Super Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie

My Graves disease had resurfaced again and was wreaking havoc on my body for almost two years when I first read about the connection between my gut, and essentially what I was eating, and the autoimmune disease. Not last because I had also just found out about my second autoimmune disease: celiac. I got to know that it is very likely to develop another one of these lovely conditions once you got the first, something my treating doctors failed to convey, and started to research the origin of it all.

It turns out the culprit of many conditions, including all autoimmune ones, is chronic (also called systemic) inflammation. Not the healthy inflammation which is indispensable to heal that twisted ankle or the cut wound in your finger, but rather one that takes over your entire body and uncontrollably harms your heart, your joints, your respiratory organs, your skin and your digestive tract to name a few.

The connection between chronic inflammation and digestive disorders is a bit tricky as both can have a negative effect on one another and it is impossible to tell what was there first. Systemic inflammation can, for example, cause something called Leaky Gut, a syndrome where the small intestine becomes too permeable and instead of only releasing nutritious particles into the bloodstream, waste and toxins leak through as well. This in return can lead to chronic inflammation and you’ve got yourself an unsavoury vicious circle.

Whether the Leaky Gut or the inflammation comes first ultimately doesn’t matter, as both stem from an unhealthy sedentary or stressful lifestyle and a diet high in refined grains, sugars, processed meats and trans-fatty acids. Converting to a holistic lifestyle with regular exercise, mindful relaxation and a balanced diet is often the only way to heal your gut and sooth the inflammatory responses in your body

Especially important for combatting inflammation is to reduce the intake of fast and fried food, sugary beverages and candy, commercial baked goods and other processed grains. Instead ensure you up your fresh fruits and vegetables, your healthy fats and eat regularly and in moderation.

Personally, I always find it easier to consistently include something good into my diet instead of thinking about all the things I should avoid. That’s how I developed this super anti-inflammatory breakfast smoothie which is now my ideal start in the day as it leaves me feeling satisfied and energized, all while doing its part in healing my Graves disease.

Try this loaded smoothie instead of your regular toast, sugary cereals and cow’s milk products in the morning for a healthy and energized start in the day. Vitamin C, antioxidants, flavonoids and omega 3 fatty acids are especially helpful in combating inflammation. A good dose of each is incorporated in this super smoothie.

You’ll find some capsule additives in the recipe as this concentrated form is often more easily available and effective. They can be left out without problems if a substitute is available it is mentioned.

Super Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie

Ingredients

• 1 cup of coconut water can be substituted with coconut milk or water
• 1 half frozen avocado this gives a similar creaminess as a frozen banana but fresh avocado and a few ice cubes work as well
• 1 half cup of frozen berries
• A small handful of each kale and spinach
• Small piece fresh grated ginger and turmeric can be substituted 1/2 tsp of each powder form
• 1 tbsp spirulina can be substituted with equal amounts chlorella or left out
• 1 capsule each Trikatu and Triphala they can be difficult to find and so you might substitute them with anti-inflammatory spices like 1/4 tsp each of ground cloves and cardamom and a pinch of nutmeg and cayenne pepper
• 1 capsule fish oil or 1 tbsp chia or flax seeds
• 1 half tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions 

• Put everything in the blender except the capsules and blend for 1 minute or until smooth.
• Empty the capsules into the smoothie and quickly pulse through.
• Serve immediately.