Dr. Kathleen Sherwood's Blog » Healthy Eating

Anti-Inflammation Diet Tips

Dr. Kathleen Sherwood — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 13:51:26 +0000

Compiled in part from Dr. Weil’s book: “Healthy Aging”

It is becoming increasingly clear that chronic inflammation is the root cause of many serious illnesses – including heart disease, many cancers, and Alzheimer’s disease. We all know inflammation on the surface of the body as local redness, heat, swelling and pain. It is the cornerstone of the body’s healing response, bringing more nourishment and more immune activity to a site of injury or infection. But when inflammation persists or serves no purpose, it damages the body and causes illness. Stress, lack of exercise, genetic predisposition, and exposure to toxins can all contribute to such chronic inflammation, but dietary choices play a big role as well. Learning how specific foods influence the inflammatory process is the best strategy for containing it and reducing long-term disease risks.

Heart Disease Doesn’t Just Impact Men

Dr. Kathleen Sherwood — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 22:38:18 +0000

Many of us think of heart disease as a disease that kills primarily men. In a 2000 Yale University study, 250,000 women died from heart disease, compared to 40,000 who died from breast cancer. This is a huge difference. The study also showed that in women who have a heart attack before the age of 75, the risk of the chance of mortality is much higher in comparison to their male counterparts. Many times women do not realize that they have heart disease due to the fact that their symptoms may present differently than the “typical heart attack” symptoms of crushing chest pressure with pain radiating down the arm. Women may experience a “gastritis” or “reflux” feeling, along with a headache or neck pain.

Eat, Drink and be Healthy

Dr. Kathleen Sherwood — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 21:04:14 +0000

Once again it’s that special time of year where we all gather to eat, drink and be merry. The temptation to overindulge is lurking around every buffet table or kitchen counter this season. Here are a few tips to satisfy your appetite this season without overeating:

Read more on Eat, Drink and be Healthy…

Understanding Carbohydrates

Dr. Kathleen Sherwood — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:05:56 +0000

Carbohydrates are essentially sugars needed by the body to provide energy. Under the best of circumstances your body can break carbohydrates down quickly and efficiently.
What Are Good Carbs?

Good carbohydrate foods are those that are still in their natural state and have not been processed or altered by people or machines.
Good carbohydrates are nutritious. Good carbohydrates are rich in vitamins, minerals, and nutrients and fiber that will give you energy over a long period of time and a sense of feeling full. Foods that are high in fiber will also lower cholesterol levels and assist the body in removing toxins. Good carbohydrates generally have a low glycemic index. Foods with a low glycemic index will support the body nutritionally and not cause a spike in blood sugar.
Here are examples of good carbohydrate foods:
Fruits