Why Haven’t We Cured Arthritis?



Bad backs, elbow pain, and creaky knees so common in older people often aren’t just “old age.” In fact, the source of this stiffness plagues many young people as well. The culprit is arthritis: a condition that affects over 90 million people in the U.S. alone. What makes arthritis so pervasive, and why haven’t we found a cure for it? Kaitlyn Sadtler and Heather J. Faust investigate.



Understanding Anti-Inflammatory Foods and Their Benefits


Processed food.

A Meal of Processed Food

A healthy lunch of grilled salmon garnished with greens and lemon.

Grilled Salmon with Fresh Greens


What Are Anti-Inflammatory Foods

An anti-inflammatory diet is a style of eating that eliminates certain foods that are known to cause inflammation in the body. Examples are pre-packaged desserts, snack foods, processed meats, processed cheeses, sugary beverages, and fried foods. Chronic internal inflammation can lead to damaging internal organs.

Chronic Health Conditions Associated with Inflammation
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Heart Disease
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Obesity, Psoriasis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Type 1 Diabetes
  • Ulcerative Colitis
Top Anti-Inflammatory Foods To Include In Your Diet
  • Green Leafy Vegetables
  • Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel, Herring
  • Legumes
  • Nuts and Seeds
  • Avocados
  • Olive Oil

Easy Banana Pineapple Nut Bread Recipe


Banana Pineapple Nut Bread

Sweet Fruit Bread With Unsweetened Pineapple and Walnuts


Banana Pineapple Nut Bread

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 cups flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups ripe, thoroughly mashed bananas
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 8-oz. can crushed unsweetened pineapple, drained

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Stir together.
  • Add walnuts to the mixture.
  • In a separate bowl combine eggs, oil, bananas, and pineapple. Mix well.
  • Add moist ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir until blended.
  • Prepare 2 loaf pans by either oiling bottom and sides, or lining
    the pans with baking paper.
  • Spoon batter into each pan equally. Bake 45 to 50 minutes.
  • Makes 2 loaves. Allow bread to cool before slicing.

Boost Your Workout With DIY Trail Mix


Trail mix containing raisins, raw cashews and raw almonds.

The Benefits of Eating Trail Mix Before Exercise

Trail mix is an easy to prepare, portable snack that provides sustained energy for your workout. It provides a healthy mixture of protein, fats and carbohydrates. Make it yourself by combining your favorite ingredients.

Suggested Ingredients

  • Roasted or raw nuts: walnuts, cashews, almonds, peanuts or pecans.
  • Raw or roasted seeds: pumpkin or sunflower.
  • Dried fruit: pineapple, raisins, cranberries, apples, dates, figs, plantain or banana chips.
  • Optional ingredients: chocolate or carob chips. Chocolate pieces or M&Ms.

Measure the ingredients in equal amounts and place in a plastic sandwich bag. Store in refrigerator. Your pre-workout snack should be consumed at least 1-hour before exercise to allow sufficient absorption of nutrients.