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So what is inflammation? And how do you get rid of it?
Inflammation is something that many people suffer with and don’t even realize what’s going on.
For years, I have suffered with inflammation and its been so hard to figure out just what to do to help fix the situation.
I didn’t really understand what inflammation was and what I needed to do to fix it.
Here is some more information on what it is and the things that you can use to help fix it.
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WHAT IS INFLAMMATION?
“Inflammation is the process by which your body’s white blood cells and the things they make protect you from infection from outside invaders such as bacteria and viruses” this is the way webmd.com defines it.
Inflammation can be acute or chronic. Acute meaning that it’s the short term affect it has on your body.
And chronic meaning the long term effect on your body. For example arthritis is inflammation of the joints and this is a chronic condition.
Inflammation over time can lead to serious diseases like cancer, diabetes and heart disease.
So it is important that you try to reduce inflammation in your body to lower the risks on contracting these diseases.
WHAT CAUSES INFLAMMATION?
Basically inflammation happens when a physical action triggers an immune reaction.
A lot of the time inflammation is caused by us. When I say this I mean the things we put into our bodies.
Like food or drinks, these things can have a huge effect on how inflamed you are.
Being smart about what you’re putting into your body can make a big difference and could potentially help you in the future.
Another cause of inflammation is stress. Stress can be extremely harmful to your body for so many reasons and this is just another one.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
So how do you know if you have inflammation in your body?
There are a few symptoms that you would notice such as redness, joint pain, or joint stiffness.
Other symptoms that can occur are fever, chills, fatigue or loss of energy, headaches, and loss of appetite.
Also you can be inflamed and not even have any symptoms. For this I would recommend just making sure you are eating and drinking healthy things.
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HOW CAN YOUR GET RID OF INFLAMMATION?
There are a couple of things that can be done to get rid of inflammation, for one eating a healthy balanced diet. Keep reading for what foods can help with this.
Taking supplements that specifically target inflammation.
Or using spices that can help. For example turmeric is one of the most known spices that really help with inflammation.
Which ever one you decide to choose, make sure you consult your doctor to use what is best for you especially if you are already taking medication.
If you mix things that don’t mix well this could be dangerous, so be careful and make sure you have all the information before you do anything.
WHAT FOODS MAKES IT WORSE?
Foods that cause inflammation include:
- Red meat
- Unhealthy fats ex. Vegetable oils
- Fried foods
- Added sugar
- Highly processed foods
- Smoking
- Alcohol
These are a few of the things that can cause inflammation in your body. Staying away from these foods are the best option.
But if you can’t completely stay away try to limit your intake.
WHAT FOODS HELP?
So what foods can actually help right?
Here are some that will help:
- High fiber foods
- Tomatoes
- Fatty fish such as salmon
- Fruit including berries
- Olive oil
- Nuts, like almonds and walnuts
- Leafy green vegetables like kale, spinach or collard greens
- Green tea
These are some really good foods that can help. Including an anti-inflammatory diet can go a long way in how you feel.
Cookbooks For An Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Anti-inflammatory Diet Cookbook with Pictures: 1000 Days Healthy and Delicious Anti-inflammatory
The Complete Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Beginners: A No-Stress Meal Plan with Easy Recipes to Health
The Easy 5-Ingredient Acid Reflux Cookbook: Fuss-free Recipes for Relief from GERD
Meals That Heal: 100+ Everyday Anti-Inflammatory Recipes in 30 Minutes or Less
The Anti-Inflammatory Diet for Beginners: Easy Anti-Inflammatory Cookbook
The Easy Anti Inflammatory Diet: Fast and Simple Recipes for the 15 Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods
The “I Love My Instant Pot” Anti-Inflammatory Diet Recipe Book
WHY IS INFLAMMATION PROBLEMATIC FOR SKIN?
So not only can inflammation cause harm to your body but it messes with your skin. This can include getting acne.
If your body is inflamed it can show on your skin. This also goes back to what you’re putting into your body and how you’re fueling your body.
If you’ve been struggling with acne for a while and cant figure out why your skin is always inflamed, this could be a reason.
WHY IS INFLAMMATION PROBLEMATIC FOR HAIR?
Inflammation is problematic for your hair because it can cause hair loss. Which is super stressful, which can make this worse.
It’s a vicious cycle.
Inflammation can cause thinning of the hair to full blown hair loss. Also you may notice your scalp being more tender or easily irritated than before.
This is a full body problem that can affect you on so many levels. And also cause long term harm.
Its important that you take the right steps in order to reduce inflammation and care for your hair. There are also some foods that help promote healthy hair growth.
Look out for that posting coming soon to the blog.
SUPPLEMENTS YOU CAN TAKE TO REDUCE INFLAMMATION
If you would like to go the supplemental route these are a some supplements that hep with inflammation:
- Fish oil – these contain omega 3 fatty acids which are good for inflammation
- Flax – this also contain omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
- Turmeric – had anti-inflammatory properties
- Omega 3 fatty acids – see above
- Zinc – this is a potent anti-inflammatory that also supports your immune system
- Ginger – helps reduce inflammation due to illness
- Spirulina – blue green algae that has a strong antioxidant effects
- Vitamin D – decreases inflammation and is good for your immune health
- Green tea extract – has antioxidants which are anti-inflammatory
Again these are supplements and can potentially be dangerous if taken incorrectly or taken with other medications that you may already be taking.
So be cautious and speak to your healthcare provider before deciding to take anything. And make sure you research the risk before taking anything.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Inflammation is a huge issue that not a lot of people are talking about or giving credit to.
So if your feeling some or all of these symptoms and want to knowing what’s going on with you this might be it.
Let me know in the comments below if you have dealt with this before?
What helped you and what are you using?