Growing up isn’t just hard to do. Sometimes it’s hard to accept. With age comes wisdom – allegedly. So why as we grow do we not want to accept that certain things that taste so good are not so good for us? Case in point after a checkup with my rheumatologist this week; the joints have been more than sore for the better part of a month, which probably meant that the lupus and resulting complications that I’ve lived with for some time were more active. We talked for a while, made some decisions, and one of those is to cut out the soda. And this is Week One of No Soda For Ann. Kind of like Seinfeld’s Soup Nazi, just carbonated. I probably had three a day. So how bad can that be? Some studies say that diet sodas can raise the risk of stroke, and both regular and diet sodas have both been linked to obesity, kidney damage and certain cancers. From just a simple soda? That really surprised me, and there’s a great deal of discussion on all those topics. But it was an article from researchers at Tufts University that confirmed one thing, that soda and good bone health are not best buddies. Women who drank three or more cola drinks a day had approximately 4% lower bone density in their hips. But if they drank non-cola sodas (the clear ones) they didn’t seem to be affected. But that’s not going to change my mind about cutting soda out altogether. I like my hips and would prefer not to have them replaced someday. So I’m also increasing my exercise which keeps me away from the treats!

   There is no cure for lupus, but I want to control whatever I can when it comes to my health. My main concern of course is reducing inflammation, and making sure that my diet has lots of healthy antioxidants as a part of is it key. WebMD notes that “foods with possible anti-inflammatory properties include fruits and vegetables, which are rich in substances called antioxidants. In addition, foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, ground flaxseed, canola oil, and olive oil may also help fight inflammation.” In other words, a balanced diet that does not include numerous trips through the drive through, drinking lots of water, and adding good things that I like and enjoy. I think the minute you start thinking deprivation, you’re already adding defeat to the menu. And I refuse to do that. So in a month, I’ll go back and we’ll see where we are. But for now, no more soda, a lot more fresh fruits and vegetables, and the knowledge that it’s all good. Here’s to a longer and healthier life for us all! If you’d like to share your story about how you’re living with a chronic disease and adjusting your diet, please feel free to share with all of us at ann.kelly@coxinc.com. There is, after all, power in numbers. 

   Please stay safe this weekend and keep an eye on the possibly severe weather with us in the Hurricane Guide.

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM KELLY’S KITCHEN

“Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
Mahatma Gandhi