Dr. Tracy's Blog

Both ginger root and turmeric root have been touted as powerhouse health foods because they have components that reduce inflammation, reduce pain, and reduce cancer cells' growth. Ginger has been traditionally used to aid digestion, reduce morning sickness and motion sickness, reduce headache pain, and as a warming spice that can improve blood circulation. Turmeric has been traditionally used as a liver support, cholesterol reducer, pain reducer, joint support and decongestant. But is it worth adding adding a capsule of ginger or turmeric to your daily routine? In most cases, no. The research on each of these spices shows doses of what you would find in 3-8 capsules each per day to be clinically effective or a lifelong diet that regularly incorporates these spices. So how do you take advantage of the benefits of ginger and turmeric while not having the time or desire to swallow 15 capsules in addition to what you are already taking? Let Your Food be Your Medicine by frequently

This warming soup takes advantage of the anti-inflammatory properties of ginger, turmeric and coconut as well as the immune boosting power of lemongrass, onion, and garlic. If you can not find lemongrass, you can subsitute for it with the zest of one lemon. It's perfectly satisfying topped with green onions, sesame oil, gomashio or cilantro or served alongside brown rice. Red Lentil Anti-Inflammatory Soup topped with gamashio Red Lentil Anti-Inflammatory Soup 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 white/yellow onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 jalapeno peppers, diced (your choice to include the seeds or not) 1 tablespoon minced ginger 1 stalk lemongrass, thinly sliced 2 bay leaves 1/2 tsp turmeric 1 cup red lentils, sorted and rinsed 3 cups water one 15 oz can of coconut milk (light or regular) 1 tsp sea salt juice of 1/2 lime In a soup pot, saute onion, garlic and peppers in coconut oil until onions are translucent. Then add ginger, lemongras