NOURISHED

INFLAMMATION;

Inflammation is not just a result of muscle or soft tissue damage.  Inflammation is a cause of some of the most prevalent chronic conditions of our time and is directly associated with the foods we eat.   The  main causes of inflammation are Toxicity, Infection, Allergy, Nutritional Deficiency or excess, Injury and  Emotional Trauma

·      Inflammation is a protective immune response to injury, toxins, allergy and infection.  Inflammation occurs when the immune system releases inflammatory chemicals continuously.   Four common resulting attributes are;   Redness,  Heat, Swelling and Pain.   We see those attributes in medical conditions that end in "-itis": arthritis, tonsillitis, appendicitis.   Today, inflammation is seen as a chemical state that can exist in all or part of your body without necessarily producing the above 4 symptoms externally. Its presence is most accurately determined by measuring the levels of inflammatory chemicals in the inflamed tissue, or sometimes in a blood sample.  Inflammation is associated with chronic pain and the manifestation and progression of  illnesses and diseases such as Cancer, Cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer, Type 2 Diabetes, Arthritis, Autoimmune disease, Neurological diseases, Pulmonary diseases.·     

     

       Since more than 70% of our immune system cells are found along the lining of our digestive tract, your immune response is hugely affected by the foods that interact with your gut.

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·      Many of the chemicals associated with inflammation cause damage to cells.

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    The ideal anti inflammatory diet consists of a    Diet – high in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, cold water fish, virgin olive oil, and nuts and low in meat and trans-fatty –acids and processed carbohydrate as well as Fiber –  20 – 25 g/day - and  Omega 3 fatty acids.

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     Exercise,  Green tea, cayenne, ginger, turmeric and cocoa are some anti-inflammatory herbs can be incorporated. Probiotics and digestive enzymes are also helpful.

     
     Finally, pay attention to your thoughts. For every thought, there is a central nervous system physiological response. Negative, toxic, angry, frustrated thoughts only add fuel to an inflammatory fire. A change of attitude, in addition to the above suggestions can help calm inflammation and return the body to a healthy weight and vibrant health.  


      Please look out for my upcoming blog with a food pyramid and diet menu suggestions.