Before you read on, it's important for you to understand that I am not formally educated in this department, so take it with a grain of salt (note: reducing salt intake can also reduce inflammation ;)
I am very passionate about health, and this is a topic that needs more attention and a better understanding.
WHAT IS INFLAMMATION?
We all know what inflammation is (or acute inflammation). You might sprain your ankle, and it becomes large and inflamed. That inflammation is your body’s way of protecting and healing your ankle. Whether it’s a lung infection, tissue damage, a cut on your arm, inflammation is the body's way of combatting unwanted invaders and injuries.
WHAT IS CHRONIC INFLAMMATION?
Chronic inflammation is an epidemic in modern society affecting a huge proportion of us. From the poor food choices that many of us make, to living largely sedentary lives (sitting at a desk all day, taking a bus home, relaxing on the couch), we have become a nation of ticking time bombs. Chronic inflammation occurs when your body believes there is a threat of some sought (even when one is not present) and goes on the defensive, ‘turning on’ your immune system. This can damage perfectly normal cells. You won't see it or feel it like you would a sprained ankle, but it could show itself as fatigue, insomnia, irritability, anxiousness, depression, allergies, dry skin, joint pain, bloating, weight gain, and more. More seriously, chronic inflammation can lead to cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Chronic inflammation takes longer to combat than acute inflammation, but there is still hope for all of us just by making some changes to our lifestyles.
HOW TO COMBAT IT:
'Turning off' inflammation starts in the gut. And to improve gut health, you must start eating better.
Its pretty simple:
· Remove all grains
· Remove all processed foods
· Remove alcohol
· Remove all refined sugars
· Reduce red meat intake
· Increase vegetables and fruit intake, and a wide variety
· Increase water intake
· Take fish oil daily
· Increase consumption of healthy nuts such as almonds
Take your well-being into account:
- start exercising often and consistently, (a minimum three times per week)
- Get 7 hours sleep per night (MINIMUM)
- Work less and play more
- meditate and relax
When it comes down to it, this is your life we are talking about! Im not saying become a saint and remove all the fun, but moderation is key, and the problem for most of us, moderation is 5-7 days of the week, when it should be one day per week, at most.
If you’re feeling like shit, then make some changes. The answers are right here!
Feel free to contact us, if you're stuck in a rut and would like some guidance.