Food Based Pain Management

April 28, 2016 by Deborah Penner


This week, I want to talk about how to eliminate, or at least minimize, inflammation and pain management via food and lifestyle choices. Pain is a brain-based phenomenon. Wherever you have damaged or diseased tissues and inflammatory process, chemicals are released that stimulate local receptors that communicate with the brain and register PAIN! The bottom line is that most pain is inflammation driven. Inflammation IS the bulls-eye in the pain target.  Plus a recipe for Hemp Heart Tabouli below.


Not only that, but chronically elevated inflammation is the common denominator of virtually every disease and  physiological disturbance known to man. Things like anxiety, arthritis, high blood pressure, cardio-vascular disease, cancer, and fibromyalgia. The list is long.


So, why does a body become over inflamed when no trauma has occurred?


I can think of 4 major reasons:


1) Stress of any kind triggers the adrenals to release cortisol, which releases sugars and subsequently insulin into the blood, both of which are inflammatory.


2) Toxic Exposure to a substance that poisons or disrupts normal physiology (food colorings/additives, exhaust fumes, smoke, smog, chlorine, herbicide residue, GMO proteins, pollens, dust.. you get the picture, right?! There are lots of these!),


3) Microbial Invasion; bacteria, virus, fungi, spirochetes (Lyme’s),etc. over taking your body because your immune system isn’t up to the task of defense.


4) Foods which are:


a) High in Sugars (highly inflammatory) which trigger the storage and transport hormone insulin (also highly inflammatory).

b) Polyunsaturated, heat processed Oils/Fats such as corn, soy, peanut, deep-fried anything.

So, how do you lower inflammation in your body? Control what you can control. While you might not always be able to control the quality of the air you breath or the fact that there are stressful circumstances and/or people in your life, you can take some control over how you respond to stressors and what you put in your mouth!


Mindfulness is an essential part of coping with emotional stress. Science now informs us that we can actually re-program our brains away from negative thoughts by intentionally directing them towards positive thoughts.


If you find you mind looping on negative, worrisome thoughts: Redirect! Start listing the things you have to be grateful for: You have air to breath. The sun came up today! You have food to eat. You have a roof over your head. List the people dear to you and picture their faces…This works!!


Food fuels every cell in your body. Eat the freshest, cleanest food you can find and afford.


Avoid sugars and processed foods.


Take a month off all grains and note how you feel off them vs. on them.


Take a month off fruit at the same time.


Eat lots of greens, especially bitter ones (like arugula, mustard, dandylion) which encourage the digestion process.


Add some live lacto-fermented veggies which support your micro-biome to your diet. (Find ‘em in the fridge at the health food stores)


Enjoy lots of healthy fats such as butter, extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil, grass-fed meats, sushi/sashimi (raw fish), raw nuts, and hemp-hearts!


My latest new favorite recipe is Hemp-Heart Tabouli, Yumm!

By the way, HEMP HEARTS are available at my office, costco, and most grocery stores these days. They are perhaps the most complete, tasty super-food I’ve ever found. They provide ALL your essential amino acids, ALL your essential fatty acids, and a small amount of complex carbohydrate. This is a food product and does NOT have any psychoactive effects. 


Due to idiotic, draconian politics in this country the production of hemp for food, medicine, and fiber has been illegal in this country for decades. Meanwhile, Canada has been laughing all the way to the bank on this one!


HEMP HEART TABOULI


You can make this tasty meal in any quantity and refrigerate for days!


(Made with hemp-hearts this tabouli provides a full meals worth of nutrition!)


Coursely Chop:


1 cucumber


1 bell pepper (I like red or orange ones!)


1 large tomato


1 small bunch fresh parsley


1 small bunch of fresh mint leaves (optional)


Add:


1 Cup of Hemp Hearts (packed with healthy fats and protein!)


½ cup of crumbled feta cheese (optional)


Dress With:


Extra Virgin Olive Oil


Lemon Juice


Sea Salt


ENJOY!


Watercolor-style cows grazing in a green pasture under a bright sky

Tallow: A Nutrient-Rich Traditional Fat for Cooking, Skincare, and More

By Deborah Penner • June 25, 2025
March 25, 2025 by Deborah Penner In a world full of modern seed oils and synthetic skincare products, tallow is making a comeback—and for good reason. In his latest article, Dr. Robert Malone explores this time-honored fat that has nourished and supported humans for generations. From its dense nutritional profile to its unique benefits for the skin, tallow stands out as a versatile, shelf-stable, and highly bioavailable source of essential fatty acids, fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K2, and B12), and anti-inflammatory compounds like conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). Dr. Malone breaks down what tallow is, how it’s rendered, and why sourcing it from grass-fed animals matters. He covers its historical culinary use, superior storage potential, and modern skincare advantages. He also shares how to make tallow at home, along with tips for storage, sourcing, and practical applications—even including a nod to traditional meat drippings. If you’re interested in ancestral nutrition, reducing toxic exposures, or reclaiming sustainable practices in your home and kitchen, this article is a must-read.  Read the full article on Robert Malone’s website to explore the health benefits, uses, and how-to of tallow.
Plated roasted lamb chop with herbs, berries, and lemon slices on a white dish

Collagen, Glycine & Gelatin: Unlocking the Healing Power of Meat Shanks

By Deborah Penner • March 20, 2025
March 20, 2025 by Deborah Penner If you’re looking for a powerful way to support metabolism, joint health, and overall vitality—without reaching for another supplement—consider this often-overlooked cut of meat: the shank. In a recent article on Mercola, Ashley Armstrong highlights why shanks (from beef, pork, or lamb) may actually outperform steaks when it comes to nutrient density and health benefits. Rich in collagen and connective tissue, shanks offer a more balanced amino acid profile than typical muscle meats. When cooked low and slow, they yield gelatin—a form of collagen that’s easier for the body to absorb. This provides crucial support for the skin, joints, bones, and gut, while also boosting metabolic health through glycine, a key amino acid that helps regulate inflammation and energy production. Armstrong also explores the wisdom of traditional diets, which prioritized nose-to-tail eating and naturally included more collagen-rich foods. Today’s steak-heavy habits miss out on these benefits, making shanks an easy and affordable way to restore that balance. The article includes 15 time-tested recipes from around the world, and a video walking through Armstrong’s favorite braising method.
Silhouetted figure facing a vivid watercolor sky with a cell tower and power lines at sunset

The Hidden Dangers of 5G and EMF

By Deborah Penner • March 17, 2025
March 17, 2025 by Deborah Penner Electromagnetic fields (EMF) and 5G technology have rapidly expanded across the globe with little consideration for their long-term impact on human health and the environment. Dr. Mark Trozzi, a dedicated physician and researcher, explores the hidden dangers of EMF exposure and the heightened risks that come with 5G. He reveals how governmental agencies, despite being informed of the concerns, have remained powerless in the face of telecom industry influence. Even before the rollout of 5G, studies linked EMF exposure to a range of serious health issues, including cancer, infertility, neurological disorders, and cardiovascular disease. Dr. Trozzi highlights that 5G takes these risks further with the use of higher frequencies, such as 60 GHz, which directly interact with oxygen molecules and could disrupt their ability to bind with hemoglobin. He also sheds light on the military origins of some 5G frequencies and the aggressive destruction of trees to facilitate stronger signals—an alarming environmental consequence. Through his research, Dr. Trozzi underscores the urgent need to recognize EMF radiation as a major public health threat. He calls for awareness, education, and practical steps to mitigate exposure, drawing attention to the work of leading experts like Dr. Devra Davis and Dr. Arthur Firstenberg. To learn more about the critical health risks of 5G and EMF exposure, read the full article and watch the video at drtrozzi.news .
Person crouching in a grassy field beside a vivid blue, orange, and pink fire-like landscape

Wildfire Illness and the Overlooked Lessons in Lung Health

By Deborah Penner • March 11, 2025
March 11, 2025 by Deborah Penner Wildfire smoke exposure has profound health consequences, yet its impact on chronic illness remains widely overlooked. A Midwestern Doctor explores the link between particulate matter inhalation and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, lung disease, and cognitive decline, emphasizing the role of glutathione in protecting lung tissue. The article highlights the lessons learned from wildfire-related illnesses, particularly how exposure worsens pre-existing inflammatory conditions and contributes to long-term health deterioration. It also sheds light on the parallels between wildfire toxicity and other environmental exposures, such as pollution and pharmaceuticals, that can push individuals past their body’s threshold for chronic illness. One of the most promising solutions discussed is nebulized glutathione, which replenishes the lungs’ natural defense system, helping mitigate damage from smoke inhalation and potentially offering relief for those suffering from COPD. Additionally, the therapeutic potential of DMSO in respiratory conditions is examined, alongside other integrative approaches for addressing the systemic effects of wildfire exposure. To understand how wildfire illness can reshape our approach to lung health and chronic disease, read the full article by A Midwestern Doctor on The Forgotten Side of Medicine .

How Injected Proteins May Be Rewiring the Immune System

By Deborah Penner • March 8, 2025
Key Takeaways from the Interview

Understanding Zeta Potential and Its Impact on Health

By Deborah Penner • February 24, 2025
Certain substances, such as aluminum, are known to reduce zeta potential, increasing the likelihood of sluggish blood flow and microcirculatory issues. On the other hand, practices like optimizing mineral intake, reducing toxin exposure, and supporting kidney function can help restore and maintain a healthy zeta potential . For a deeper dive into how zeta potential affects overall health and what can be done to support it, read the full article on Unbekoming Substack .