First let me start with the bad news. There is no diet that will reverse your autoimmune disease or cancer or rid you of inflammation. That is, there is no one-size- fits all diet. The good news is there are some guidelines you can start with until you get more in-depth functional medicine testing done to see who is living in your gut (microbiome), how your adrenals and hormones are doing, what foods your immune system is reacting to and what your genetic pre-disposition to autoimmune disease and cancer is.
Patients coming into my integrative medicine practice often ask what the main “superfoods” are that will help them reclaim their energy and health. Here’s the formula: eliminate what causes inflammation and eat what is nourishing and builds life force, or what Ayurveda calls ojas. You want to get rid of processed foods, grains, dairy, sugar and fake sugars, soy, soda, caffeine, alcohol and inflammatory fat sources. If your inflammation is really bad, eliminate night shade vegetables. So what do you eat? Focus on anti-inflammatory foods like wild fish and other sources of omega-3 fats, purple and red berries, dark green leafy vegetables, cooked cruciferous veggies, orange sweet potatoes and squashes, and nuts and seeds. Your food will taste delicious when you add anti-inflammatory herbs to it like turmeric, ginger, and rosemary.
I get patients in my practice who are frustrated with the limitations their autoimmune disease and leaky gut has placed on their dietary choices. I always feel nothing but compassion for these frustrated patients of mine. Navigating the dietary changes necessary to reverse inflammation, hormone imbalances, digestive issues, chronic pain, and autoimmune disease can feel very overwhelming. I know I was completely frustrated and overwhelmed when I was first diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. People trying to figure out life with an autoimmune disease can also be overwhelmed by the conflicting information out there. Why is it conflicting? Because we are all different and there is no one-size- fits all diet for autoimmune reversal. That’s why I do individualized testing for my patients so they know exactly what their immune system is attacking and what they can safely eat. Fear not if you are one of these frustrated people. Your food can be easy to prepare and absolutely delicious. An autoimmune diagnosis does not banish you to the inner circle of hell and tasteless food. On the contrary, it can be a culinary adventure as you try out new ingredients for the first time. Roasting root vegetables and broccoli and cauliflower are my go-to favorites for veggies on the run. Try this recipe and let me know how you like it!
Want more tips for making the transition from inflamed to invigorated? Go to www.DrKeesha.com and sign up for my mailing list. For live videos, up to date science, and recipes visit and like our Facebook page. Be sure to share these posts with the people in your life that you think will benefit so they too can feel fabulous!
Big love,
Dr. Keesha
Roasted Turmeric Rosemary Cauliflower
INGREDIENTS
- 1 organic head of cauliflower
- 4 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 TBSP rosemary
- 1 TBSP sea salt
- 4 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350F.
- Pull florets from rinsed cauliflower.
- Combine the cauliflower florets with the turmeric, rosemary, salt, and oil.
- Spread in single layer in a baking dish. Cover and bake for 75 minutes. Serve over full fat coconut milk yogurt and garnish with parsley and fennel if desired.
- For an extra great autoimmune reversing superfoods rich meal serve the roasted cauliflower with fish, roasted sweet potatoes, and mixed berries for dessert. YUM!
