Calm the Inflammation Cycle with Eating Paleo.

Contributed by Karen Stoychoff Inman, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Nutrition Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer, Concept2 Certified Rowing Instructor, and CrossFit Trainer.

"I feel fine."

Or, have you just come to accept what could be the signs of chronic inflammation?

Some studies cite that as many as 75 percent of Americans are sensitive to dairy, grains, peanuts, soy, corn, sugar and / or artificial sweeteners. But they've been in a state of chronic inflammation for so long that they've redefined what it means to feel normal to include one or more of the symptoms of chronic inflammation.

Common signs of chronic inflammation include abdominal cramping, gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, skin rashes, asthma, headaches, food cravings, fatigue, sleep issues, depression, moodiness, general malaise, brain fog, inability to lose weight, ADD / Hyperactivity, arthritis, joint pain, muscle pain, chronic mucus, stuffy nose, congestion, sinusitis, throat clearing, and diminished athlete performance.

The body's immune system responds to any invasion -- a cut, sprain, bacteria, toxin, virus, or for many people, eating inflammation-provoking food(s) -- with an array of protective and healing chemical weapons. Inflammation is the yin to the yang of the body's reaction to trauma or injury and the corresponding healing process. Inflammation is the necessary -- yet negative -- by-product of immune response chemical weaponry. When you regularly eat foods that trigger an immune response, the body's chemical weaponry never stands down, which leads to chronic inflammation.

Enlightened area rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons and other medical professionals say the first line of defense when a patient complains about the signs of chronic inflammation is to prescribe a diet free of all foods known to start and sustain the The Inflammation Cycle -- instead of automatically prescribing medication.

There are many approaches to building an anti-inflammation plate, including prescriptions by the University of Wisconsin, University of Arizona, the Arthritis Foundation, and many holistic practitioners like Dr. Andrew Weil. There is even a set of tips from them editors of the "For Dummies" series.  

One of the more popular anti-inflammation diets in recent years is the paleolithic diet, also known as "Paleo" or the "Caveman Diet", first introduced by Dr. Loren Cordain. Since the release of his breakthrough book, "The Paleo Diet" in 1993, Cordain's work has spawned almost a dozen New York Times Bestsellers, including "The Paleo Solution" by Robb Wolf, "Practical Paleo" by Diane Sanfillippo, "It Starts With Food" by Dallas and Melissa Hartwig, "Paleo Mediterranean" by Stella Metsovas, and "Paleo Cooking from Elana's Pantry". And, generated thousands of testimonials of people who feel and look better.

Overall, eating "Paleo" means making conscious choices about the food you eat, instead of grabbing whatever is handy. People who eat "Paleo" build a plate filled with ample protein, tons of leafy green vegetables; some fruit, starchy vegetables, nuts and seeds; and plenty of good fats. Absent from the Paleo Plate are grains, dairy, legumes, soy, peas, corn, green beans, sugar, honey, maple syrup, agave, artificial sweeteners, sugar alcohols, processed foods and alcohol -- all foods known to create and sustain systemic inflammation. 

Hundreds of people who train at Elite Athletic Development / CrossFit Arlington Heights report that after just 30 days of eating Paleo they sleep deeper, have brighter eyes, clearer skin, better and more consistent (ahem) evacuation, boundless energy, less belching, a flatter tummy, relief from headaches, food cravings, crabbiness, and more. Interested in joining them? Email karen@eadperformancecenter.com  or call 847.394.8110 to set up a nutrition & fitness consultation.

Karen Stoychoff Inman is owner of Elite Athletic Development l CrossFit Arlington Heights, 2013 Village of Arlington Heights Hearts of Gold Winner - Business Leadership and Best Alternative Exercise Studio - Daily Herald Reader's Choice. Join Karen for a free class Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. or Saturday at 9 a.m. and learn more about the EAD / CFAH results-based training philosophy.