root run, encompasses many different experiences. I have been exposed to many different people that have blessed us with their support over the years. But more importantly for this blog is the many different illness I have come across. Talking to folks about their health, diet, nutrition, options, families, babies, parents and the list goes on. Very few times in all those great conversations (that I totally learn from) did I hear the word inflammation. Hardly ever.

During our New Years Eve Party, I had less than a half glass of wine FYI, but for some reason my body went into crisis. I almost passed out from the pain (I am a bit of a weakling) and my husband had to take me to the Emergency. My arms were immobilized, I could not walk and I was in so much pain, I could not stand it. I was crying and my family's heart was breaking. We did not know what was strong. My legs began to give out. I have never even broken a bone, let alone almost pass out.

To make a long painful story short, they told me I had inflammation. Spence and I did crazy research on inflammation and the findings were unbelievable. I found out, SPence already knew, that inflammation is the underlying cause of most diseases. The list is as follows and I list it so you realize that we are truly living in an Inflammation Nation here.

• acid reflux/heartburn
• acne
• allergies and sensitivities
• Alzheimer’s disease
• asthma
• atherosclerosis
• bronchitis
• cancer
• carditis
• celiac disease
• chronic pain
• Crohn’s disease
• cirrhosis
• colitis
• dementia
• dermatitis
• diabetes
• dry eyes
• edema
• emphysema
• eczema
• fibromyalgia
• gastroenteritis
• gingivitis
• heart disease
• hepatitis
• high blood pressure
• insulin resistance
• interstitial cystitis
• joint pain/arthritis/rheumatoid arthritis
• metabolic syndrome (syndrome X)
• myositis
• nephritis
• obesity
• osteopenia
• osteoporosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• periodontal disease
• polyarteritis
• polychondritis
• psoriasis
• scleroderma
• sinusitis
• Sjögren’s syndrome
• spastic colon
• systemic candidiasis
• tendonitis
• UTI’s
• vaginitis

I cut out any and all sugar, soy, dairy, nuts, oils except olive and flax and ate tons of greens. I still had inflammation. i only drink water also. Never coffee, never soda, no fake juice from the grocery store, nothing. Well I finally conceded and went to the doctor and found out that I have a Gluten Allergy. OMG, I could not believe. I have maintained the dietary restrictions that i started on Jan 1, 2010 and am sooo much the wiser knowing all about inflammation. I don't think there is a website that I did not read. I bought two books on inflammation and read them both. I will probably always talk about inflammation now as a result of this helpful, amazing new discovery. It will surly be one of the first things that I mention when someone tells me that they are ailing.

So for all you Gluten and Celiac friends out there, Grass Root will soon be more Celiac and non-Gluten friendly. Our Raw Food Menu has and always will be gluten and wheat free:)