Inflammation and Our Health
When your body recognizes anything that is foreign such as an invading microbe, plant pollen, or chemical your immune system kicks in to protective mode. This response often triggers a process in your body called inflammation. Sporadic bouts of inflammation directed at truly threatening invaders are a normal immune responds and protect your health. Sometimes though inflammation persists even when there is no threat. Chronic inflammation has been associated with a number of diseases including digestive issues, heart disease, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and many types of cancer.
One of the most powerful ways you can protect yourself from chronic inflammation is through your diet. When you choose anti-inflammatory foods you help your body reduce your risk of inflammation and illness. Consistently eating foods that cause inflammation may accelerate the inflammatory disease process. Foods that have been linked to causing inflammation are refined carbohydrates, fried foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, processed meat and hydrogenated fats such as margarine, shortening, and lard. Be sure to read your food labels to minimize the amount you consume these foods.
Offset potential inflammation by choosing beverages and foods that help reduce inflammation. Fruits and vegetables are constantly promoted as healthier choices because they contain high amounts antioxidants and polyphenols. These compounds work to offset the effects of inflammation and protect your body at a cellular level. Studies have also associated nuts, avocados and olive oil with reduced markers of inflammation due to their high contain of essential oils which also work to protect your cell wall integrity. When the individual cells within your body are structurally sound, they are able to better protect themselves against foreign invaders working to reduce the risk and impact of long term inflammation.
Click here for a list of anti-inflammatory foods. - https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-anti-inflammatory-foods
Denise Boyd, BSc, Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RNH) with a specialization in Cognitive and Immune Support.