In this three part series on inflammation issues we will look at the:
Tip 1 – the basics and definition
Tip 2 – common inflammatory foods and the top food allergens linked to intolerance/inflammation
Tip 3 – anti-inflammatory foods and how you can mitigate, even overcome the chronic symptoms
Read on for tip one
Inflammation Basics and Dietary Impact
INFLAMMATION BASICS – Let’s look at the difference between our bodies natural response with protective healing inflammation and chronic inflammation along with the related conditions/symptoms.
Inflammation as an immune response: to illness, injury, allergy, infection, nutritional deficiencies or excess, toxins, mental, emotional and physical stress.
- We typically experience symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness and heat in the infected area(s) even if we don’t visually see it. This built-in response is intended to protect us. When our body encounters injury or a perceived invader it revs into gear communicating the challenge with symptoms such as those mentioned above. It’s a natural healing process that benefits us when allowed to run its full course.
Chronic Inflammation: is a systemic condition that sets in when the healing process is incomplete due to repeated exposure to the inflammatory cause. The body’s immune response produces an excess of inflammatory chemicals, sometimes because of the foods we eat. Standard diets are typically imbalanced and overproduce inflammatory chemicals while at the same time blocking production of necessary anti-inflammatory chemicals.
Related Conditions:
Arthritis, gastritis, colitis, dermatitis, cystitis, neuritis, bursitis are all common inflammatory conditions related to systemic inflammation.
Heart diseases - coronary artery diseases are considered directly associated with inflammation and now regarded to be a more important risk factor for heart disease than high cholesterol levels.
Cancer is spread by inflammation.
Obesity, dementia, migraines, Gastro/digestive challenges, Alzheimer’s disease all involve inflammation.
Infections, hives, allergic reactions, asthma, diabetes, psoriasis, IBS and all such auto immune diseases involve inflammation.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
- Begin noticing how you feel after eating.
- Keep food/feeling journals for a few weeks paying close attention to the impact of the food you eat and possible arising symptoms experienced over the next 2 weeks.
- Eliminate any foods that appear to trigger pain, indigestion, bloating, swelling, joint issues etc and continue to journal your results adapting your diet accordingly.
- Stay tuned for the next tip on the foods typically related to chronic inflammation and what to avoid.
SOMETHING MORE:
- Familiarize yourself with foods that trigger inflammation and avoid these at all costs.
- Seek out the assistance of an experienced nutritional specialist to assist you in establishing a personalized dietary protocol suitable for your current state of digestive health and the conditions/symptoms plaguing you.
CONCLUSION:
Your diet plays an immense role in disease prevention and or disease triggers making it essential to ensure you eat according to your own dietary needs related to your current state of health rather than following specific diet trends or recommendations by those unfamiliar with your individual health needs and body chemistry. If you are ready to make dietary changes that can impact your overall health and deal with dietary related
Watch for Tip Two June 2nd, 2023