When it comes to your health, inflammation can be both helpful and harmful. In its most positive light, inflammation is your body's way of initiating healing and protecting itself from some sort of irritant, infection, toxin or trauma. However, inflammation also is a root cause of just about every chronic disease.
What conditions are linked to chronic inflammation?
- Allergies
- Alzheimer's disease
- Arthritis
- Bowel disease
- Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Gum disease
- Stroke
What are the signs of inflammation?
When fighting an infection, inflammation presents as heat, redness, swelling, pain or loss of function in the affected area. In an otherwise healthy individual, it's a normal and healthy response.
When is inflammation worrisome?
When your body is out of balance, usually due to poor lifestyle and occasionally genetic factors, it can't properly regulate the inflammatory response. In such cases, inflammation may become excessive, essentially causing your body to turn on itself.
What causes chronic inflammation?
Chronic inflammation generally results from lifestyle factors, including:
- Poor diet
- Too little or too much exercise
- Stress
- Not enough sleep
- Exposure to toxins in your regular surroundings
What foods are linked to inflammation?
- Sugar
- Refined carbohydrates (flour)
- Soda and other sugary drinks
- Deep-fried foods
- Low-fat dairy products
- Margarine
- Foods high in trans fats
What foods can help prevent and/or fight inflammation?
There are different foods and supplements have anti-inflammatory properties, including:
- Colorful fruits and vegetables
- Fatty fish
- Nuts
- Olive oil
- Coconut oil
- Omega-3 fish oil supplements
- Green tea
- Tart cherries
- Turmeric (spice)