Inflammation, a word we hear all too often nowadays. What does inflammation really mean?
Inflammation is a vital aspect of the immune system’s response to injury and infection. Acute inflammation helps to heal damaged tissue and defend itself against pathogens like viruses and bacteria. Problems arise when the inflammatory process goes on for too long and becomes chronic. Chronic inflammation is at the root of most diseases.
So what causes chronic inflammation? Typically it is a build-up of many things like a poor diet, stress, being overweight, environmental factors such as molds and heavy metals, minor food allergies, a sedentary lifestyle, and more that can contribute to a state of dis-ease or a diagnosed disease.
Ways to fight chronic inflammation:
Eat an anti-inflammatory diet – Eating whole foods and minimally processed foods. Focus on fish, fresh fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. These anti-inflammatory foods are high in antioxidants, which help to reduce damage caused by inflammation.Reduce stress and find healthy ways to cope with stress. Better yet, find what situations trigger stress or self sabotaging behaviors and avoid them as much as possible.ExerciseMaintain a healthy body weightLimit alcohol
Adding anti-inflammatory supplements can help your body cope with chronic inflammation. Turmeric, White Willow Bark, and Fish Oil (omega 3 fatty acids) are fantastic options for reducing inflammation! Supplements in coordination with a healthy diet help fill in the gaps of nutrients that we do not get enough of from just-food alone.
We can hold inflammation in many of our bodies systems. Below are examples of how we hold inflammation in each system.
Brain and Nervous System: Brain fog, fatigue, forgetfulness, anxiety
Digestive System: Constipation, diarrhea, bloating, acid reflex
Detoxification System: More than a 5lb fluctuation in weight from morning to night, dark yellow urine or floating stools, skin rashes on hands or feet
Blood sugar/Insulin: Intense cravings for sweets and starches, experiencing hangryness (hungry and angry), sleepyness after meals
Endocrine (hormonal) System: Fatigue, cold hands and feet, thinning of the outer thirds of your eyebrows, night sweats, PMS symptoms, weight gain
Musculoskeletal System: Joint pain unrelated to injury, dropping things frequently, experience pins and needles
Autoimmune System: Intolerance to cold or heat, skin conditions such as psoriasis, rashes, boils, or acne, flare up symptoms
To better understand how inflammation affects your body, you can schedule a Wellness Consultation with our coach, Jenna! She utilizes an inflammation assessment to understand what areas of your body require more support. Healing our bodies does not have to be an “all or nothing” situation. Taking little steps will help you get to your health goals!