A common experience among our clients here at Starkel Nutrition is inflammation of some sort. Inflammation is a normal process that we all experience. It is the body’s reaction to injury, infection, or disease. There are foods that might be promoting inflammation, and it can be helpful to identify those through food sensitivity testing and a food/symptom log. However, if you are experiencing symptoms beyond the scope of “normal,” inflammatory disease can be difficult to define. It may cross over to the point of being chronic. Chronic inflammation may contribute to the development of a disease or condition. It is also a response present in many different diseases.

Due to the fact that there are so many ways that inflammation can impact the body, your nutritionist will conduct a thorough assessment to look for potential signs and symptoms and may consider certain tests to best support you. We asked Starkel Nutrition provider, Meredith LaFrance, MS, RDN, CD, LD, for an example of what that would look like for her. You can find this below.

Signs of chronic inflammation:

• Frequent infections
• Gastrointestinal issues (e.g., constipation, diarrhea, acid reflux)
• Depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders
• Constant fatigue and insomnia
• Body aches and pains
• Skin rashes/irritation/swelling
• Weight gain

In general, it can be helpful to limit:

• Refined carbohydrate foods such as white bread and pastries
• Fried foods such as fries
• Sugar-sweetened beverages such as soda and juice
• Red meat (burgers and steaks) and processed meat (hot dogs, sausage)
• Margarine, shortening, and lard
• Excessive alcohol intake

Consider including/increasing:

• Variety of fruits and vegetables
• Legumes (e.g., black beans, pinto beans, edamame, etc.)
• Whole grains (e.g., quinoa, brown rice, amaranth, kamut, etc.)
• Starchy vegetables (e.g., sweet potatoes, peas, corn)

Lab test I might recommend:

• Inflammation & Oxidation (Boston Heart)
• Comprehensive Stool Analysis (Doctors Data)
• Food sensitivity and/or allergy test
• Your doctor might test: C-reactive protein (CRP) 

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to alleviating inflammation in the body. In general, Meredith emphasizes whole foods and strives for variety. As an RDN, she can work closely with you to identify which foods to remove (in some cases temporarily) and to find new foods to add. Throughout this process, Meredith’s Intuitive Eating, body-positive approach will integrate cultural humility and aims to restore balance in all aspects of your life. At Starkel Nutrition, we also have a licensed naturopath on staff, Dr. Lea McKinstry. She is instrumental in getting our clients any lab tests they may need. Our Administrative team is more than happy to take any questions you have on this topic and will work with you to get your necessary appointments scheduled. 

Inflammation can be so irritating! Let Starkel Nutrition help get you on the right track to a healthier and happier you. Call us or click here to schedule an appointment today.

Interested in learning more? Schedule an appointment with Meredith to get support on your journey to holistic and kind health.

Written by Starkel Nutrition provider, Meredith LaFrance, MS, RDN, CD, LD Edited by Starkel Nutrition Marketing Assistant, Mairin McCurdy