• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Life
  • Parenting
  • Natural Living
  • Travel
  • Fitness
  • Book
    • Anti-Inflammatory Drinks for Health
    • I Love My Instant Pot Anti-Inflammatory Recipes
  • Resource Library
    • Get a Password

Happy Healthy Mama

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
Home » General Nutrition » Why I’m going on a strict anti-inflammation diet

Last updated on April 8, 2014. Originally posted on April 8, 2014 By Maryea / 48 Comments

Why I’m going on a strict anti-inflammation diet

60 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

source

It started a few months ago, and it was just a small nuisance at first.  I would wake up in the morning noticing that my ring finger on my right hand was slightly stiff.  I noticed a little soreness during the day.  Eventually ‘slightly stiff’ became so stiff I can’t bend it at all when I first wake up and the ‘little soreness’ gave way to all-out pain.

One silly little finger.  I’m experiencing stiffness, pain, and joint swelling in one finger.  It’s getting progressively worse each week and not showing signs of slowing down or getting better.  When I wake up in the morning, I can hardly use it at all for a good ten minutes.  It is stiff, swollen, and very painful.  I have to use my other hand to try to bend it and get it working. When I’m making my breakfast and coffee I tend to drop things because I can’t form a grip to hold on to whatever I need.  Not good when I have sleeping kids upstairs.  Throughout the day I feel pain when I’m trying to do simple, everyday tasks like twist the tops off of jars, get Luke dressed, and make beds.

I asked a doctor friend to look at it. While he isn’t a hand specialist, he is an orthopedic guy and I thought his opinion might help me figure out what was going on before taking the plunge and going to my own doctor. (We only have coverage for well visits, so we have to pay full price for office visits.)  He basically said it was inflammation, possibly arthritis that was coming out early in one finger that was injured when I was younger. I did play basketball from a young age and jammed my fingers a lot, so his explanation is plausible.

When he recommended I go and see a hand specialist, I asked what he thought that type of doctor would do.  Tim chimed in that the doctor would probably tell me to take ibuprofen.  Our doctor friend agreed that yes, that’s probably what I’d be told at first.  Eh, I think I’ll skip that visit.

So here I am, with symptoms of arthritis.  Taking ibuprofen might help my finger feel better, but I’m not interested in putting a band-aid on my issue.  Also, you all probably know me well enough by now to know that I’m not really an over-the-counter medicine kind of girl.  I like to keep it natural.  I will be trying my darndest to fight this early arthritis (or whatever it is, clearly caused by inflammation) naturally, through diet.

Deciding to go on a strict anti-inflammation diet was a hard one for me.  I’m not a diet person, so even using that term is tough for me.  I like the mantra ‘everything in moderation’ when it comes to food, and it was really tough for me to accept that perhaps my already-pretty-healthy diet was contributing to this inflammation and pain.

I’m not willing to let this go and see what happens, though.  Whether this is the beginning of arthritis or some other auto-immune disease, I really don’t want to find out.  I will do everything in my power to not let whatever is happening develop any more.

Researching the anti-inflammatory diet was frustrating.  As with everything in nutrition, there’s tons of contradictory information out there.  I don’t know which side is right.  Nobody does, for sure.  I mapped out my plan based on what I read over a variety of sources.  Here’s an overview of the major changes I’ll be making:

  • Cut out all sugar, including natural sugars like honey and maple syrup.
  • Cut out all processed foods.  (I don’t eat a lot of them, but I wasn’t 100% processed food free, either)
  • Cut out most flour.
  • Cut out gluten.
  • Drastically reduce the amount of animal products I’m eating, except eggs.
  • Increase fatty fish consumption.
  • Decrease use of all oils. Cut out grape seed oil.  Only use extra-virgin olive oil in strict moderation, and not for cooking to avoid hitting its smoke point (too hard for me to control, so I’d just rather not cook with it for now.)
  • Decrease coffee consumption and increase green tea consumption.
  • Eat foods and herbs that are anti-inflammatory everyday, including ginger and turmeric.

Yes, this is a drastic thing. There are a few occasions I already know I won’t be following it 100% (Easter brunch, for example), but other than that I plan to follow this strict anti-inflammation diet for eight weeks.  My goal right now is to get rid of the pain in my finger through diet.  If it works, I will have to reevaluate how I eat and decide where to go from there.

I plan to keep you updated after a month and at the end of the eight weeks.  Is there anything else you’d like to hear about?  Meal plans or anything like that?  Let me know!  Also, if any of you or your loved ones have fought arthritis or other ailments caused by inflammation through diet, I’d love to hear your stories.  Thanks!

 

 

60 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: General Nutrition

Previous Post: « What motivates you?
Next Post: Leg burner stroller workout »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Aileen says

    February 15, 2021 at 2:28 pm

    Hi,

    I loved this post. Can you clarify how much extra virgin olive oil you considered a maximum during your 8 week diet, and if you are able to consume it in larger amounts now? I come from a big olive oil loving family (eating the freshest, highest anti-oxidant oils, not supermarket stuff) and generally see inflammation decrease with eating a great olive oil, but also can see how decreasing it (hopefully temporarily) could help initially. Any thoughts on this from your experience???

    Reply
  2. Judi says

    July 19, 2017 at 2:04 pm

    I would like your meal plans please!

    Reply
  3. Jenny Ao says

    April 25, 2016 at 2:25 pm

    Hi Maryea, I found this post from your turmeric milk post and am curious to find out how things are going for you two years on. My father has a swollen finger similar to the condition you describe in this post and I am wondering if you still drink the turmeric daily and if your finger has returned to normal size? He’s had his condition for about a year now and I’m trying to convince him to take a more natural and diet based approach to healing. He is open but very skeptical so any follow up you can provide to help me sway him would be much appreciated. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      April 26, 2016 at 6:48 am

      Yes, my finger did return to normal and I keep the pain minimized through eating anti-inflammation foods. Yes, I drink the turmeric tea and I am eating other anti-inflammatory foods daily. I hope you’re able to convince your father to at least try it! I was shocked at how quickly my finger got better when I was very strict with my diet. Now I can tell when I am eating too much wheat or sugar as the pain and stiffness returns.

      Reply
  4. Stephanie says

    May 14, 2014 at 5:50 am

    Hi Maryea,

    This post came at perfect timing for me, thank you. God is so good!
    Can you share more on the oils? You said you eat coconuts, does that mean the oil too? Is coconut oil ok? Which oils did you cut out?
    Also would you be able to share a list of foods that are anti inflammatory?
    Thank you and i pray you feel 100% better asap!

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      May 14, 2014 at 7:16 am

      Coconut oil is okay, you just have to be careful about how high of heat you’re using and if you are using refined or unrefined. Refined has a higher smoke point, so I use organic, refined coconut oil for cooking things like eggs or roasting vegetables. I cut out grape seed oil, but other oils that I’ve read are inflammatory (that I wasn’t using anyway) are vegetable oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, and soy oil. Although I found a lot of conflicting info. on canola oil. Some say it’s good, some say it’s bad. I have started using avocado oil also. In general, I’m trying to use less oil overall and have my fats come from more whole foods like avocado, nuts, seeds, etc.
      Here are a few good sources for a list of anti-inflammatory foods. Like I said in the post, there is a lot of contradictory information out there, so I had to sort that a bit.
      http://www.augerchiro.com/files/Inflammatory_Foods.pdf

      http://www.care2.com/greenliving/14-foods-that-fight-inflammation-and-pain.html?page=1

      http://edibleevolution.blogspot.com/2009/06/anti-inflammatory-recipes-and-foods.html

      Good luck to you!

      Reply
  5. Julietta says

    April 20, 2014 at 6:39 pm

    Hi Maryea,
    I was reading your post and reached the “I don’t like to put a band aid on the problem” part. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory as well as a painkiller. Arthritis is caused (essentially) by long term inflammation, which causes damage to you over time. I understand and respect your decision to avoid over-the-counter drugs (I’m reluctant to reach for them myself), but in this case, you wouldn’t be just covering up the problem with a painkiller, but potentially slowing the process of damage from the inflammation. You clearly do your homework, so I thought I’d add this snippet to your research 🙂

    Good luck with your new diet, I very much hope your finger gets better!
    Julietta

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      April 21, 2014 at 6:44 am

      Hi Julietta! Thanks for your thoughts. I should have also added that I’m reluctant to take over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen, especially over a long period of time, because of its side effects. From what I understand, long term use can cause severe intestinal damage as well as damage to the liver and kidneys. So I’m hoping to reduce inflammation in a more natural way.

      Reply
  6. Mila [email protected] says

    April 15, 2014 at 3:43 pm

    I read several of your posts and felt that I share your approach to healthy living (eating, exercising, etc.). I am passionate about simple, wholesome nutrition and being persistent, though realistic, with workouts. However this post really surprised me. You chose not to see a doctor and have testing done on the assumption that they won’t take you seriously? And instead experiment with rather drastic nutritional changes, basically in the dark? I agree that some doctors may shrug a patient off, but there are plenty of competent doctors out there. Once you are certain about your condition, dietary changes can be beneficial…

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      April 16, 2014 at 10:06 pm

      No, I wouldn’t say my assumption is they won’t take me seriously. My assumption is that I won’t get a specific diagnosis and that the answer will be to manage the pain rather than get to the root of the problem. Perhaps that isn’t a valid assumption, but it’s been my experience with mainstream doctors. I will definitely see a doctor if these changes don’t take the pain away completely. After just over one week, however, I’ve already seen an improvement. I have more range of motion and less overall pain. I will have to see if the improvement continues or plateaus. If I don’t see it continue, then I’ll go to a doctor and hope for a better experience than I’ve had in the past.

      Reply
« Older Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

What are you looking for?

Welcome! I'm Maryea, author of Happy Healthy Mama. I am on a mission to create the healthiest life possible for my family and inspire you to do the same! Read More…

By Category

Easy + Healthy Dinners

shaking a jar with healthy stir fry sauce

Healthy Stir Fry Sauce

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

Egg Roll in a bowl with a green and white striped napkin

Egg Roll in a Bowl (Easy and Healthy!)

up close photo of salmon quinoa bowl

Salmon Quinoa Bowl Recipe

a big white bowl of pasta

Instant Pot Pasta (3 ingredients!)

close up of instant pot chicken vegetable soup

Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup

close up photo of mozzarella stuffed chicken in marinara sauce

Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe (SO EASY!)

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Archives

Gluten-Free

Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

Instant Pot Green Beans

Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

Instant Pot Lentils

close up shot of air fryer carrots

Air Fryer Carrots

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

Egg Roll in a bowl with a green and white striped napkin

Egg Roll in a Bowl (Easy and Healthy!)

Carrot and Lentil Soup on a spoon from a white bowl

Carrot and Lentil Soup

Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

a white sauce dripping from a spoon

Garlic Tahini Sauce

More Posts from this Category

Dairy-Free

Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

Instant Pot Green Beans

Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

Instant Pot Lentils

close up shot of air fryer carrots

Air Fryer Carrots

Carrot and Lentil Soup on a spoon from a white bowl

Carrot and Lentil Soup

a white sauce dripping from a spoon

Garlic Tahini Sauce

A spoonful of vegan caramel sauce

Vegan Caramel Sauce (No added sugar!)

overhead shot of Chocolate Baked Oats recipe in pan

Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe (Healthy!)

Quick and easy vegan mushroom soup with spoon

Quick and Easy Vegan Mushroom Soup

More Posts from this Category

Vegetarian

Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

Instant Pot Green Beans

Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

Instant Pot Lentils

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

a white sauce dripping from a spoon

Garlic Tahini Sauce

overhead shot of Chocolate Baked Oats recipe in pan

Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe (Healthy!)

an overhead shot of a bowl of overnight oats topped with blueberries

High Protein Overnight Oats

green smoothie in a glass

Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

See More →

Vegan

Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

Instant Pot Green Beans

Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

Instant Pot Lentils

Carrot and Lentil Soup on a spoon from a white bowl

Carrot and Lentil Soup

Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

a white sauce dripping from a spoon

Garlic Tahini Sauce

A spoonful of vegan caramel sauce

Vegan Caramel Sauce (No added sugar!)

Quick and easy vegan mushroom soup with spoon

Quick and Easy Vegan Mushroom Soup

green smoothie in a glass

Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

See More →

Anti-Inflammatory

Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

Instant Pot Green Beans

Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

Instant Pot Lentils

close up shot of air fryer carrots

Air Fryer Carrots

Egg Roll in a bowl with a green and white striped napkin

Egg Roll in a Bowl (Easy and Healthy!)

Carrot and Lentil Soup on a spoon from a white bowl

Carrot and Lentil Soup

Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

a white sauce dripping from a spoon

Garlic Tahini Sauce

A spoonful of vegan caramel sauce

Vegan Caramel Sauce (No added sugar!)

More Posts from this Category

Kid-Friendly

Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

Instant Pot Green Beans

close up shot of air fryer carrots

Air Fryer Carrots

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

Egg Roll in a bowl with a green and white striped napkin

Egg Roll in a Bowl (Easy and Healthy!)

A spoonful of vegan caramel sauce

Vegan Caramel Sauce (No added sugar!)

overhead shot of Chocolate Baked Oats recipe in pan

Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe (Healthy!)

up close photo of salmon quinoa bowl

Salmon Quinoa Bowl Recipe

a big white bowl of pasta

Instant Pot Pasta (3 ingredients!)

More Posts from this Category

Smoothies

green smoothie in a glass
Pineapple Smoothie recipe with banana and ginger
Pineapple Spinach Smoothie looking down into the glass
A hand grabbing a green straw that is in a tall glass with a chocolate colored smoothie
Strawberry Peanut Butter Smoothie recipe in a tall glass with a red and and white striped straw and a strawberry garnish
Cranberry Smoothie recipe in a tall glass with two straws and fresh cranberries on the table and a blue and white napkin
2 mango smoothies with turquoise paper straws
blueberry chocolate smoothie in a tall glass with chocolate and blueberries on top

More Posts from this Category

Breakfast

overhead shot of Chocolate Baked Oats recipe in pan

Chocolate Baked Oats Recipe (Healthy!)

an overhead shot of a bowl of overnight oats topped with blueberries

High Protein Overnight Oats

green smoothie in a glass

Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

close up view of buckwheat pancakes with strawberries, blueberries, and bananas and syrup dripping down the stack

Buckwheat Pancakes Recipe

a bowl of oatmeal with a cup of coffee and a bowl of fresh apples in the background

Best Ever Apple Pie Overnight Oats

an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

baked oatmeal in a dish with a spoon scooping out a serving

Peach Baked Oatmeal (Easy + Healthy!)

vegan zucchini muffins on a board

Wholesome Vegan Zucchini Muffins

See More →

Lunch

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Edamame Salad in a white bowl

Edamame Salad Recipe (Easy!)

Cold Busting Soup Recipe

Cold Busting Soup

overhead shot of Roasted Red Pepper Soup recipe

Roasted Red Pepper Soup Recipe

apple cranberry tuna salad on bread with a green and white striped napkin

Apple Cranberry Tuna Salad

Spicy Turkey Meal Prep Bowls

Salmon Salad in a bowl with a fork

Salmon Salad Recipe

a spoonful of Greek Lemon Chicken soup coming out of bowl

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo

See More →

Dinner

shaking a jar with healthy stir fry sauce

Healthy Stir Fry Sauce

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

Egg Roll in a bowl with a green and white striped napkin

Egg Roll in a Bowl (Easy and Healthy!)

up close photo of salmon quinoa bowl

Salmon Quinoa Bowl Recipe

a big white bowl of pasta

Instant Pot Pasta (3 ingredients!)

close up of instant pot chicken vegetable soup

Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup

close up photo of mozzarella stuffed chicken in marinara sauce

Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Recipe (SO EASY!)

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

See More →

Desserts

A spoonful of vegan caramel sauce

Vegan Caramel Sauce (No added sugar!)

a stack of gluten free peanut butter blossoms

Gluten-Free Peanut Butter Blossoms

close up photo of a stack of cookies on a green plate

Brown Butter Snickerdoodles (Must try!)

Healthy Peanut Butter Cups (4 ingredients)

close up photo of air fryer apples (slices)

Air Fryer Apples (Healthy!)

serving up Simple Baked Apples Recipe whole apples and baked dish

Simple Baked Apples Recipe

Almond Flour chocolate Chip Cookies recipe with a bite out of one

Almond Flour Chocolate Chip Cookies

how to make Vegan Chocolate Ganache recipe in a red bowl

How to Make Vegan Chocolate Ganache

See More →

Snacks

close up shot of air fryer carrots

Air Fryer Carrots

green smoothie in a glass

Iron Rich Smoothie Recipe

close up photo of air fryer apples (slices)

Air Fryer Apples (Healthy!)

apple cucumber salad in a white bowl with a napkin next to the bowl and salt and pepper shakers in the background.

Quick & Easy Apple Cucumber Salad

an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

vegan zucchini muffins on a board

Wholesome Vegan Zucchini Muffins

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie looking down into the glass

Pineapple Spinach Smoothie Recipe

Perfect Guacamole for football game entertaining

The Best Guacamole Recipe-Ever!

See More →

Salads

Roasted Cauliflower with Tahini

apple cucumber salad in a white bowl with a napkin next to the bowl and salt and pepper shakers in the background.

Quick & Easy Apple Cucumber Salad

an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

Broccoli Salad with yogurt dressing

Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Edamame Salad in a white bowl

Edamame Salad Recipe (Easy!)

overhead shot of Thai Salad in a white bowl with a serving spoon and a green and white napkin

Vibrant Thai Salad

Beet Salad with goat cheese recipe on a fork

Delicious Beet Salad with Goat Cheese

apple cranberry tuna salad on bread with a green and white striped napkin

Apple Cranberry Tuna Salad

See More →

Soups

Instant Pot Broccoli Cheese Soup recipe--spoonful

Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheddar Soup (Lightened up!)

Carrot and Lentil Soup on a spoon from a white bowl

Carrot and Lentil Soup

Quick and easy vegan mushroom soup with spoon

Quick and Easy Vegan Mushroom Soup

close up of instant pot chicken vegetable soup

Instant Pot Chicken Vegetable Soup

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

Pantry Pumpkin Bisque

close up photo of Chickpea Soup recipe

Chickpea Soup (Easy and healthy!)

overhead shot of Red Cabbage Soup recipe in a white bowl with a navy napkin and spoon in the background

Red Cabbage Soup (Incredible!)

an overhead shot of zucchini gratin with fresh basil on top

75 Healthy Zucchini Recipes

See More →

Side Dishes

Instant Pot Green Beans in a white bowl

Instant Pot Green Beans

Creamy Instant Pot Pressure Cooker Lentils

Instant Pot Lentils

close up shot of air fryer carrots

Air Fryer Carrots

a big white bowl of pasta

Instant Pot Pasta (3 ingredients!)

stuffed garlic bread recipe close up shot from overhead

Best Ever Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe

close up photo of honey roasted carrots and parsnips recipe

Honey Roasted Carrots and Parsnips (Easiest ever!)

overhead shot of pear compote in a jar

Pear Compote: Simple + Delicious Recipe

overhead shot of Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe

Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes (Quick & Easy!)

See More →

Appetizers

Buffalo Cauliflower Poppers healthy football food

Healthy Super Bowl Recipes

stuffed garlic bread recipe close up shot from overhead

Best Ever Stuffed Garlic Bread Recipe

Beetroot hummus with carrots crackers and cucumbers on a board

Beetroot Hummus Recipe

Broccoli Salad with yogurt dressing

Healthy Broccoli Salad Recipe

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe overhead shot

Air Fryer Asparagus Recipe

buffalo chicken dip on a celery stick

Dairy-Free Buffalo Chicken Dip (4 ingredients!)

This Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip is the perfect appetizer for your Super Bowl Party recipe line-up! No one will notice the missing calories or fat.

Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip

Lighten up your game day and party appetizers with this SKINNY Spinach Artichoke Dip. Tastes AMAZING but with less calorie! #recipe #partyfood

Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip

More Posts from this Category

Beverages

Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea in a clear mug with a lemon wheel on the rim

Lemon Ginger Turmeric Tea Recipe

Crock Pot Hot chocolate with marshmallows

Crock Pot Hot Chocolate

cranberry margarita with a sugar rim, lime wheel, and fresh cranberries

Cranberry Margarita – The Perfect Holiday Cocktail Recipe

Patritotic Sangria recipe close up in a glass with fruit

Patriotic Sangria Recipe

Simply the best margarita in the world

Simply the Best Margarita Recipe

Anti-inflammatory turmeric smoothie recipe

Anti-inflammatory Turmeric Smoothie

healthy Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe in a mug

Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix Recipe (Dairy Free and Sugar Free!)

Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Recipe close up of glass with lemon garnish

Frozen Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

See More →

Footer

Privacy

Copyright © 2023 · Cookd Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in