Updates from Maria Custode

What does an anti-inflammatory diet consist of?

What does an anti-inflammatory diet consist of?
 Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or infection, but when it becomes chronic, inflammation can have a detrimental effect on our health. An anti-inflammatory diet is full of nutrient-rich foods that can help reduce this chronic inflammation and help women over 40 maintain their health and well-being. Let’s take a look at what an anti-inflammatory diet consists of.

The Basics of an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
An anti-inflammatory diet is high in fruits and vegetables such as leafy greens and brightly colored produce like berries, tomatoes, squash, peppers, and carrots. Whole grains such as oats, quinoa, barley, brown rice, and farro are also great sources of fiber. Healthy fats from avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, canola oil are also beneficial for reducing inflammation. Finally, lean proteins such as fish (salmon and herring are especially good options), poultry, tofu and tempeh provide essential nutrients while staying low in saturated fat.

In addition to these nutrient-filled foods there are some other key components to an anti-inflammatory diet including limiting processed foods (which are often high in sugar) as well as avoiding trans fats found in fried foods and processed snacks. Reducing your intake of saturated fats from red meat should also be a priority as they have been linked to inflammation in the body. Eating more plant based proteins along with healthy fats will help you stay satisfied while keeping inflammation at bay.

Eliminating Certain Foods From Your Diet
When it comes to reducing inflammation it’s not just about adding certain foods into your meal plan; eliminating certain foods from your diet can be just as important if not more so. For example cutting back on refined carbohydrates like white bread or white pasta which lack the same amount of fiber that whole grains offer is a must for any anti inflammatory diet. Additionally processed meats (such as bacon or hot dogs) contain nitrates which have been linked to increased levels of inflammation so reducing or eliminating these types of meats can also be beneficial for overall health.  Finally alcohol should be limited or eliminated altogether due to its inflammatory effects on the body over time; however moderate consumption may still be enjoyed in moderation depending on each individual person's lifestyle preferences.

In short an anti-inflammatory diet focuses on consuming nutrient rich fruits and veggies whole grains healthy fats lean proteins while limiting processed sugars saturated fats trans fats refined carbohydrates and processed meats such as bacon or hot dogs If followed properly this type of meal plan can greatly reduce levels of chronic inflammation while helping women over 40 maintain their health and well being with delicious nutrient filled meals every day!

Here is the link to what I use to manage my inflammation.
Here's a free list of food do's and don'ts

Ask me about the 11 day jumpstart to reduce pain and inflammation



Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

What foods make arthritis go away?

What foods make arthritis go away?
For those suffering from arthritis, it can be difficult to know how best to manage the pain and discomfort associated with this condition. While it may seem impossible to find relief from arthritis, there are ways that you can ease your symptoms through dietary changes. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the foods that can help you find relief from your painful arthritis symptoms.

Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that help reduce inflammation in the body. Foods like salmon, sardines, walnuts, and flaxseeds are all rich in omega-3 fatty acids and can help reduce the pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Studies have also shown that omega-3 fatty acids may even slow down the progression of the disease in some cases.

Foods High in Vitamin D
Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps to strengthen bones, which may offer some relief for those who suffer from osteoarthritis. Vitamin D is found naturally in foods such as eggs, mushrooms, cheese, and yogurt. Additionally, many orange juice brands now come fortified with vitamin D so you can get an extra boost of this powerful nutrient every day.

Foods Rich in Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals—which makes it a great choice for people with rheumatoid arthritis since it works to reduce inflammation and joint pain caused by this condition. Vitamin C sources include citrus fruits like oranges and lemons as well as broccoli, bell peppers, kale and papaya.

Arthritis can be a painful and debilitating condition but there are steps you can take to find relief from its symptoms. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and vitamin C can all help alleviate joint pain associated with arthritis while helping to protect your cells against further damage caused by free radicals. Women over 40 should incorporate these healthy ingredients into their diets to see if they experience any improvement or relief from their arthritis symptoms.

Here is the link to what I use to manage my inflammation.


Ask me about the 11 day jumpstart to reduce pain and inflammation


Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

What blood test shows arthritis?

What blood test shows arthritis?
 As you age, your joints can become stiff and painful—a condition known as arthritis. Though there are several types of arthritis, they all share the same symptoms. To properly diagnose and treat the condition, it is important to understand what blood tests reveal about arthritis.

Types of Tests for Arthritis
The type of test used to diagnose arthritis will depend on the type of arthritis being tested for. A complete blood count (CBC) measures components in the blood that can indicate whether inflammation is present in your body. This test is used as an initial screening tool for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It can also be used to measure how well a treatment plan is working by looking at changes in levels over time.

Another common test for RA is the C-reactive protein (CRP) test, which measures the amount of protein produced in response to inflammation. If a CBC shows signs of inflammation but does not provide enough information, then a CRP test may be ordered to confirm or rule out an RA diagnosis. In cases where RA is suspected but has not been confirmed, both tests may be ordered together to get a more comprehensive overview of a person’s health status.

People with osteoarthritis (OA) typically do not require any specific tests beyond a physical examination and imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI scans. However, if OA symptoms are severe or persistent, doctors may order blood tests such as an ANA panel or a rheumatoid factor (RF) assay to rule out other forms of inflammatory arthritis including RA and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). An ANA panel looks for antibodies in the blood that could indicate autoimmune disease while an RF assay measures the level of autoantibodies present in the body—high levels could indicate RA or other forms of inflammatory arthritis such as PsA.

Blood testing plays an important role in diagnosing and managing many types of arthritis including rheumatoid and psoriatic arthrits. For women over 40 who are experiencing joint pain and stiffness, it’s important to talk to your doctor about potential causes and any recommended tests that may help inform their diagnosis. With proper screening tools like CBCs and CRPs, you can gain insight into what might be causing your joint pain so that you can get on track toward feeling better soon!

Here is the link to what I use to manage my inflammation.


Ask me about the 11 day jumpstart to reduce pain and inflammation



Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Is vitamin B-12 good for arthritis?

Is vitamin B-12 good for arthritis?
If you're over the age of 40, you may have heard about arthritis and how it can make your life challenging. But did you know that taking Vitamin B-12 can help reduce the symptoms of arthritis? In this blog post, we'll take a look at why Vitamin B-12 is recommended for managing arthritis and how it can benefit you in the long run.

What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a group of conditions that cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It's one of the most common causes of disability in adults over 65 years old. The two main types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when there is wear and tear on the cartilage that cushions the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in the joints causing inflammation.

How Can Vitamin B-12 Help with Arthritis?
Vitamin B-12 has been found to be beneficial for people suffering from both types of arthritis. Studies have shown that supplementing with vitamin B-12 can help reduce inflammation and joint pain caused by arthritis. Additionally, vitamin B-12 helps improve energy levels in people who suffer from fatigue due to their condition. Finally, vitamin B-12 also helps support bone health which may help prevent further joint damage caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Where Can I Get Vitamin B-12?
Vitamin B-12 can be found naturally in foods such as fish, meat, eggs, dairy products, fortified cereals, and some yeast extracts like Marmite. However, since many people don't get enough from their diets alone, taking a supplement may be necessary to ensure adequate intake of this important vitamin. Supplements usually come in either pill or liquid form and should be taken under a doctor's supervision if you have any existing medical conditions or allergies to certain ingredients.

 All in all, adding Vitamin B-12 to your diet can help relieve some of the symptoms associated with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis as well as improve energy levels overall. While vitamin supplements should never replace traditional treatments prescribed by your doctor, they can be an effective way to manage symptoms while also providing essential nutrients that may otherwise not be available through diet alone. So if you're looking for an easy addition to your daily routine that could help ease your joint pain due to arthritis - try adding a vitamin b-12 supplement today!

This is my favorite source of B-12

Here is the link to what I use to manage my inflammation.


Ask me about the 11 day jumpstart to reduce pain and inflammation



Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

What’s the Difference between Arthritis and Osteoarthritis?

What’s the Difference between Arthritis and Osteoarthritis?
 Arthritis is a blanket term used to describe joint pain, stiffness, and swelling caused by inflammation in the joints. There are many types of arthritis, each with its own set of symptoms. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Understanding the differences between these two conditions is key to getting an accurate diagnosis and choosing an effective treatment plan.

What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis in adults over the age of 50. It happens when cartilage, which acts as a cushion between bones in your joints, begins to break down. This can cause friction between bones and cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in your joints. OA can happen in any joint but commonly affects hands, hips, knees, spine, or feet.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation throughout your body but mainly affects your joints. Unlike osteoarthritis where only one joint may be affected at a time, RA usually affects multiple joints at once and can cause pain on both sides of your body. RA also has other effects such as fatigue, fevers, dry eyes/mouths, rashes/lumps under skin or nodules on fingers/toes. If left untreated it can cause deformities in the affected joints and even lead to disability.

Arthritis may seem like a daunting condition but understanding the differences between OA and RA can help you get an accurate diagnosis so you can choose a treatment plan that works best for you. While there is no cure for either type of arthritis yet, treatments such as physical therapy, natural supplements or medications may help reduce pain and improve mobility so you can continue living life to its fullest! Talk to your healthcare provider today if you think you may have symptoms of either condition so they can create a personalized treatment plan just for you!

Here is the link to what I use to manage my inflammation.


Ask me about the 11 day jumpstart to reduce pain and inflammation



Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Meet Maria Custode

 


For years, I was running on empty—long hours, low energy, poor sleep, and a body that just wasn’t responding the way it used to.
I finally realized… it wasn’t about trying harder. It was about supporting my body differently.

Now, I focus on what actually works:
more energy, better sleep, less inflammation, and a lifestyle I can sustain.
And I help other women over 40 do the same—without extremes or quick fixes.

Because this chapter isn’t about slowing down…
it’s about finally feeling like yourself again.

If you’re feeling off or stuck, I’m always happy to share what’s been working for me 💛



Medical Disclaimer The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.


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