There are many drugs and pills that claim anti-inflammatory properties, promise to reduce pain and quell harsh reactions to inflammatory foods. But as with almost every drug, there are long-term side effects that can lower the immune system and bring on other unwanted symptoms. Luckily, nature has provided us with all natural anti-inflamatories that are not only great tasting but provide other essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients that help boost the immune system.

Have you ever heard the story of the man who sat in front of an empty fireplace and said "give me heat" and all of a sudden... nothing happened? That's right, no heat came from the fireplace. Can you believe that?  He was so angry, bitter and despondent when the fireplace did not produce what he had asked for. He became jealous and spiteful of those who had fires billowing with red, orange and blue flames that he would curse the families with warm households. What about the man who put in 2 pieces of wood and asked for a bonfire? Ever heard of him?

I did a poll on Facebook asking what people would like me to write about in my next Lowcountry Weekly article and got a few glib responses asking me to write about The Cost of Joining the EarthFIT Personal Training Facility. Initially I believed the topic wouldn't add much value to readers - which is my goal in writing these articles. But then I thought maybe I could write an article that relates to the question and put the question back in the consumers' court.