Inflammation

IT’S IMPORTANT… INFLAMMATION

Anit Inflammation Salmon

When it comes to our health there are so many factors but one area that is important to pay attention to is inflammation. Inflammation is absolutely a good thing when it comes to a sprained ankle or a cut on your hand… the body works quickly to heal, fight off infection and protect. Inflammation that lingers around is NOT a good thing. It basically leaves your body in a constant state of alert and is called chronic inflammation which is a key player in almost every chronic disease… rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, heart disease, plays a role in hypertension, depression and cancer tends to form in areas that are chronically inflamed.

 

Often people can experience chronic inflammation but have NO IDEA! Some different symptoms of chronic inflammation are:

  • Pain in the body, particularly in the joints
  • Poor digestion… including bloating, abdominal pain
  • Low energy despite efficient sleep
  • Skin rashes

Where does chronic inflammation come from and what can aggravate it? Experts say there can be a range of factors that cause it/aggravate it… such as smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption and even chronic stress along with:

  • untreated causes of acute inflammation, such as the sprained ankle mentioned above or a cut on the hand
  • an autoimmune disorder which involves your immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissue in the body
  • long term exposure to irritants, such as industrial chemical or polluted air

So now what? See the foods below that can make chronic inflammation worse and the foods that can help deter and heal it!

Foods to avoid:

  • Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries
  • Fried food – French fries (so sad I know)
  • Red Meat
  • Processed meat, such as hot dogs and sausage

Foods to run towards:

  • Fill up on fiber – leafy greens, legumes (chickpeas, lentils, peas, beans)
  • Add in anti-inflammatory spices into your meals – cumin, turmeric, garlic, ginger
  • Olive oil
  • Fatty fish – Salmon, Sardines, Mackerel
  • Nuts
  • Fruits – Cherries, Berries, Oranges

Lastly, stress is junk food for the soul so finding healthy coping mechanisms, from exercise to meditation, to eating healthy can help you better manage the stress that will inevitably come up in life.

YOU GOT THIS!

Coach Ali

-Coach Ali

While you’re here: