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Meals That Heal Inflammation: Embrace Healthy Living and Eliminate Pain, One Meal at at Time

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 “Making a healthy shift in diet can be tough. Julie provides the tools you need to make the change and have healing foods taste great.”
Dr. John Gray, New York Times best-selling author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus
“This book is indispensable for anyone wanting to get to the root of illness. Extremely well written and documented, Julie’s book makes it easy to learn how to reverse inflammation naturally.”
Zoltan P. Rona, M.D., M.Sc., author of Vitamin D: The Sunshine Vitamin
 
     Did you know that virtually every health condition from asthma to irritable bowel syndrome is linked to inflammation? When inflammation gets out of control, the result is pain and discomfort—and it’s a phenomenon that’s on the rise. If you’re one of the millions of people who have been affected by allergies, diabetes, skin disorders, heart disease, arthritis, or any other condition ending in “-itis,” then you know firsthand what havoc inflammation can cause. In Meals That Heal Inflammation, television personality and registered holistic nutritionist Julie Daniluk shows you how to conquer these health conditions with foods that will make you feel fantastic.
     This comprehensive book is packed with meals that can assist the body’s healing process—all while treating your taste buds to new and delicious flavors. The recipes, from healing teas to balanced meals and tempting desserts, are simple to make. Whether it’s the savory cranberry quinoa salad or the sumptuous key lime pie, every recipe in this book contains foods that naturally heal inflammation.
     Extensively researched and full of reference charts, diagnostic quizzes, food comparison lists, and the latest information about the healing properties of everyday foods, Meals That Heal Inflammation is an essential addition to every kitchen.

393 pages, Hardcover

First published December 27, 2011

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490 people want to read

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Julie Daniluk

8 books5 followers

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5 stars
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105 (24%)
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32 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
Profile Image for Julie.
2,559 reviews34 followers
August 27, 2021
An interesting book that explains the whys and the wherefores of inflammation with recipes.
Profile Image for Charlotte.
78 reviews
October 22, 2014
While a great primer on why we get inflamed and what not to eat, this book (like so many others) does not take into account people on a limited income without access to rare, expensive ingredients. organic only is bad enough, but i wish someone would write a book for people living in real america. some of the recipes i have tried were...ok. but there is also WAY too much contradictory info here (lile the suggestion that turkey is ok then 3 pages later saying turkey is bad...this happens multiple times throughout the book). im still searching for a better AI book.
Profile Image for Sher.
544 reviews3 followers
March 22, 2015
This book almost defies a title. It's truly a valuable reference book. It's much more than a cook book. It is more than an elimination diet plan.
Daniluk's tome covers inflammation its causes and connections to disease. Injury recovery. Healing starts with the gut. Probiotics and fermentation. The anti-inflammatory food pyramid is presented. How to build a healthy kitchen. And, yes a whole set of terrific recipes complete this amazing book. The recipes comprise easy to find foods in unique ways. Such as fennel and chicken or salad made of beets, apples, and nuts. I've tried a variety of recipes so far, and I've been very pleased with the results.
Profile Image for Jessica.
243 reviews13 followers
July 15, 2012
Meals that Heal Inflammation (or MTHI) is a fantastic book for anyone who has ever suffered because of inflammation (read: everyone!). I was interested in it because I am currently reading a lot about detox and eating for your best health, and this book fell right in with that.
Daniluk really does a great job introducing readers to the science behind inflammation, as well as the science behind digestion, and how the two interact. Anyone who wants to know why they should care about what food does to their body should read this - Daniluk has done extensive research, and she cites all of her sources so that you can take a look at the studies and papers yourself. However it is not too scientific - it is all easy enough to understand.
Daniluk lays out a 12-14 week plan for eating to heal inflammation. The plan starts with eliminating the foods that are known triggers for many people. Then you reintroduce them to see what specifically triggers inflammation for you. She gives excellent information on what to eat and what to avoid. And of course there are recipes! Lots of great recipes, especially in the treats section! For someone who was actually going to follow this plan, I think more recipes would definitely be necessary. People can obviously plan meals for themselves, but a more extensive main dish recipe section would help. I am already on a similar elimination diet myself, so I plan on adding many of her recipes to my repertoire.
MTHI can change your life, if you are ready for it!
Profile Image for Yochi.
247 reviews16 followers
October 5, 2020
I was a little bored and was thinking about my bloated belly and decided to download some anti inflammatory diet books from the library. The first one I perused was "The Everything Anti-Inflammation Diet Book," it wasn't engaging and the recipes were sad. I am vegan and the plant based stuff called for me to eat processed meat substitutes in nearly every recipe. Um, no. And how would that be good for my gut? I quickly put that one down. Popped into this reference by Julie Daniluk, and to my surprise, bc seriously it's a book about inflammation, I loved it! I felt like Julie was a kind friend sharing her experience and knowledge with me. More than a book about just inflammation and food, but also a mental health self help book (mental health is physical health). This book provided a refresher on so many topics that I really needed to hear, like using food for coping. Sources of toxins and antibiotics in our food. A reminder that hand sanitizers being full of harmful chemicals and to use them sparingly, and to favor soap and water. I fear the repercussions of our (as a species) overuse of sanitizer due to covid. I was reminded of some of the reasons I no longer eat after dinner. She recommends a meditation practice and how yoga and Thai Chi can help with inflammation and digestion AND depression (bonus). She even talks about clutter around the house, resentment, law of attraction, gratitude. I mean seriously this book had it all! I've been wanting to take a probiotic for years, and have put it off due to being confused and overwhelmed by the choices, but after her in depth explanation I finally bit the bullet and got a bottle. She also lists many foods which have probiotics, as well as foods with prebiotics, antioxidants, fiber...As for the diet itself I ain't ready for all that. The recipes are thoughtful and many are whole food plant based or can be adapted to be so using simple swaps. At this point I feel I am still in a research and learning phase, not in a it's time to change my lifestyle and eliminate, record, and reintroduce phase. All in all I enjoyed this book and I feel energized by her tone and knowledge even if I do not plan to follow her diet. If I ever fall into a scenario where my body needs an overhaul, I would totally grab this and give it a go. I hope that my genetic good health and the good choices and learning I currently do will be enough to sustain me for a long long time.
Profile Image for Darren.
1,193 reviews63 followers
July 18, 2012
Something in the Western diet is not agreeing with an ever-increasing number of people. Theories and cures are abound, but there is no one-size-fits-all condition and cure either. One symptom, inflammation, is said to be at the heart of virtually every health condition from asthma to irritable bowel syndrome – so if one can get inflammation under control…?
In this fairly hefty book nutritionalist and author Julie Daniluk seeks to make things easier, if not better, by reducing inflammation risks that should in turn help reduce or resolve associated health issues. This review does not take a position as to the medically-related merits, or lack thereof, of the claims made within this book and in many situations medical advice should be sought prior to making any major changes. Though, that said, a lot of what is stated in the book does appear to make sense and have the capability to effect change and let the food you consume provide not only nutrition but medically-beneficial effects too. The central thesis behind the author’s claims are based on her own personal journey and her health issues that she asserts have been made more manageable by a programme of healthy eating and living.
The start of the book features a lot of more academic-style learning that has been written to explain the science behind the author’s programme, albeit in a language for everyone. Reading this section is recommended for all, particularly if you are considering adjusting your lifestyle with the aid of the author’s advice, yet the more sceptical might find it worthy to either validate (or dispel) matters. This “academic section” could also be viewed as a basic operating manual for the human body as it provides an overview on matters such as sleep, allergic reactions, emotional influences and the importance of balance.
The “Anti-Inflammatory” menu is then brought into focus with its five-step plan shown along with implementation guidelines and underlying methodology before the recipes themselves are offered. Split into key sections of liquid healing, meals to begin the day; soups and sides; salads, sauces, dips and dressings; main meals and finally treats. Each recipe is broken out with an introduction and various tips such as using leftovers and enhancements and the actual cooking directions are very easy to follow. Despite the recipes being designed to form part of a balanced diet and new lifestyle, with each having their own collection of little badges or icons to help identify their lack of suitability for a given allergy and the like, they do not focus specifically on detailed nutritional information such as containing 0.4g of salt and a 25g portion equating 123 calories. Where such information is given it is more as an advised, typical figure. If you are looking to count calories and nutritional figures to the third decimal place this is the wrong book for you.
The book ends with a resource guide and a very detailed, lengthy series of references for further reading, broken down by chapter. Certainly the author is not afraid to show the source of specific scientific claims so that a reader may, if they desire or wish to dispute things, maybe review for themselves more original source material. A bonus point that can help knock back scepticism or automatic knee-jerk reactions. A great, very detailed index rounds matters off. This book does not claim to be a universal panacea or cure although it might come quite close to that. If you are suffering from various ailments then this book could be, assuming it can help and make a change for your own circumstances, a great investment. The price tag might appear, at first, to be high but it is really a low price to pay IF the book is capable of making positive changes to your lifestyle and health. That might be a matter for you, your healthcare professional and the contents of this book to determine.
In any case, this book comes over much more than an “instant fix” guide but a considered source of possible relief. Naturally we can not give a total endorsement but closer consideration of this book might be in order IF you feel that you can identify with the programme’s central aims and objectives and are willing to possibly make dietary changes for possible boost to your health.
Meals That Heal Inflammation: Embrace Healthy Living and Eliminate Pain, One Meal at at Time, written by Julie Daniluk and published by Hay House, Inc. ISBN 9781401940348, 393 pages. Typical price: USD30. YYYY.


// This review appeared in YUM.fi and is reproduced here in full with permission of YUM.fi. YUM.fi celebrates the worldwide diversity of food and drink, as presented through the humble book. Whether you call it a cookery book, cook book, recipe book or something else (in the language of your choice) YUM will provide you with news and reviews of the latest books on the marketplace. //
Profile Image for Andy Nieradko.
165 reviews10 followers
August 6, 2012
Meals that heal is a beautiful concept. So many of us, who deal with food issues, need to replace emotional attachments that no longer serve us with positive, beneficial ones. In Meals That Heal Inflammation, author Julie Daniluk R.H.N. has put together a wonderful book. It clocks in at almost 400 pages. The last half of the book consists of recipes that aren't too complicated to pull off, and very satisfying and healing. The first half is dedicated to the studies and the science of inflammation, and how it affects us. Inflammation is at the core of most of the disease and pain that we can experience throughout our lives. Inflammation is also a side effect of some pharmaceuticals prescribed by physicians to fight these same diseases and pain. That's not to say that this book takes on the conspiratorial tone some health and nutrition books embrace, far from it. Meals That Heal Inflammation offers a lot of choices. Read it, and you will find yourself armed with good information, and scientifically supported food choices. The book is set up very well, in that each chapter reiterates important points made in previous chapters. I wish more nutrition oriented books would take that approach. It clears up a lot of confusion. Actually, there were several questions I've had for years that Julie Daniluk answered for me. The sections in the book that deal with food cravings really got me thinking. The idea that the foods we crave most, are often the foods we are most sensitive too, never occurred to me before. The eating plans offered, are easily managed, well thought out, and thoroughly explained. As someone who loves training with weights, and long distance running, I'm quite familiar with inflammation in the form of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. This book has opened my eyes to some previously unconsidered options, lessened my pain, and cleared up more time to engage in the training activities I love. For that I am truly grateful, and recommending this book to anyone who trains on a consistent basis, or struggles with food and/or weight issues.

I was not financially compensated for this post. I received the book from Hay House for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.
Profile Image for Leslie.
1,441 reviews5 followers
June 9, 2012
This caught my eye on NetGalley and I was very interested to see all of the foods that exacerbate pain. It made me stop and think about pain and inflammation in a different way. We all know that eating healthily is better for us and it is very hard for those of us who don't really like vegetables. I am delighted to note that some of the ones I don't like are not as good for you as some I do like! One would have to be very dedicated to eliminate everything and slowly reintroduce the foods to see if your body can handle them, but it is definitely the most logical approach. I decided to try eliminating sugar and substitute honey - it is really hard to do if you use any products made by virtually any company. When you really read the labels you start to see how much processing goes into much of what we consume. I have managed to cut out most of my refined sugar consumption; my morning coffee doesn't taste the same, but maybe I didn't need 3 or 4 cups on the weekends. I have to say that I did notice a difference; can't quite put my finger on it exactly, but there was definitely something. I'm continuing to research and in the meantime definitely recommending this to anyone in pain and for all libraries serving customers with health concerns.
24 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2012
This is a wonderful book for those experiencing inflammation, allergies, or pain. Two-thirds of the book educates the reader as to what causes inflammation and how we can heal our bodies. The last third is recipes. I felt the information given to be understandable and helpful. It clearly gives a warning voice to all concerning our current "American" diet and how we can change our current food traditions and the results that can be expected. Julie Daniluk acknowledges all levels of inflammation and gives advice to those who are experiencing severe to light symptoms as well as preventative measures. I have not tried any of the recipes yet.
Profile Image for Laurie.
352 reviews
January 28, 2013
This book is very well written. The recipes look good. I have not had a chance to try them yet. It is a bit overwhelming to think of all the shopping and cooking it entails to do this diet. That is not even counting figuring out what days to eat what and how many days to wait to find out if you are allergic, etc.

Luckily, I know what I am allergic to. I just have to have the will power not to eat dairy, sugar and flour. I think some of the recipes will be helpful.
Profile Image for AnnieM.
1,706 reviews11 followers
September 2, 2013
This is an excellent all around inflammation book. It covers a variety of ailments from allergies to IBS to chronic issues like Crohn's.

It covers how to do a total elimination diet and how to test foods to be added back in to the diet.

Loads of recipes help plan ones life and each not only has the nutritional guidelines but also a coded guide as to if a book has a low GI, vegan, etc

It is useful and adaptable for a variety of situations. I have post-it flagged it to death.
Profile Image for Audrey Grant.
457 reviews26 followers
January 30, 2013
Jam packed with so much information! I love this kind of book! It's a health and teaching book mixed with a recipe book and menu's!! It makes life so much easier while making your body physically better at the same time!
Now to keep my husband and 17 year old from buying ice-cream!! LOL THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
Profile Image for Maranda Carvell.
122 reviews41 followers
February 13, 2013
Excellent read for anyone wanting to improve their health. Lots of information on causes and solutions to systematic inflammation without being overwhelming. Includes sample meal plans for omnivores and vegans and tons of recipes. Great book for anyone looking to make a chance to a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet.
Profile Image for Diane.
63 reviews
December 20, 2013
This is a great book, with a lot of useful information. I have auto-immune issues, and I found this book contained suggestions and recipes that I have implemented into my daily routine. I will continue to reference this book to improve my health.
Profile Image for Nina.
357 reviews5 followers
June 14, 2014
A very good resource for people needing advice on how to change their choices of food in order to obtain freedom from the effects of inflammation. Lots of information. Very upbeat. I have reserved it a few times from the library to reread.
Profile Image for Marilyn.
1,458 reviews30 followers
June 7, 2014
Comprehensive and sound help for those that need assistance getting inflammatory issues under control. Half of the book is information and the other half are recipes. As someone just diagnosed with Crohns, this has been a very useful book that I now read through and use daily.
Profile Image for Ariane.
71 reviews
September 21, 2014
Finally finished this one. In theory, it could be an okay book. But between the judgy, condescending tone, and the fact that it's completely useless if you have active gut/bowel problems (the recipes and eating plan are ridiculously inaccessible to me), it was pretty much a total loss.
Profile Image for Cathy.
2 reviews
April 18, 2012
Seemed complicated at first but became simpler as I reread and searched out ingredients and more info. We feel much better,
Profile Image for Patti.
483 reviews7 followers
May 22, 2015
very good up to date reference for all that ails me & my fibro & arthritis.
Profile Image for David Cooper.
20 reviews1 follower
August 25, 2013
Good book - well worth reading. Hope you make changes after reading it!
Profile Image for Rachelle.
65 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2014
Lots of good, interesting information at the beginning (1st 1/2 or so of book). But, I will not follow the actual meal plan (process of elimination plan) - just too much for me :)

Profile Image for Ann Tracy.
383 reviews7 followers
February 6, 2018
I finished this, but wish I could keep it longer for the recipes, some of them sounded really good. (I borrowed it from the library and someone has a hold on it.) This was all inclusive, from a primer on why an anti-inflammatory diet, with a little bit on different problems. Then delved into how to start your anti-inflammatory diet including how to stock your pantry to daily menus. I do agree with another reviewer that a problem with some of this advice is cost for someone who is low-income. I'm currently doing the Whole Life Challenge, and it's really challenging my grocery budget. I don't think I'll be able to stick to it long term, I can't afford organic produce, and things like almond flour cost $12 for a small bag while regular flour is a buck or two. But I AM feeling better without sugar, gluten and very little dairy.
Profile Image for Cherie.
1,153 reviews21 followers
February 3, 2018
I don't want to be afraid of everything I eat. I am already on a restricted diet because of Type 1 diabetes and now heart disease and thinking about inflammation and food would probably have me not wanting to eat at all. If a person has the sensitivities of this author I recommend trying her plan. I don't.

The value of this book to me was learning how to do substitutions using foods I can/want to eat for meals I can't/shouldn't eat.

I give 4 stars for good descriptions and a well-documented plan. She has the knowledge/training to write this book, not just her own experience and anecdotal contributions.

Profile Image for Rae Donnellan.
6 reviews
February 14, 2021
Although Meals That Heal Inflammation may appear to be a cookbook/ meal plan, that's only half the story. The first half of the book is a dense review of the many foods that may cause inflammation in your body. It not only includes the conclusions from peer-reviewed scientific papers, but also more alternative sources. The language is very clear on what is scientific fact/theory and what is somewhat less accepted (but generally believed by the writer herself), so the reader can make an informed decision. It's an insightful overview of the wide spectrum of potential inflammation-causing foods.

I read the e-book version and the tables/charts are riddled with typos and spelling errors. An editor clearly never read over this and the "spellcheck" function didn't search through the tables/charts, of which there are many. I tried not to let it bias me, but it became increasingly hard to read Daniluk as an authority when there are so many typos in the book.

The meal plan itself is several weeks of heavily restricted eating to wipe the slate clean and figure out what is inflaming you as you reintroduce foods. It's quite extreme and many people may find the ingredients not only quite expensive, but also "weird" and unfamiliar.

I recommend the book as a learning resource, but feel there are more budget and family-friendly versions of the meals out there.
Profile Image for BookBec.
466 reviews
May 2, 2018
There are some useful ideas and a few interesting recipes here. I'm now counting my daily vegetable servings and ounces of water. Every small step for our health is a good thing, right?

While I know many people like cookbooks to have photographs, the photos here weren't very appealing to me. And I wish the author had explained the elimination diet and food testing steps as thoroughly and repetitively as she described her food poisoning in Asia.
Profile Image for Susanne Huizing.
168 reviews1 follower
May 26, 2020
As someone that lives with Fibromyalgia, I am always looking for ways to ease the pain. This cookbook has so much rich research and science that I wrote down notes to ask my family doctor about. Honestly, every recipe has a reason that it will help with pain.
I am harvesting information that may help my own chronic pain.
However, I am not sure what some of the foods and spices are. So, I will need to ask around at the grocery store.
Profile Image for Deb.
426 reviews
August 2, 2017
Lots of good info on inflamation, just not sure about the cooking to heal side of the book. I need me a chef to change my cooking style.
Practical salad & vegetable recipes to try. Lots of uses for quinoa but limited main dish recipes for my tastes.
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