INFLAMMATION EXPLAINED

Let's talk inflammation. 

This is one of those hot button words right now. We see it come up in conversations about everything from arthritis to heart disease to the next quick fix weight-loss. 

Inflammation is our body's natural reaction to protect and defend against bacteria, viruses or damaged tissue and, for the most part, is a really good and important thing. In short, it's the process our white blood cells use to fight off the bad guys or to help the body heal. (For example - the fever you may experience with a cold is your body's response to the incoming virus.) So this is a good thing, right? 

RIGHT. HOWEVER...

When our body's have been in fight or flight mode for an extended time, defending against foreign intruders or disease the inflammation can become chronic (long-term). This gradual transition from acute (quick and immediate response - we need this!) to chronic (which can be caused by reoccurring acute inflammation) can have lasting effects on our health. Our immune system gets so used to putting out fires that it starts to overreact or even destroy the good things that we need causing internal disruption and imbalance. The effects on our gut alone can make it difficult for our bodies to extract nutrients from the food we it causing discomfort and even malnutrition. 

Reducing inflammation in the body can significantly decrease your risk for chronic disease. There are a handful of over-the-counter drugs that can help to reduce acute inflammation, but instead of relying on an after the fact fix, why not be proactive and make changes that will improve your overall wellness? Why not try incorporating one (or two, or three) of the below foods into your diet? While diet is most certainly not the only driver of inflammation, I do believe that there are things that we can do to promote and encourage healthy white blood cell activity. When we eat well and treat our bodies right, they are better armed to recognize and fight those bad guys when they come along, and they will.

Here are some key triggers to be aware of when it comes to promotion of and relief from inflammation. 

Foods commonly known to CAUSE inflammation are-

• Corn and soybean oils
• Refined carbohydrates
• Sugars
• Dairy
• Red meat
• Trans fats
• Fried foods

Foods commonly known to FIGHT inflammation are-

• Whole grains
• Green foods 
• Allium vegetables (chives, garlic, leeks, onions, scallions and shallots)
• Foods high in antioxidants 
• Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids
• White and green teas
• Fruits like acai, strawberries and blueberries
• Beans and lentils
• Hot peppers
• Nuts and seeds
• Sprouts

Non-food related causes of inflammation-

• Food allergies or food sensitivities
• An imbalance of bacteria and fungi in your gastrointestinal tract (also known as dysbiosis)
• Constant psychological, emotional or physical stress raises the level of cortisol, creating inflammation
• Environmental toxicity from our air, water, food pollutants and toxic metals 

I could go on (and on and on...). I can't stress enough the impact that removing processed and refined foods from your diet can have. I can promise you that you will see changes in your weight, your mood, your energy levels, your sleep quality, and that's just the short list. 

​Most important of all - I want to reiterate that each of our body's are so unique and therefore will be effected so uniquely by different circumstances, whether that be diet, environment, exercise, etc. Learn to be in-tune with your body and the way that it feels and performs. Consider and address root causes vs. surface-level symptoms. Listen when something feels off. Research things for yourself. Treat your body with love and kindness and nine times out of ten it will do what you need it to. 

As always, comment or contact me with questions or feedback. Sending you all love and encouragement. 

​xx
​C