What Is Inflammation & What Can You Do About It?
Inflammation is our immune system’s way of responding to injury and infections.
The body notifies the immune system that some repairs need to be done on damaged tissue, this then initiates the healing process. The act of the part of the body that is damaged to become inflamed, is the body’s way of protecting that area from foreigners such as viruses and bacteria.
Without inflammation, wounds would become infected and this would be deadly.
Having said that, inflammation should be short lived, only being needed long enough to ensure the healing occurs and the body is returned to homeostasis (total balance).
Should the inflammatory process go on for too long or occurs where it is not needed, it will become a problem and this is when the condition becomes chronic.
There are 2 types of inflammation, acute and chronic.
Acute Inflammation
This type of inflammation will occur after a cut or bruise, sprain, sore throat and so on. Generally it is very short term, the immune system sends down the soldiers to build cocoon around the damaged tissue, in the form of inflammation.
So this is when you see redness and swelling and feel heat and pain. Sometimes a loss of function may occur to protect an area or joint. Chemicals called cytokines, are released by the damaged tissue and they signal to the immune system that there is a problem that needs fixing.
The immune system will then send down little soldiers in the form of immune cells, hormones and nutrients to fix the problem. Prostaglandins create blood clots to heal the damaged tissue and they will also trigger pain and fever in order to heal the damaged region.
As your body heals, the inflammation will subside, having completed its job.
Chronic Inflammation
This type of inflammation is far more serious than acute inflammation and indicates there is a problem in the body that needs urgent attention.
Chronic inflammation is linked to stroke, heart disease, cancer and degenerative disease, arthritis, lupus, etc.
To reduce inflammation in the body requires a holistic approach to allow the body to heal itself. It is not a matter of going to the doctor and getting a prescription drug and hoping that is going to fix the issue.
What Should You Be Eating?
To reduce chronic inflammation you need to be taking super food supplements as well as eating fresh and clean (spray/insecticide free) fruits and vegetables and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids and also high in anti-oxidants. Also choose fruits with a lower sugar level:
Supplements
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Chia Seeds
- Flaxseeds
- Coconut oil
- MSM – Methyl Sulphonyl Methane (Pure Sulphur)
- Ashwagandha (Adaptogenic herb)
- Medicinal Mushrooms:
- Reishi
- Lion’s Mane
- Chaga
- Tremella
- Cordyceps
- Stiitkae
- Turkey Tail
Vegetables:
- Green leafy vegetables, like kale, swiss chard, spinach, bok choy
- Celery, broccoli
- Beetroot (be sure to save the leaves and add to salads and add to juices
Fruits
- Blueberries (other berries also are good) These fruits are lower in sugar
- Pineapple
- Avocado
- Pomegranate
Nuts
- Walnuts (soaked/activated)
For Flesh Eaters
- Salmon
- Bone broth
What Should I Be Avoiding?
Foods you need to be avoiding, especially if you have chronic inflammation are:
- Red meat
- Trans fats like margarine, canola, corn oil, including ALL oils that have been hydrogenated, vegetable shortening
- Any processed foods that include additives
- Pastries – doughnuts, cakes, biscuits
- Simple Carbs like Pasta, bread
What About Exercise?
We all know that exercise is a super important part of our overall wellness. Even if you just walk daily, you are at least stimulating the body. Depending on your state of fitness, you will have a programme designed to keep your body in peak condition.
People with chronic inflammation are generally overweight and so will need to be very careful with their exercise protocol. You should consult a professional who can develop the right program for you that will include aerobic and resistance training.
As you lose weight, your inflammation will also reduce.
Stress
Finally, stress and anxiety can also contribute to inflammation so it is vitally important that you manage your emotional state too. Meditation, positive affirmations and yoga can assist in calming the body emotionally, when you change your response to your everyday situations.
We may not be able to change our day to day activities related to work and family but we can change our response.
That’s it!
I hope that this article has been beneficial to you and that if you are suffering from chronic inflammation, I trust that this article has given you some natural alternatives to managing and improving your situation.
Pharmaceutical drugs are not the answer and if taken constantly will result in creating other issues for you, leading to the consumption of more drugs and so the rollercoaster will continue. Please avoid going down this pathway as there are more than enough natural plants that can set you on the way to better health and wellness.
As always, please do click through to our website Akuna Wellness and browse more valuable articles and products designed to build amazing health and wellness!
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