Inflammation has gotten a bad rap in the modern media about being a bad thing, but in its acute form, it’s simply your body’s natural defense against damaged cells, viruses, bacteria, and infection.  It aims to remove them and heal you.

There is acute inflammation and chronic inflammation.  Acute inflammation is when you get a virus and you’re immune system turns on to fight it.  Acute inflammation lasts typically under 6 weeks even in a severe injury or illness.  Once it’s surpassed that time frame, it turns into a more chronic inflammation state and that’s when it needs to be addressed by getting to the root cause and changing things.

What Causes Chronic Inflammation?

• Poor diet
• Stress
• Minor food allergies
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Environmental toxins

When dietary and environmental toxins build up in the body, the immune system turns on and due to the toxins, it stays highly reactive.  If your gut health is compromised, then these molecules can be secreted into the bloodstream and your immune system can attempt to attack them creating a situation that is optimal for autoimmune disease processes.

Symptoms of Inflammation

• Increased blood sugar
• Digestive problems
• Tired and fatigue
• Depressed/anxious, brain fog
• Skin problems – eczema, psoriasis
• Allergies
• Puffy eyes and face
• Autoimmune diseases
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Gum disease
• Joint pain

Foods That Create Chronic Inflammation

• Corn and soybean oils
• Pasteurized dairy
• Refined carbohydrates and processed foods
• Conventionally raised meat
• Sugar
• Trans Fats
• Additives and preservatives in foods

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

• Fiber
• Low sugar fruits
• Vegetables
• Antioxidants
• Beans/lentils
• Green foods – kale, spinach, spirulina, chlorella, romaine, etc.
• Nuts/seeds
• Allium vegetables – chives, garlic, leeks, onions
• Turmeric
• Bone broth

Supplements That Help Inflammation

• Vitamin E
• CoQ10
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Omega 3 fatty acids

Lifestyle Tips for Reducing Inflammation

• Stress management techniques such as journaling, deep breathing, meditation, yoga, etc.
• Reduce the toxins you’re exposed to in your cosmetics, personal care products, and cleaning products
• Consume 5+ servings of vegetables per day
• Consume healthy herbs and spices
• Consume healthy fats 3-5 times per day.
• Hydrate!

Avoiding an inflammation diet can lead to immediate health benefits and results. Start by removing the known inflammation causing foods and you’ll notice chronic inflammation symptoms resolve themselves in a matter of days.

For more information on inflammation, listen to this episode on The Ali Damron Show!