Tag Archive for: Inflammation

two swimmers walking into a bay with dramatic clouds

Dressed for a Formal Event that Nobody Else was Attending

For over two years, a few mornings a week, I would get up in the dark, put on my swimsuit, a big lined swim coat, and a thick beanie. I made a cup of coffee, got into my car, and drove to a quiet bay. I made a date with a good friend and…

Metabolic Syndrome: A Primer

Nobody wakes up and feels like they have metabolic syndrome. It builds quietly while we are managing the symptoms we can feel. Knowing what to look for and being willing to make diet and lifestyle changes are among the most proactive steps…
obscured view of light with circles and stripes

Heart Health: A Whole-Body Perspective

Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in women. When we talk about cardiovascular health, the conversation often starts and ends with cholesterol numbers and blood pressure readings. Those markers matter, but they are only…
bowl with pomegranate seeds and chunks of kiwiBarbara Sobel 2025

Diet & Lifestyle Habits to Reduce Cardiometabolic Risk

February is Heart Health Month; if you’re in midlife, this one’s for you. When I talk about heart health, I am really talking about something more comprehensive: cardiometabolic disease. It develops when metabolic dysfunction—like high…
tree lined walk wayBarbara Sobel 2025

Simple Steps to Help Calm Stress and Inflammation

It’s no secret that life feels more stressful than ever. With schedules and commitments that leave us rushing from one thing to another, worrying about the “what-ifs” on repeat, skipping meals or making less than optimal choices because…
picture from fish market with small fish@barbarasobel2023

Sustainable Seafood: It’s time to learn more

I have had more than one new client recently who has told me they are either hesitant to eat fish, flat out don't like it, or don't know how to cook it. Indeed, many poor fishing practices are not good for the environment, and some of the larger…
screen shot of article titled 7 Anti-Inflammatory Dinner Ideas (That Also Support Your Gut Health)

7 Anti-Inflammatory Dinner Ideas (That Also Support Your Gut Health)

I was recently interviewed for an article on RealSimple.com about inflammation, the anti-inflammatory diet, and how to make easy, nourishing meals that help lower inflammation and support a healthier gut. The article links to some great recipes,…
grey heart shapes behind a brown backgroung

Heart Health: Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women

Did you know that cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women? While women may have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease before menopause, that risk increases after menopause when estrogen, which…
red bowl of omega 3 supplements

What to Look for when Considering Supplements to Help Reduce Inflammation

Diet and lifestyle changes are my first step in reducing chronic inflammation, but sometimes they are just not enough.  Supplements can be a very helpful addition to an inflammation-reducing protocol when added to a diet rich in real, whole…
cup of coffee

Coffee: An Anti-inflammatory Food for Many, But Not For Every One

Most of us think of our morning coffee as a reward for getting out of bed. It turns out that plain coffee can help reduce inflammation. Coffee is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help remove free radicals and decrease oxidative stress, key components…
Best Food for Fighting Inflammation

This Is the Absolute Best Food for Fighting Inflammation, According to Registered Dietitians

I was recently interviewed for an article on www.Parade.com about the best food for fighting inflammation. While many foods are anti-inflammatory, think colorful plant foods, fatty fish, olive oil, coffee, tea, herbs, and spices, along with…
sun above ocean view

Vitamin D is a Superstar

I have been noticing two interesting trends in my practice. First, a lot of my clients are not being tested for vitamin D levels. Second, when they are being tested most of my clients are falling below the optimal range. Today I wanted to talk…
looking out at the sky through an oval hole

What Does Gut Health Have To Do With It?

In my own health journey and those of many of my clients, optimizing gut health has been game-changing. I want to share the experience of one client I worked with recently. She came to me with embarrassing bloating and gas, joint pain, brain…
hand cutting tops off of carrots on a cutting board

Diet and Lifestyle Tips to Support Immune Health

I listened to an interesting webinar last week from the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) about what we can do to improve our immune system as we wait and prepare for the vaccine. Some of us, including me, are going to have a bit of wait…
tray full of brown eggs

The Special Diet And The End of The Struggle

I was talking with a client this week who is following a therapeutic diet that is quite restrictive. In addition to a lot of digestive issues, she is struggling with a lot of feelings about having to follow this diet and finding that she starts…
Two jars of homemade bone broth

Bone Broth

Somethings never change. I was looking back at some pictures from a year ago and snapped this as I finished bottling up some homemade bone broth and this morning I did the exact same thing. Cooking roasted bones (beef, turkey, pork, chicken,…
small red leaves on cement steps

Stress: Sleeping, eating, exercising, and more during the pandemic

Here in the Bay Area we are in the middle of another stay-at-home order. For most of us, staying at home has come with both benefits and challenges. For me, one benefit is having my sons living at home again and one of my biggest challenges…
blackberry scones on a blue plaid towel© Barbara Sobel Nutrition 2020

Gluten-Free Diet: Is it working and am I doing it right?

Are you following a gluten-free diet and not feeling as good as you think you should or are you unsure if a gluten-free diet might be helpful for your particular situation?  I want to tell you about a client of mine who has been following…
baking tray filled with salad and backed salmon

Summer Sheet Pan Salad with Salmon

This recipe was inspired by Farmhouse Lab, a local organic dressing company. I tried out Farmhouse Lab's amazing consciously sourced and organic Sunny Avocado dressing after I was blown away by one of their sheet pan salads. I love sheet pan…
sliced Japanese eggplant cooked with zucchini on a black background

Ginger and Garlic Japanese Eggplant

This is super simple, not too spicy, eggplant dish that can be made gluten-free. It is a great side dish for a busy weeknight because it is quick to prepare. Ingredients 2 tablespoons avocado oil 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 tablespoons ginger,…
two sheet pans with shrimp and potatoes

Maryland Style Shrimp Bake

Old Bay seasoning is synonymous with Maryland crab boil. This simple shrimp bake is modeled on the same flavors. I had some amazing shrimp in the freezer. I made a small jar full of my own seasoning mix. It was a lot of spices to grind and bottles…
salmon pieces on a plate and topped with lemon

Oil Poached Salmon

Oil poaching is an easy way to cook fish and ensure that it will come out moist and tender. I chose one piece of wild-caught salmon that fed the whole table. The recipe will work if you use several small pieces. Ingredients Wild-caught…
row of whole roasted sardines with lemon and herbs2020 Barbara Sobel

Roasted Sardines with Lemon and Mint

I say sardines and most people think about the smelly canned sardines and make a face. Fresh sardines are delicious and are one of the fish that very are high in anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids (salmon, trout, anchovies, and herring are…
close up of grating ginger

Ginger

Ginger is one of my favorite spices. It is warming and soothing., spicey and sweet. I love adding it to savory dishes like curry and soup. It is great for reducing nausea, cholesterol, joint pain, and inflammation while supporting blood sugar…