It takes one person in the public eye to be linked to a product’s worthiness, and everyone is scrambling to find out more.
Some crazes are taken out of context and can be rather extreme. They soon fall by the wayside (thankfully), but taking collagen powder is sticking around – and for a good reason.
In this article, I am going to tell you the reasons why I personally love and use collagen.
Before I qualified as a Naturopathic Nutritionist in 2021, I studied health and nutrition (and continue to) for over ten years to find a solution for a couple of “incurable” autoimmune conditions I was suffering from.
My primary focus was to get healthier, enjoy my life, and stop spending time in various hospitals. My research into preventing, reducing, and managing inflammation in the body is why Eat Burn Sleep exists.
Of course, I enjoy sharing what I discover – and one of the amazing products I found along the way was indeed collagen during this journey of healing my autoimmune diseases.
Is Collagen Good for Autoimmune Diseases?
I suffer from Ulcerative Colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease (it’s like IBS on speed!). When people suffer from autoimmune diseases, skin conditions, food intolerances, inflammatory bowel diseases, and so on, the origin is leaky gut syndrome.
The one thing about leaky gut syndrome is that the gut should be completely sealed. No particles should go into the blood. When the gut lining is not sealed and ‘leaky’, particles go into the bloodstream. This is what causes lots of problems in the body.
So, during my healing process, I tried glutamine without much success – and then my Naturopath suggested collagen protein powder.
I have listed the benefits of how collagen has complemented my anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle below, but in brief, collagen reseals and rebuilds the gut lining.
Collagen is suitable for inside and outside your body; it began my recovery (but not by itself). If you have just joined the platform, Members, get started on the most powerful, long-lasting health reset here.
I used to be intolerant to most foods, and then through rebuilding my gut, and resetting my health, I could eat something other than chicken soup and broth! Amazing!
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, keeping it all together like a scaffold. It is formed by amino acids linking together to form fibrils, which are long, thin, supporting fibers – and are located in your muscles, your bones, skin, and connective tissues.
There are four types of collagen:
The most abundant, representing 90% of total collagen in the body, is found in bones, teeth, skin, fibrocartilage, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
Cartilaginous tissues which cushion joints
Muscles, internal organs, and arteries
Skin – fibroblasts (cells) form in the middle of the skin, where dead cells are restored and replaced, and new cells grow.
Why Do We Need to Take Collagen?
Natural collagen (endogenous collagen), synthesized by the body, breaks down as we age and are exposed to external and internal toxins like UV rays, pollution, smoking, and unhealthy diets. Depletion causes many issues in the body, like cartilage weakening and aging.
This is why collagen from outside sources (exogenous) comes in handy!
What Is Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder?
Hydrolyzed collagen powder is 100% pure protein powder constituted of amino acids broken down into smaller units.
It is popular because this process makes it easier to dissolve and add to shakes, tea, soups, etc. I sometimes add a tablespoon to my green tea in the morning.
It is the equivalent of bone broth in powder form.
The Benefits of Collagen
The immediate benefit of taking collagen for me was a reduction in my symptoms, which meant the collagen powder did help rebuild my gut lining initially. This may seem irrelevant to you, but it isn’t.
Your gut is the MOST IMPORTANT organ when it comes to overall health.
A healthy gut lining will stop you from having leaky gut syndrome, which is the source of many ailments – from food intolerances to auto-immune issues.
The second collagen benefit, combined with nutrient-rich foods and a healthy gut, was for my hair, skin, and nails. I noticed that my skin became plumper, more elastic, and more hydrated.
My fine lines reduced significantly. I am 44 years old, and people often compliment my skin. There might be a genetic element to it, but I am convinced my low inflammation lifestyle has much to do with it!
Collagen protein is definitely one of my best beauty products, but you can’t take it alone and expect miracles if your lifestyle is unhealthy!
I have never had any botox, fillers, or treatments done to my face. I only use natural products and feed myself on the anti-inflammatory diet I developed. You may want to read my article: Eating for Glowing Skin: Secrets Revealed!My hair also got thicker and shinier, and my nails stronger.
The third collagen benefit I found was that it maximizes the benefits of a workout and plays a good part in any sports performance and recovery program. Again, it maximizes workout benefits because my body is less inflamed!
I recommend my pre or post-workout shake, which builds and effectively repairs muscles and cartilage. (Because it is potassium-rich, I also recommend that shake for replenishing the body when you feel hungover!).
Regularly adding collagen powder to any of my anti-inflammatory smoothie recipes will improve your gut’s health.
Medical professionals use collagen in a plethora of methods to repair tissues.
It is to be noted that taking collagen powder alone does not cancel out harmful foods or an unhealthy lifestyle. You don’t want to waste money because good collagen powder is not inexpensive. In conjunction with a diet that is rich in compounds that heal the gut and with an anti-inflammatory lifestyle guide, it works beautifully. I state this because sometimes non-members wonder why it isn’t working as claimed.
What Shall I Look For When Buying Collagen?
You can find many brands and types of collagen online. I advise avoiding expensive supplements in tablet form or flavored versions.
Go for grass-fed pasture hydrolyzed collagen.
For an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle, we avoid substances that cause inflammation. It is the same with animals. If they are eating grains, then this will be collagen that will cause inflammation.
When an animal eats grass rather than grains, this will allow you to consume a product higher in Omega-3s (the good omegas that lower inflammation) and lower in Omega-6s (the bad guys which cause inflammation). You may want to read: Do We All Need Omega-3?
Check for third-party certification, too, from a credible group. I have listed the one that I use on my Yalda Loves page.
We are constantly adding lifestyle products to help with gut health and chronic inflammation to Yalda Loves. You will find many products there that will assist with living a happy, healthy, anti-inflammatory lifestyle.
Is Collagen Worth the Hype?
When combined with a gut-healing diet and lifestyle, I am confident that collagen powder is worth the hype.
This is based on my experience over several years and feedback from members complimenting its effectiveness while following Eat Burn Sleep.
Maximum benefits are seen and felt in conjunction with a gut-healing diet and lifestyle. Full absorption occurs when the body is healthier.
What Helps Collagen Absorption?
Collagen complements the anti-inflammation program, and I must reiterate that collagen alone cannot heal conditions.
Eating the right compounds in conjunction with collagen powder is essential in foods, as much as it is to avoid certain substances found in food – to maximize absorption.Considering the properties of ingredients, the presence of some substances can cancel the good compounds’ quality and may impede absorption.
Certain compounds, for instance, are abundant in the Eat Burn Sleep recipes; substances that protect the body, which will aid collagen present in the body to get on with its job!
Eat the right foods to heal your body, feed your microbiota, manage inflammation, and protect your body from damage.
I enjoy creating new recipes developed with healing at the top of my mind!
As you can imagine, it is music to my ears to hear the life-changing success stories from members and how my recipes nurture and delight. There are over 260 anti-inflammatory recipes now (many contain collagen-rich ingredients) on the Eat Burn Sleep program.
Enjoy this collagen-rich Oxtail recipe that is easy to digest and popular—comfort and healing in a bowl.
Coconut & Collagen Chia Pudding will surely delight your tastebuds!
You may also enjoy my collagen shake recipe, which I am drinking here:
Feature on Dr. Barbara Sturm: My Anti-inflammatory Daily Routine
I was interviewed for the website of the amazing Dr. Barbara Sturm recently. She and I connect through our anti-inflammatory philosophies.
Gentle and Trusted Skincare
Like myself, Dr. Sturm has carved out her second career by addressing a need through innovation and challenging the traditional medical systems through her inflammation research.
She is world-recognized for her non-surgical skin treatments, which have achieved cult status with devotees worldwide – and it isn’t surprising.
My beauty routine includes her skincare range, as I love the performance.
‘…Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Hyaluronic Ampoules and for moisturizing, I alternate between a few different ones, but I do love her Face Cream…‘
I like that they are not harsh on the skin. Harsher products like retinol leave my skin very dry – so I agree with her approach of being gentle on the skin for long-term, trusted results.
I include a taster from their article since I often get asked:
What anti-inflammation supplements do you use?
‘I take Vitamin D every year, as being of Moroccan and Persian descent, I need more sun exposure than I get in London. The darker our skin, the more sun we need for optimal Vitamin D levels.
I take a Vitamin B complex for about a month twice a year and around my bi-annual liver detox, which is shared on the Eat Burn Sleep platform.
I like to take L-Lysine and Zinc Picolinate whenever my immune system needs a boost. I also take omega-3 fish oils over the course of a month, a few times a year.’
I absolutely love the feature on Dr. Strum’s website, and I hope that you do, too! Please read it here: Eat With Me With Yalda Alaoui.
Further skin treats from Eat Burn Sleep:
You may also be interested in watching my Videos. I cover why Vitamin D is important and how to improve your Vitamin D levels, as well as many other anti-inflammatory, chronic inflammation, gut health and nutrition tips.
I include an omega-3-rich recipe that your family and friends will love. It is called Champions Salad. It’s a nutrient powerhouse meal to boost your immune and nervous systems, balance your hormones, and feed your skin.
Don’t miss these articles: Why I Use Collagen, Why You Have Psoriasis , and Eating for Glowing Skin: Secrets Revealed too!
Wishing you great health!
I was interviewed by Metro for my thoughts on food sell-by dates, following on from Morrisson’s announcement that it was going to remove the ‘use by’ dates from milk packaging and bottles.
Don’t Consume Foods That Smell Off – Of Course!
This is all in a bid to stop so much waste of perfectly safe and healthy milk being poured away. The UK supermarket has been telling their customers to do a ‘sniff test’ and see if it smells off. If it smells off, don’t drink it, of course.
‘The sniff test is a practice that will work with a variety of food (apart from meat, of course) in your kitchen and mainly operates with common sense.’
Click here to read the article about food safety.
There are other things to consider when deciding which milk to buy on a healthy gut diet. You can find more details from my research about dairy in the Lifestyle Guide.
Top Tip: Take advantage of the marked-down fruit section (expiring sell-by dates) while it still exists. Make yourself a smoothie to pick you up. This Glowing Skin Smoothie is great if you have skin inflammation of any kind.
Or some Banana and Blueberry Nice Cream. You could make Paleo Banana Matcha Muffins if there are bananas. If there are some salad, leaves, herbs, and avocado in the sell-by basket, grab them and make this Super Greens Salad!
They are all still packed with nutrition and will provide your body with lovely anti-inflammatory healing nutrition.
Sign up for the newsletter so that you don’t miss out on any anti-inflammatory, gut health education tips!
Have a healthy day!
Metro interviewed me on how to squeeze your five-a-day fruit and vegetable portions into your day, following a study that revealed that only a quarter of adults eat their recommended five-a-day.
Enjoy Eating Fruit and Vegetables
The five-a-day portions of fruit and vegetables are recommended because they are packed with critical daily nutrients.
What is also absolutely important is the enjoyment of eating gut-healthy, anti-inflammatory food.
‘I create recipes people love to make time and again for pleasure and health.’
I know I say this a lot, but eating is a celebration, and it shouldn’t be a chore with the understanding that not everyone loves to eat a side of green beans or an apple.
I consider this when creating recipes for Eat Burn Sleep’s anti-inflammatory lifestyle protocol.
Eating is a Celebration
After scientific research on the right foods and combinations to maximize gut health, flavor and appearance come into play.
Being a pleasure to the eye plays a huge part in the digestion of food. I will talk about digestion and inflammation in another article soon.
Food Has to be Enjoyable
I am a food lover. Food cannot be bland. It has to be delicious as well as nutrient-rich!
Gut-healthy food is to be enjoyed and not be too complicated.
So, I love that my anti-inflammatory recipes surprise and inspire – and they ensure that five-a-day maintenance is achieved.
You don’t need to be an excellent cook to have good food. Many gut health recipes have a minimum fuss with maximum flavor and nutrition.
So, I suggest you experiment and try different ways to incorporate those necessary nutrients from fruits and vegetables.
It could be baking or roasting. Once you have played around, you will get more vegetables and fruit in your family’s diet without them realizing it.
‘Figure out what makes your five-a-day taste best for you!’
Read the five-a-day fruit and vegetable maintenance article here.
Try these anti-inflammatory diet recipes that are loaded with deliciousness and five-a-day goodness:
Banana Bread MuffinsSweet Potato Cottage Pie
You can enjoy eating, digesting, healing, and good mental and physical health on the Eat Burn Sleep anti-inflammatory lifestyle. Check out what our members say!
I hope that your day is going well.
Hi Everyone!
I was recently asked by the Express newspaper to share my thoughts on the best and worst alcoholic drinks for people with diabetes, but truly, these tips apply to everyone who wants to feel well while enjoying a drink in moderation.
What Drink Is Best for Blood Sugar Levels?
If you’re managing blood sugar levels, it’s best to avoid sugary alcoholic drinks and choose dry wine or Champagne instead.
I personally love a glass of vintage wine or Champagne, not only because it tastes wonderful, but because it’s much lower in sugar compared to sweet cocktails, dessert wines, or mixed drinks.
Remember, though, it’s not only about what you drink — it’s also about how much. Moderation is key for keeping your blood sugar stable and feeling good the next day.
EBS Tip: “Opt for dry wine or Champagne.”
Eat While You Drink
Try to eat while consuming alcohol, especially protein or fibre-rich foods.
The presence of food slows the absorption of alcohol into your bloodstream, which helps maintain steadier blood sugar levels. It also reduces the likelihood of energy crashes and cravings later in the evening.
Stay Hydrated
Keep water nearby. A good rule of thumb is to alternate between water and alcohol.
EBS Tip: “Drink a full glass of water after every one or two alcoholic drinks.”
This simple habit helps your body process alcohol more efficiently, supports your liver, and reduces dehydration (which contributes to headaches and cravings).
Look After Your Liver
Your liver plays a crucial role in filtering toxins and maintaining stable energy and hormone balance. When the liver becomes overloaded from alcohol, sugar, or inflammation, it can start to underperform, leaving you feeling tired, bloated, and mentally foggy.
Taking care of your liver is essential for long-term health and vitality. If you’d like to learn more, you can read our Liver Detox Expert Advice.
Reduce Cravings After Drinking
Alcohol can disrupt blood sugar balance and trigger cravings, especially after sugary drinks. By sticking to dry wine or Champagne, you’re far less likely to experience those intense sugar cravings later on.
I share a great cravings hack on the platform that our members love — it’s so effective at calming those post-drink snack urges.
And if you’re hosting friends, try my Anti-Inflammatory Appetizers Everyone Can Eat. They’re packed with nutrition and will keep you satisfied without spiking blood sugar.
The Power of Moderation
We all go overboard sometimes — and that’s okay! Don’t punish yourself with guilt. Instead, remember that moderation allows you to enjoy social occasions while still feeling well mentally and physically the next day.
More Helpful Reads
Looking after your liver, blood sugar, and overall health doesn’t mean giving up enjoyment. It’s about making wise choices, choosing quality over quantity, balancing alcohol with water and food, and supporting your body’s natural detox systems.
You’ll not only feel better after a night out — you’ll also reduce inflammation, cravings, and fatigue in the long run.
Have a wonderful day!
Firstly, we need inflammation in our body as a healthy bodily defense mechanism to a foreign pathogen, cut, trauma, bug, bacteria, virus…any stimuli that the immune recognizes as harmful, and then the healing process begins.
We don’t need inflammation to be running in the body continuously though – steadily, for a long time.
This post is about inflammation when it becomes an issue; when it becomes chronic inflammation (Systemic Inflammation – SCI).
What is the Difference Between Acute and Chronic Inflammation?
Acute inflammation is when we have a burn, cut, frostbite, infection, allergic reaction or are exposed to any type of bacteria. It is a short-term bodily defense response.
Chronic inflammation, however, is progressive and not caused by a wound or injury.
What Is Chronic Inflammation?
Chronic inflammation (systemic inflammation – SCI) is the reason why Eat Burn Sleep exists.
My health journey (that has a root in chronic inflammation from my teens), which led to near-death experiences with two auto-immune diseases, led me to the discovery of what would treat chronic inflammation for the long-term.
So much so, that I am in remission (along with thousands of other members).
You can learn more here (under About) about my journey and how I connected the dots to create a successful inflammation-reducing health platform – but the bottom line is that many people do not know that chronic inflammation is the cause of many common – and not so common diseases.
Chronic inflammation is a dysregulation of the immune system.
Chronic inflammation occurs when inflammation runs consistently in the body over several weeks to years, and many of us do not know this is happening before it can manifest itself in something more serious, if left untreated.
Chronic inflammation is linked to the most significant causes of death in the world: 3 out of 5 people die due to chronic inflammatory diseases like cancer, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Chronic inflammation diseases are anticipated to increase persistently for the next 30 years in the US.
Does Chronic Inflammation Go Away?
The great news is that chronic inflammation can be reversed, if the right measures to reduce inflammation in the body are taken.
This anti-inflammatory lifestyle aids in reversing chronic inflammation and optimizes health, for the long-term.
Symptoms can reduce quickly in many people, once they start the program.
Does Chronic Inflammation Cause Hair Loss?
Inflammation is elemental to both male and female pattern hair loss pathology, and reducing inflammation in the body is proven to be successful in reversing hair loss into good hair growth.
Alopecia is a T-cell-mediated autoimmune disease, and it is a disease that happens when the immune system attacks hair follicles, which causes inflammation, resulting in hair loss.
The good news is that alopecia and hair loss that is occurring for another reason (medication or stress, say) can be reversed with a diet and lifestyle that is packed with nutrients that will nourish the gut, immune, and, ultimately, hair follicles.
It has been noted that hair not only comes back quite quickly on this anti-inflammatory lifestyle, but there is more hair in quantity, and it grows back denser.
Does Chronic Inflammation Cause Obesity?
Chronic inflammation can lead to weight gain. Weight gain can lead to more inflammation.
Obesity is a chronic inflammation condition.
Having sustained inflammation in the body, as well as the altercations of dysfunctions associated with obesity, contributes to more obesity-linked complications.
Obesity also makes you more prone to type 2 diabetes, hormonal imbalances, depression, joint pain, psoriasis, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease.
Diet, exercise, and behavior modifications remain a cornerstone for treating obesity, and doctors, myself, and other health professionals recommend an anti-inflammatory lifestyle for obesity reduction.
Eat Burn Sleep’s weight loss success stories are in their thousands!
The perfect anti-inflammatory lifestyle for treating obesity optimizes gut health, liver, and immune system…ensuring safe and healthy inflammation reduction and weight loss for longevity, as well as providing self-nurturing, stress-busting and health education tools.
Optimizing gut health also improves mental health. It’s a science!
Many people that suffer from obesity have been surprised at how unrestrictive this lifestyle to treat obesity is, and how the weight loss protocol reprograms the mind to ditch hard habits, old eating patterns and cravings.
These are just a couple of the key successes, since it can feel like an overwhelming task to reduce body weight. Which is why extreme, dangerous ‘quick fix no-calorie weight loss’ diets and other extreme measures are sought for obesity conditions – which do not treat the condition at source and ultimately cause more inflammation and more disease susceptibility in the body.
It is more effective in the long term to treat chronic inflammation and obesity without medication, surgery and any nasty side effects.
Does Chronic Inflammation Mean Cancer?
Having chronic inflammation in the body does not mean cancer is present in the body.
However, having chronic inflammation does increase the risk of cancer since chronic inflammation is linked to the various steps involved in the formation of tumors – by way of cellular mutation, development, invasion, survival and proliferation.
So, cancer is a chronic inflammation condition but chronic inflammation does not mean cancer!
Do Chronic Inflammation Conditions Affect Fertility?
Yes, chronic inflammation conditions affect fertility. Check out the list of chronic inflammation conditions below.
The great news is that this lifestyle treats fertility issues and reduces your chronic inflammation condition (often to remission).
Reducing inflammation at systemic levels and improving your overall health with the right anti-inflammatory foods, anti-inflammatory movement and stress reduction tools will give you a greater chance of improving fertility, carrying and having a healthy baby (see below).
Why Do I Keep Having Miscarriages?
Miscarriages are linked to chronic inflammation.
If you have a known condition like PCOS, endometriosis, celiac disease, meniere’s, obesity, diabetes – or any of the chronic inflammation conditions listed below, you are at risk of having miscarriages.
How to increase your chances of a healthy pregnancy:
Eating the right macro and micro-nutrient-rich foods
Achieving optimum gut and mental health
Doing the right anti-inflammatory movement
Lowering cortisol with neuroplasticity exercises
Detoxifying the liver
Improving immune health
Improving hormone health
Getting good, regular sleep
Eat Burn Sleep will assist you in having a healthy pregnancy.
Don’t give up hope because it is possible to reduce miscarriages.
Check out the Eat Burn Sleep pregnancies, fertility and ‘healthy baby’ testimonials.
What Is The Cause of Low Testosterone?
Chronic inflammation can cause low testosterone, low sperm count and erectile dysfunction, which is why men use this anti-inflammatory platform to improve their chances of having a baby.
Does Chronic Inflammation Cause Diabetes?
Chronic inflammation plays a major factor in both diabetes type 1 and diabetes type 2. The causes of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are different but successful treatment remains the same.
For prevention and controlling diabetes, Eat Burn Sleep aids with:
Targeting systemic inflammation
Improving gut microbiata
Stabilising blood sugar levels
Cutting insulin resistance
Improving liver function – for type 2 diabetes, medication overburdens the liver
Regulating sleep
Reducing stress
Does Chronic Inflammation Cause Pain?
Chronic inflammation does cause pain in many conditions caused by chronic inflammation but not all of them.
Certainly, there is discomfort in some way with a condition that is linked with chronic inflammation.
See the list of conditions that are caused by inflammation below.
Does Chronic Inflammation Make You Tired?
Fatigue is a symptom of chronic inflammation and can make you very tired, listless, lacking energy and having no spark, so to speak!
Does Chronic Inflammation Cause Weight Loss?
Weight loss is linked to chronic inflammation. You see, gut health issues that you have with chronic inflammation conditions like leaky gut syndrome and Crohn’s say, can impact your body’s ability to digest food and absorb the nutrients.
Successful treatment for weight loss is targeted at gut health, reducing inflammation and stress in the body and reprogramming the mind, to promote regular sleep say, which is needed for bodily function regulations and renewals, for instance.
We have a specialized section for members for healthy weight gain on the platform, which details a protocol to gain weight in a healthy way that will support optimum health for the long term.
Health education is key to long term health, since good health and longevity is not about deprivation!
Does Chronic Inflammation Cause Eczema?
Eczema/dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory disease in the skin and in the blood.
What can happen also with eczema is that the nature of the itchiness of the skin often keeps people awake at night. Sleep is disturbed and stress levels go up as a result.
There is also the aspect that people can experience self-consciousness about the eczema, depending on where it is, and this contributes to a negative impact on emotional health, often causing depression and anxiety.
Stress, lack of sleep, feeling depressed – all contribute to chronic inflammation, so it is a never-ending cycle.
If you focus on not only improving gut health and immune health but also calming the mind down, too, this will help.
There are excellent and enjoyable inflammatory-quelling tools on the platform that are successful in treating eczema, psoriasis, acne – all skin conditions related to chronic inflammation, chronic inflammation conditions and autoimmune diseases.
You see, there are many chronic inflammation conditions that run alongside inflammatory skin conditions, like obesity and pcos which are treated at systemic levels.
Does Chronic Inflammation Make Your Body Bloated?
Yes, chronic inflammation conditions can cause bloating.
Conditions such as IBS and IBD certainly produce bloating symptoms.
My approach to reducing bloat and digestive conditions (and all of the symptoms that come with them) is targeted at gut health, nutrient absorption, healing the body at systemic levels, reducing inflammation and optimising immune, liver, thyroid and overall health.
What are Chronic Inflammation Conditions?
Here are some chronic inflammation conditions, signs and symptoms (and not limited to):
Chronic inflammation can go undetected for a long time and there are many signs that are not associated with inflammation.
Chronic inflammation can present itself in so many ways like weight gain and weight loss, body pain, depression, digestive issues, through the skin and hair, for instance.There are also surprising signs of inflammation like being tired all the time, insomnia and feeling like crying without cause (when otherwise healthy and life is good!).
What Causes Inflammation in the Body?
Chronic inflammation is caused by (but not limited by):
Diet
Age
Lifestyle
Toxin exposure
Pollution
Obesity
Autoimmune disorders
Auto-inflammatory disorders
Recurring episodes of acute inflammation (eg. pneumonia)
Genetics
Medication
Exercise
Stress
Sleep disorders
Does Chronic Inflammation Affect Mental Health?
Mental health is affected by chronic inflammation and chronic inflammation causes mental health issues.
Blood tests in people with mental health issues often show high inflammation markers.
Also, the effects of a chronic inflammation condition on your mental and emotional health can be so impactful on your life.
It’s a rather complex subject, explained throughout the Eat Burn Sleep platform because the mechanisms of the effects of inflammation in the body and how the body becomes inflamed is complex, and is unique to the individual’s make-up, surroundings and lifestyle.
It goes without saying that if you are living with inflammation, and living with pain, and having to cope with all of the inconveniences of how it affects your body, then there is no doubt this will affect your mental health.
There is also no doubt that it could become a vicious circle because if your mental health is affected, this has a profound effect on your body and the added stress itself could increase inflammation.
Also, mental health is affected by gut health.
The majority of your neurotransmitters are produced in a healthy gut and there’s a bidirectional relationship with the brain. It’s the brain-gut axis. Again, explored more on this optimal health platform.
If the gut does not have a good amount of good bacteria, this will affect your mental health.
There’s a scientific reason why people are happier living an anti-inflammatory lifestyle!
Can You Reduce Inflammation in the Body Naturally?
The only way inflammation can be reduced for the long term is naturally. Certain drugs that are given for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases that reduce and inhibit circulating mechanisms of inflammation say, actually cause inflammation in the long run.
Medication can harm the gut microbiome and cause inflammation in the intestinal walls. This is how leaky gut syndrome can develop, which then releases and triggers chronic inflammation.
Additionally, many anti-inflammatory drugs only mask symptoms of inflammation and do not treat the cause at systemic levels.
There isn’t any medication that can take away systemic inflammation for the long term.
The wonderful news is that you can contribute to lowering your inflammation. Inflammation can be reduced by what we can control, like the food that we eat, what we drink, how we sleep and how we move.
Removing inflammation triggers and reducing chronic inflammation and resetting the immune system is made easy on this anti-inflammatory lifestyle because it isn’t just an inflammation-reducing diet.
In order for inflammation to be lowered successfully, the body needs to be treated holistically.
For example, you can’t eat anti-inflammatory foods, have a sedentary or stressful lifestyle, and expect inflammation to reduce dramatically.
Can You Test for Chronic Inflammation?
Unfortunately, there aren’t any highly effective tests for assessing whether you have chronic inflammation running in your body.
Diagnoses are undertaken when existing inflammation is picked up in tests when there is an existing medical condition but these aren’t really accurate indicators.
Do check in with your doctor with any health concerns.
What Is the Best Way to Control Inflammation?
The best way to control inflammation in your body is to live an anti-inflammatory lifestyle and optimize your body for the best health in your gut, immune, liver, thyroid and so on.
This will prevent chronic inflammation from presenting itself.
A 360 degree nutrition-prescribed anti-inflammatory protocol is necessary to reduce inflammation in the body.
If you have a chronic inflammation condition running in your genes, then to inhibit the chances of you developing a chronic disease, and lessening the genetic expression, a lifestyle intervention is often necessary.
Success depends on how you approach reducing inflammation in your body. The beauty of this health platform is that it teaches balance and a healthy relationship with the idea of being healthy.
Approaching a new healthy lifestyle from a nurturing angle will allow for success. A successful healthy lifestyle is an enjoyable one, not a gruelling one!
Learning about what impacts your body positively and negatively aids in healing your body and following a plan of what to eat and drink makes it easier.
Healing your gut allows for nutrient absorption, good immune health, liver health, hormone balancing and so the list continues.
Does Exercise Reduce Inflammation?
Yes, exercise reduces inflammation but it is important to do the right anti-inflammatory exercise.
How to move, when and for how long and keeping stress at bay with visual and audio guides, accessible 24 hours a day, will assist you in keeping inflammation at bay, maximising gut health and immune health.
There are certain movements that assist with lowering multiple pro-inflammatory molecules and cytokines and many that contribute to them.
Doing the correct anti-inflammatory movements are a major part of healing from chronic inflammation conditions. Many people are surprised by the movements that are necessary for this process.
For instance, high impact workouts actually contribute to chronic inflammation due to the levels of inflammation running consistently in the body.
How Do You Stop Insomnia?
Insomnia is not good for optimum health, since so many important bodily functions happen during the cycles of sleep.
You can learn to sleep though on Eat Burn Sleep (hence the ‘Sleep’!). Even if you have been working nightshifts for years or have deep embedded unhealthy sleep patterns.
Reprogramming your mind and body to have healthy, regular sleep will ensure that you are on the right path to combatting chronic inflammation, allowing for essential functions that only happen when the body rests regularly.
The rebuilding of human growth hormones and hunger hormone regulation, along with other regeneration occurs when you go through regular good sleep cycles.
Self-nurturing, neuroplasticity exercises, both mentally and physically, performed regularly will reduce inflammation, prevent inflammation and control inflammation.
Enjoying life and socialising are other key factors for optimum health.
It is wonderful to know that this anti-inflammatory lifestyle is treating inflammatory conditions in so many people, giving them their lives back (and giving lives in terms of fertility and having babies!).
It is the reason why I created Eat Burn Sleep.
Positive health changes are not temporary, are felt quickly and optimum health is ultimately achieved. Members state a happier and healthier state of being than ever before!
How Do You Start an Anti-inflammatory Lifestyle?
Starting an anti-inflammatory lifestyle may seem daunting, which is why the Eat Burn Sleep platform makes it an easy task.
There’s an app to help you keep on track, anti-inflammatory food lists, daily planners, shopping lists, full anti-inflammatory lifestyle support from Yalda and a team of nutritionists and inspiration and motivation from other members in a community forum.
260+ anti-inflammatory recipes are constantly being added to, 190+ anti-inflammatory movement videos, specialized advice sections, reboot and revive weeks, breakfast options, full health education…the list goes on!
I invite you to take a look at the testimonials and see how Eat Burn Sleep can help your chronic inflammation condition.
Eat Burn Sleeps allows you to have more autonomy over your health in a time where health professionals are pushed to the limit.
Every tool that you need to quell inflammation is here on the platform.
Keep happy, keep healthy and keep the inflammation down! Get in touch with the Eat Burn Sleep team, if you have any questions!
Hello everyone! It’s the festive season, and I have decided to cheer you more with these microbiota-loving recipes.
With these delicious, gut-friendly, anti-inflammatory recipes, you can enjoy everything you look forward to doing with the knowledge that you won’t suffer from any digestive issues.
A Festive Menu That Is Gentle on the Stomach
These Eat Burn Sleep recipes are not just for people seeking low-inflammation and gut-friendly foods or their chronic inflammatory condition at Christmas – everyone loves them. I have created over 300 gut-friendly recipes, and this unique selection won’t disappoint you or your guests during the holidays.
Moroccan Spiced Coffee: My Moroccan spiced coffee is fantastic as it contains cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove. These warming spices have incredible anti-inflammatory properties that help stabilize your blood sugar levels and offset some of the adverse effects of caffeine. See how easy it is and perfect for the season. I cannot wait for you to try it.
Wild Salmon Spread: Perfect as a dip with crudites such as carrots, celery, or fennel sticks. Wild salmon is packed with anti-inflammatory omega-3 acids, making this recipe easy to make.
Roasted Butternut Squash Soup: A classic dairy-free soup yet so rich and satisfying. The perfect winter warmer!
Italian Chicken Salad could be perfect for a nice salad with turkey leftovers on the 26th of December.
My Guacamole would work perfectly with the salmon spread for festive, gut-friendly nibbles. You can also serve it on its own with crudites. This guacamole contains no raw onions, which can be hard to digest sometimes, so I hope you all enjoy it!
Roasted Carrots and Parsnips With Cumin Seeds: This great source of healthy carbohydrates makes an excellent side for your Christmas dinner or any meal! It is easy to make, and you can use oil or goose fat.
Roast Christmas Chicken: Enjoy this amazing Christmas classic alternative for turkey without worrying that it will turn out dry!
Healthy Cranberry Sauce: You have to try this cranberry sauce recipe! It’s caramelized, tangy, woody, and slightly tart, with a deep berry flavor and a slight spice of heady cinnamon.
Sweet Potatoes With Rosemary and Sage: This delicious recipe is a fantastic side dish option and a great source of good carbs.
Brussels Sprouts, Chicken, and Bacon Skillet: This is a great, easy, and delicious dish to serve on a cold winter’s day. You can use chicken or turkey leftovers to prepare it!
Brussels Sprouts With Pancetta & Sage: This dish will make a great side and is easy and quick to prepare. I love to make it around this time of the year!
Caramelized Apple & Cinnamon Crumble: I love this recipe with a side of coconut yogurt. It is delicious and uses simple ingredients. Apple and cinnamon are always a winning combo!
2-ingredient Dark Chocolate Mousse Pot: These little chocolate bombs are so easy to make, delicious, and simple. You can use nice glasses for individual portions and garnish them with nuts, berries, or cacao nibs.
Paleo Energy Bars: Let me warn you, these are totally addictive! You can cut them into small squares, and they make a wonderful and absolutely delicious alternative to chocolates. They keep well in the fridge and freeze well, too, so you can save half for later if you wish to do so.
Mandarin & Almond Cake: Mandarins and oranges are in season, so make sure to try this delicious and very popular recipe! It is incredibly light and uses very few ingredients without added fat!
Chocolate & Sea Salt Brownies: Absolutely decadent but still ok by my book! Many of you find them tastier than regular brownies, so if you haven’t made them, go for it!
Coconut & Chocolate Macaroons: I created this recipe for Easter, and these mouthfuls of deliciousness work perfectly for the Christmas season, too!
Chocolate Fudge Cake: This is one of my gut-friendly recipes that nobody believes is dairy-free, gluten-free, grain-free, and nut-free! It’s so rich! My children love it so much that I keep remaking it for them.
Chocolate Soft Cake: This beauty is fluffy, light, and not very sweet. Perfect chocolate cake alternative!
I hope you enjoy these recipes! Have a wonderful, safe, festive time. Feel free to navigate the website for more low-inflammation and gut-friendly recipes for all seasons and reasons!
Yalda x
Oh, so you know, my Immune-boosting Energy Balls are perfect for keeping you in tip-top form when you feel a little dip and fancy something sweet at this hectic time. They are packed with protein and taste, and they are portable. Perfect!
The Daily Mail newspaper recently asked me to join a panel of doctors and nutritionists on what drinks cause a hangover. It’s an interesting little article.
Calories in Drinks Affect You the Next Day
It is good to be mindful of alcohol and enjoy it in moderation. I love to have a glass of good wine, especially with dinner.
At parties, I really enjoy a glass of Champagne.
‘Fluctuating blood sugar levels induce cravings and hangovers’
So, when asked, I always recommend steering clear of sugary alcoholic beverages because they produce the worst hangovers.
The calories in a drink vary, which always affects how you feel the next day.
So, for instance, a glass of mulled wine, which is expected at this time of the year, is 235 calories for a 125ml glass.
The same size glass of white wine contains around 125kcal. Dry Champagne averages around 95kcal.
Some sweet alcoholic drinks play havoc with your blood sugar levels and induce cravings while drinking them.
The next day will always be challenging, with fluctuating blood sugar levels.
So, I would opt for dry white wine or Champagne. Vintage wines are great because they contain bacteria that might benefit your gastrointestinal health.
The article is a great little read; a doctor briefly explains the science behind a hangover.
You may also be interested in the article about what Best Alcoholic Drinks for Diabetes.
If you plan a night of cocktails soon, check out the article: How to Deal With a Hangover!
If you are having friends over, here are some Anti-inflammatory Appetizers That Everyone Can Eat, Gut-friendly Festive Recipes, and An Anti-inflammatory Thanksgiving.
Whatever you do, enjoy yourself and pick up on a healthy lifestyle again the day after! Here’s the Ultimate Liver Detox Guide!
The anti-inflammatory diet operates under the premise that specific foods either contribute to or can alleviate chronic inflammation. In the body, inflammation serves as a natural response to stress or injury.
While short-term inflammation is often a crucial part of the body’s healing process after injuries or illnesses, prolonged or chronic inflammation can pose a threat to one’s health. Persistent inflammation over time is linked to severe diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer.
Consuming anti-inflammatory foods, those that combat inflammation, can effectively diminish inflammation, thwart the onset of chronic diseases, and foster overall health and well-being. To help stave off inflammation, consider incorporating more of certain foods and reducing the intake of others.
Unraveling the Connection: Exploring the Impact of Anti-Inflammatory Diets on Weight Loss and Overall Health
In the ever-evolving landscape of health and wellness, the concept of an anti-inflammatory diet has gained substantial attention. This article seeks to unravel the intricate relationship between anti-inflammatory diets and weight loss. By delving into key terms such as diet, inflammation, and health, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of how dietary choices can impact not only our weight but also our overall well-being.
The Essence of Anti-Inflammatory Diets
Before we explore the link between anti-inflammatory diets and weight loss, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental principles behind such dietary approaches. An anti-inflammatory diet extends beyond mere food choices; it encompasses a holistic lifestyle targeting chronic inflammation, a precursor to various health issues. As we navigate this exploration, terms like Mediterranean diet, fatty acids, and inflammatory potential will play a crucial role in understanding the broader context.
What’s an Anti-Inflammatory Diet?
An anti-inflammatory diet is a lot like the Mediterranean Diet – both are about eating fresh and healthy foods. This diet includes lots of antioxidants from fresh fruits and veggies and avoids foods that can cause inflammation, like processed or fried foods, and fast foods.
The cool thing about an anti-inflammatory diet is that you don’t have to worry about counting calories. Instead, it focuses on balancing the three main nutrients: carbs, protein, and fats. For this diet, aim for 40 to 50 percent of your calories from protein, 30 percent from fats, and 20 to 30 percent from good carbohydrates. Each recipe on the app gives you all the nutritional information you need if you want to track them yourself.
What Foods Should I Steer Clear of on an Anti-Inflammatory Diet?
Just as it’s essential to include foods that fight inflammation, it’s equally crucial to cut back on those that might trigger inflammation in your body. Here are some guidelines to help you remove potentially inflammatory foods from your diet:
Say No to Highly Processed Foods: Avoid foods made with white flour and sugar, such as white bread, packaged snacks, and baked goods.
Limit Saturated Fat: Cut down on saturated fat by consuming less full-fat dairy. Be mindful of fatty meats and products made with palm oil.
Food Lists: Follow the Eat Burn Sleep Food Lists for complete guides on foods to avoid and foods to favor.
Scientific Insights and Studies
To substantiate the claims surrounding anti-inflammatory diets, we turn to scientific studies and research. Organizations like the U.S. National Institutes of Health (https://www.nih.gov/) and Tufts University have delved into the impact of these diets on chronic inflammation, cardiovascular health, and weight management. Examining the results of these studies sheds light on the tangible benefits of incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and omega fatty acids, into our daily intake.
Weight Loss and Cardiovascular Health
One of the focal points of this exploration is the intersection between anti-inflammatory diets and weight loss. The Mediterranean diet emerges as a noteworthy player in this context, emphasizing not only the reduction of inflammation but also the promotion of heart health. As we dissect the relationships between fatty acids, processed foods, and cardiovascular disease risk, a clearer picture of the impact of dietary choices on weight and heart health begins to emerge.
Does It Produce Results?
A substantial body of research indicates that a diet rich in unhealthy foods—such as saturated fats, trans fats, fried foods, and refined carbohydrates—can trigger inflammation, potentially leading to serious diseases. Conversely, numerous studies highlight the positive impacts of anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, good quality animal protein, and those high in omega-3 fats.
It’s crucial to note that the anti-inflammatory diet wasn’t designed with weight loss as its primary goal. Still, adopting a diet abundant in low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, and good quality animal protein, while minimizing processed foods and added sugars, may likely result in weight loss. It’s essential to be aware that even though beneficial, high-fat foods like avocados and nuts are also calorically dense. Portion control is key when incorporating these foods into your diet.
Preventing Disease and Optimizing Health
Beyond weight loss, the discussion extends to the prevention of diseases associated with chronic inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis and type 2 diabetes. An anti-inflammatory diet is portrayed not just as a tool for shedding excess weight but as a proactive approach to optimizing health and reducing the risk of developing various ailments.
Practical Considerations and Dietary Guidance
Implementing an anti-inflammatory diet requires practical considerations, including dietary adjustments and mindful eating habits. High blood pressure, low-grade inflammation, and inflammatory bowel disease are among the health concerns that can be positively influenced by adopting an anti-inflammatory eating pattern. The role of specific foods, such as olive oil, in reducing inflammation will be explored, providing readers with tangible steps towards a healthier lifestyle.
Personal Experiences and Expert Insights
As we navigate this exploration, it’s crucial to weave in personal experiences and insights from experts. Yalda Alaoui’s Eat Burn Sleep (EBS) approach, rooted in a holistic anti-inflammatory lifestyle, serves as a beacon of practical wisdom. Expert voices from institutions like the Cleveland Clinic and the American Heart Association provide additional perspectives on the significance of anti-inflammatory diets in the broader landscape of health.
Should You Give It a Go?
In general, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet aligns with EatBurnSleep’s nutritional principles, emphasizing a healthy way of eating. This diet reinforces the fundamental understanding that a nutritious diet comprises fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Steering clear of excessive processed, fried, refined, and sugary foods is a wise choice for promoting a healthier diet, as an excess of these items may contribute to the onset of chronic diseases. Embracing this diet is likely to boost your intake of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, potentially enhancing your overall well-being and aiding in weight loss.
In conclusion, the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that an anti-inflammatory diet is indeed beneficial for weight loss and, more importantly, for overall health. The interconnected web of terms explored in this article showcases the complexity of dietary choices and their profound impact on our bodies. As we wrap up this exploration, the invitation is extended to delve deeper into the wealth of information offered by platforms like EBS, supported by entities such as the Academy of Nutrition and the American College of Cardiology. By embracing an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, individuals can embark on a transformative journey towards holistic well-being.
I was interviewed by Beauty and Well-Being (BWB) about the connection between chronic inflammation and mental health.
Here are some snippets:
‘Depression is directly linked to Chronic Inflammation. Blood tests of people with mental health issues often show high inflammation markers. Reducing chronic inflammation for anyone suffering from depression would require a change in their overall lifestyle. These changes range from the food they eat, the way they move their bodies, their sleep patterns, and the way they think.’
Gut health is important to reduce inflammation and neuroinflammation. Recipes like Spinach and Tomato Paleo Muffins,Slow Cooker Chicken Soup & Vietnamese Chopped Salad all encourage a good gut diversity. An anti-inflammatory breakfast, lunch, and dinner with afternoon treats like cake (!) will help you.
Click here to read the article.
You may also be interested in reading Depression Diet and Lifestyle Intervention, How Do You Live With IBS and Anxiety?, Do You Often Feel Like Crying? & How Can You Achieve Optimal Wellness?
There is in-depth Depression advice in the Expert Advice section, which goes deep into what can lift your depression on top of this gut-mind-health lifestyle. So many members have put their depression and anxiety into remission.
Contact the team with any questions, or reach out to our nutritionists in our forum.
I wish you great health.
Yalda Alaoui Joins Dr. Ursula Levine for a Gut Health Podcast Lanserhof at The Arts Club
Forever Young: The Health Podcast
WHEN: September 15th, 2020 6pm GMT
Yalda Alaoui joins Dr. Ursula Levine for Forever Young: The Health Podcast at London’s leading private wellness clinic to discuss achieving optimal health by living an anti-inflammatory lifestyle.
Yalda will explain how gut health is the source of most health issues and how a healthy gut helps:
The Links Between Mental Health and Physical Health
A Conversation with Dr. Tamsin Lewis:
I hope you enjoy this fascinating insight into the link between chronic disease and dysfunction.
The Psychology of Inflammation
Dr. Tamsin Lewis is a medical doctor with a BSc in Neuroscience and the Biology of Ageing, specialist training in psychiatry and sports medicine, and further education in nutritional and functional medicine.
She is a former GB elite triathlete who started her own company focused on providing an integrated medical service with a unique approach to optimal health. Dr. Tamsin joined me for a live on Instagram to talk about the psychology of inflammation.
In this video, we cover the following:
What physical processes can happen after emotional trauma?
How to measure changes in your body.
How breathing affects your physical and mental health.
What is the connection between psychological safety and autoimmune issues?
What is hormesis, and how can it strengthen your body?
I have dedicated an entire section to mental wellness on the Eat Burn Sleep Platform, and there is an in-depth section on Depression in the Personalized Advice with extra support. I will continue to add more Videos, interviews, Podcasts, and articles surrounding many topics connected with mental health and physical health. Sign up for the newsletter so you don’t miss a thing!
You may want to read these articles: Feeling Depressed, Not Jolly?Depression Diet & Lifestyle Intervention, Why Are You Moody & Irritable? & Does Junk Food Damage Your Body?
Reach out to me on Instagram or the team with any questions. Gut health, anti-inflammatory movements, neuroplasticity exercises, and lifestyle will help you emotionally and ease your anxiety and depression.
Wishing you a good day!
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Reboot & Revive
