Inflammation is a good thing, it’s a positive reaction of the body’s defense system to fight infection or repair damage.
The problem most people have, is that their body is calling on its defenses day in and day out, not just when injured or sick. This in effect triggers the release of small inflammatory compounds.
Long term impact
Chronic inflammation in the body damages DNA through oxidative stress and has the ability to change gene expression. Chronic inflammation is linked to many health problems such as insulin resistance, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, liver damage and cancer. It also blunts the immune response, limiting the body’s ability to fight off true infections when needed.
Inflammation levels in the body are affected by both physical and mental stimuli. Prolonged periods of stress increase cortisol levels in the blood which spikes inflammation and places stress on the adrenal glands and immune system.
Excessive levels of inflammation can also affect brain chemicals and hormones linked to brain function. For those with a mental illness it can effectively feed or increase the symptoms of the condition
Where is the inflammation coming from?
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Excess weight – fat cells excrete inflammatory substances
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Stress
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Lack of sleep
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Ignoring allergies and not taking care of oral hygenine
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Environmental pollutants
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Cigarette smoke
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Diet
The good news is your diet can also have a positive effect on reducing inflammation levels in the body.
Anti-inflammatory foods
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Green leafy vegetables
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Onion and garlic
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Herbs and spices such as chilli, ginger, turmeric and pepper
To avoid increasing inflammation in the body, limit the intake of these inflammatory foods
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Sugar
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Alcohol
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High-fat meat
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Fried foods
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Refind grains
Takeaway points….
1.inflammation is caused by both physical, environmental and psychological triggers
2. reducing stress can assist in keeping inflammation levels low
3. Utilize an anti-inflammatory diet and maintain a healthy weight to keep blood inflammation levels low
