Anti-Inflammatory Diet

I hurt.
I hurt everyday.
I suffer from an auto-immune disorder which causes periodic flares of pain, fatigue and joint stiffness.  I am currently searching for a method of healing which will alleviate my symptoms in as natural way as possible.  So far I have received treatments of acupuncture, cupping, massage and Ayurvedic supplements.  Because my condition has flares, it is very difficult to see if a treatment if effective.  Have my symptoms left because the treatment worked, or has the flare cooled down with plans to resurface later? 

One of the most successful treatments for pain relief I have experienced is an anti-inflammatory diet.  The food we eat carries energy and properties which can heal or harm us.  Many pharmaceutical solutions originate from natural plant sources, so it’s really not a large leap to use food as healing agent.  If you suffer from any sort of chronic pain, I urge you to try adjusting your diet and lifestyle to support your health.

This is an eating plan designed to reduce inflammation in the body.  It is not very far from the well-touted Mediterranean Diet, so it’s health benefits extend beyond pain relief.  There are some sacrifices due to some restrictions, but there is a great deal of variety as well.  If you really hurt, like I do, missing a cookie is a small price to pay for feeling well.

Foods to Eat in Abundance
fresh fruits and vegetables (Organic if you’re really serious.)
water, water, water
olive oil
wild caught salmon and sardines
avocados
walnuts (All nuts are good, but these are the best.)
ginger
1-2 cups of green tea per day (decaf is best)
tart cherry juice
coconut milk
beans, beans, beans
turmeric
asparagus
whole oatmeal (preferably steel-cut oats)
lots of celery, cucumbers and parsley
a wide variety of herbs

Foods to Avoid with Diligence 
dairy
wheat
all sugar
caffeine
night-shade vegetables (These include tomatoes, eggplant and peppers and potatoes.  Because these are so good and good for you, I recommend taking them out for 2 weeks, or until you feel better.  Then gradually add them back into your diet one at a time.  Space them out by at least a week.  See if the inflammation returned, if it did, they good-bye forever.  If you don’t see a change, then you can eat without worry.)
shell-fish
absolutely all processed food

I compiled this list using a variety of sources including my doctor, my acupuncturist and a few trusted publications.  Of course, this is not meant to replace medical advice, so please consult your physician.  I also recommend consulting several sources and experimenting.  Our bodies are each individual so food can have very different effects on us.  When experimenting, keep a careful written record and space out each change by a week or two so you can identify how a particular food makes you feel.