"What will Phil do next?" Going vegetarian answers golf pro Phil Mickelson

Photo: ww.pgaatour.com

In the past month the V word has gained some plum news attention. Starting with former first daughter, Chelsea Clinton walking down the aisle to the tune of her own vegan drum. Most recently Phil Mickelson, one of the most respected and talented golfers outed himself as a “Vegetarian”.

For medical reasons Mr. Mickelson has chosen to nix animal products from his diet. A choice resulting from a condition, Psoriatic Arthritis that has knocked on his door. Arthritis for anyone can be painful and debilitating. For a golfer, it could mean a career hanging. But not for Phil, because as usual he as taken some stunning steps.

In addition to the medical treatment he has been receiving, Mr. Mickelson began exploring diet changes as a way to help control his condition.

All bets are on Phil, as since childhood, Phil Mickelson has had a knack for beating odds and shocking folks with his abilities. Wining the PGA Tour event when he was a mere junior in college set him up to become a force in pro golf and someone people wanted to hear about.  By 2004 he earned the now famous tag line from Ford, “What will Phil do next?”

”What will Phil do next”? This time he has answered with a vegetarian high five. (Copyright photo by Rochelle Blank-Zimmer)

In an article written by Nancy Armour, for Yahoo sports, Mr. Mickelson is quoted as saying “As long as I believe that there’s a possibility that it will help me overall, yeah, I’ll continue to do that. If it will somehow keep this in remission or stop it from coming back, yeah, I’ll be able to do it. But I haven’t put it to the real test.”

With meat out of the picture, Mr Mickelson will be able to fill his plate up with vegetarian meals that are anti- inflammatory, which is just right for combating arthritis.

According to Paul Pitchford, author of Healing with Whole Foods, Arthritis is specifically defined as joint inflammation marked by mineral imbalances in the affected tissues. Excess meat or protein from any source, intoxicants such as alcohol, tobacco, coffee, refined sugar and many sweets and excess salt are all calcium inhibitors and foes of arthritis sufferers.

Adding into meal choices, food high in Vitamin C such as cabbage, broccoli, parsley, peas, oranges (fruit, not the juice) black currents and mangos are good Vitamin C boosters which have been known to positively affect arthritis sufferers. Brown rice, garlic, ginger, onions, shiitake mushrooms, squashes, and sweet potatoes are some more great vegetarian choices that are also said to work wonders for arthritis sufferers.

Important to note, foods high in oxalic acid such as rhubarb, cranberry plum, chard, beet greens and spinach should be restricted as well as nightshade vegetables, like tomatoes, eggplant bell pepper and white potatoes, as they are believed to cause arthritis flare-ups.

Good Luck Phil, andwelcome to the world of plant based food - a vegetarian and vegan domain.

To Your Vibrant Health, Rochelle Blank-Zimmer, Your Holistic Health Coach & Your Natural Choice

For more info:

• Your Natural Choice Website
• Your Natural Choice Blog
• Central Jersey Holistic Health Examiner