Hello again,

I have been strictly following the anti-inflammatory diet as suggested. After doing research on the topic and different diets, IÂ’ve come away with some questions that I have had some trouble finding conclusive answers on. I thought to make another post reaching out to the better informed people here.

My questions are the following:

-Other than fish, what are the best meats for you? The general consensus seems to be chicken, specifically chicken breast, but there were some articles that claimed there were better sources because of the omega-3 to omega-6 ratio. I have heard pork is a good option, but many websites/videos make the claim that it is too fatty and “inefficient” in serving its purpose as an anti-inflammatory, especially since it is a red meat. Finally, I saw this very interesting video about the benefits of beef and how it has many anti-inflammatory compounds - but is this not discredited by the studies warning us against red meat? What about eggs?

-I have seen some mixed reviews about the benefits of nuts and seeds. I am unsure about whether they are helpful for inflammation or not. I suspect that some of the videos I have watched about them have cautioned them because they are a common allergen, but I wanted to be sure before incorporating them even more into my diet.

-What are your opinions on soy/soybeans? I find soybeans and soybean products to be very delicious, and have been considering adding foods such as tofu into my diet. However, I have seen some cautions against this as well, some from people who are worried about inflammation and others who think that tofu is rich in GMO. I am not educated about soy, so I was not sure.

-Are almond milks/non-dairy milks safe?

-My final question is this: I have been trying to find ways to “spice up” my meals as I have been very strict in allowing myself certain foods. I have found that I’ve been cooking vegetables, but not adding anything other than turmeric. Perhaps there is a good channel to watch with strict-anti-inflammatory dieting recipes, or a website with sauces that do not induce inflammation? I have been considering the uses of black pepper.

I was considering getting an IGG/IGE or something similar to see if I have any specific allergens. IÂ’ve never had an allergy test before or anything similar. I might benefit from something such as that.

I know that all diets are individual to the person and that no one can predict my reaction to a certain diet/spice/sauce. My hope here is simply to learn, and make more informed decisions, since there seems to be so many mixed reviews about food online.

Thank you kindly.

You can search for the top 100 healthy foods.
Maybe check out the blood type diet website and see if suggested foods fit for you , if you know your blood types.

Jomar,

As before, thank you kindly. I will make sure to do that! Any insight is so wonderful.

Personally, I don't follow an anti-inflammatory diet. Most of its value is in the weeks to a month or 2 after an injury.

I avoid transfats, all processed foods and moderate my sugar intake and avoid all HFCS.

I enjoy real butter and whole milk. My only sweetened beverage is real sugar sweetened chocolate milk that helps with a swallowing disorder caused by my upper neck injury. I avoid all caffeine except when I am driving for long periods.

I also take 2 grams of enteric aspirin a day for arthritis inflammation and discomfort. My blood flows like 0 weight motor oil.

I take Vit C, B-12, D3, zinc, niacin (flushing type), niacinamide, a Mega Multi vitamin, Lutein, K-2, and Deal supplements 5-HTP formula.

Mark In Idaho,

I see. I have been trying to follow the anti-inflammatory/elimination diet that you have recommended to me previously. I think, at least to some degree, it has been successful in lowering inflammation and the intensity of headaches.

Something has been triggering them lately, but I can’t quite put my finger on what it is. I think there is a chance I am allergic to nuts or soybeans.

I’ve also noticed a real sensitivity to sugar. I’ve tried to lower my glycemic intake accordingly. Even made my own almond milk today, which was quite interesting, except for the fact that it does not taste very good! Not sure what to add to plain almond milk to fix that, haha. Was thinking maybe vanilla beans and cinnamon.

Thank you!

I did not see lasting improvement until I started protecting my head and neck posture during sleep. The C-0/occiput to C-1 joint is naturally very unstable and can take a long time to heal and strengthen. It has very shallow faceting so it does not self correct like other vertebral joints do.

If you are sensitive to pressure at those bones behind your ears, that suggests a neck issue is causing muscle spasms that can cause headaches.

My recliner became my safe place to sleep. I woke up much better rested and without neck pain or headaches.

Of course!

I have been working hard to correct sleep posture. It has been difficult to use a recliner, as the one I own is a little broken, but I am trying to overcome this struggle, regardless.

The good news is I like to sleep on my back. The bad news is GERD continues to hinder my ability to sleep flat in bed, if that is what I attempt to do.

I will continue to work on sleep posture! I’ll get it figured out.

Thank you!

EDIT: Adding this here in case anyone has any opinions. What are your thoughts on apple cider vinegar with ‘the mother’? I have heard a plethora of good things about how it can reduce GERD if taken in extremely small quantities. My thought process is if I can ease my GERD symptoms, I can sleep flat/get better rest and, thus, fix my whiplash issues.

I ask because I know that ACV goes through a fermentation process, and that there may be very small bits of alcohol in it (though, most likely none), according to websites. About 5%, something like that. I could be wrong about this.
But, the medications I have tried all increased concussion symptoms, and if ACV is good for the brain, I think it might solve my problems here. It may be better and include less side-effects than medication, anyhow.

Thank you.

Have you ever been treated by a chiropractor? A lot of GERD is caused by radiculopathy from spinal nerves as they exit the spinal column in the c-6 to T-4 area. I can get intestinal paralysis and GERD when my back is out of wack.

Chiropractors are not all the same. I've seen 18 over 42 years. Only 6 were of any benefit. Chiros who use the Activator protocol have been the best for me. My spine needs gentle therapy. No twist the head and pop the neck. That is to harsh for me.

No, I’ve never seen a chiropractor before. It might be beneficial to me though to get my spine checked out. I know that getting rid of my GI issues would make improving all the concussion stuff so much easier.

Do you think apple cider vinegar is alright for the brain? Don’t mean to be repetitive, I just think even before I could get into a chiro, that could be either a temporary solution, or longer solution depending on how long chiropractors take to help. And, I’m just trying my best to make healthy eating choices during this time.

Thank you again. I’ll work on getting into a chiro!

I think ACV is a scam. Yes, it has benefits but those benefits are very small, Only blood sugar issues have any science to back them but the science is weak.

ACV and MCT oil have both been grossly overhyped and marketed to people who want a quick fix.

If ACV has true benefit, Big Pharma would isolate the beneficial parts and copy them and sell them.

One benefit of ACV is discipline. If a person is disciplined enough to consume bitter ACV, they often are taking other steps to improve their health. That is the part that the studies did not account for.

Placebo effect is greatly increased by disciplined action.