Empowering conscious food choices for long-term wellness
The Standard American Diet (SAD), as its name suggests, is laden with unhealthy components such as simple sugars, alcohol, empty calories, saturated fats, and trans fats. At NY Integrative Rheumatology, we emphasize shifting away from SAD and adopting the Anti-Inflammatory Diet (AID) to support long-term health, particularly for those with chronic inflammatory conditions.
Our approach to nutrition encourages patients to prioritize organic, fresh food over processed items. We guide them to lean protein sources like organic chicken, turkey, grass-fed meat, and dairy products free of added hormones and antibiotics. Avoiding simple sugars and unhealthy drinks, such as soda and fruit juices, is key to controlling inflammation and blood sugar levels.
We advocate for whole grains as a source of complex carbs, as well as healthy fats found in avocado oil, nuts, and seeds. These help support healthy metabolism and reduce inflammation. By avoiding trans fats and processed oils, patients protect their heart health and prevent further inflammatory damage.
Fish, particularly wild-caught options like salmon and herring, provides a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids, beneficial for reducing inflammation. We also emphasize the importance of fiber and probiotics from fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi to support gut health.
Ultimately, we guide our patients in making conscious food choices, empowering them to follow a diet that promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and supports long-term wellness.
