Chronic Inflammation and an Anti-inflammatory Approach
Did you know that chronic inflammation may contribute to impaired immune function, weight gain and heart disease among many other health problems. So if you are interested in learning more about the effects of chronic inflammation, how to follow an anti-inflammatory diet, learn different lifestyle factors that may be contributing to chronic inflammation, and why what you cook matters. Follow my blogs and I’ve got you covered in all these areas.
What is inflammation
Inflammation is our natural healing process. Acute inflammation happens after any injury, like a cut for example. The area gets red and swollen and is in pain for a few days, but it usually heals fairly quickly. Chronic inflammation is more subtle and can last much longer, sometimes for weeks and can even last for months and years. This is the contributing factor too many health problems which include arthritis, insulin resistance, obesity and heart disease.
What causes chronic inflammation
Lifestyle factors play a huge role in chronic inflammation. These include, not enough sleep which then increases the release of cortisol (the stress hormone), this can stimulate hunger and lead to un healthy cravings like sugar and processed foods. Daily stress from your work, lack of a job, family life, financial stress and any other stressful life factors. This in-turn also contributes to an increase in cortisol in the blood, which can promote insulin resistance and lead to weight gain and diabetes.
More health related issues caused by chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation can lead to serious health issues. Some of them are coronary artery disease and auto-immune disease. It also impacts the way your immune system reacts to bacterial infections and viruses. If you have inflammation under control, your body is much less likely to over react and your immune system can handle the unwanted foreign invaders, like COVID-19 for example.
Food and its role in inflammation
What we eat plays a significant role when it comes to reducing inflammation. A processed food diet is largely full of sugar, high-fructose corn syrup and white-refined carbs like bread and baked goods have all been linked to insulin resistance, inflammation, weight gain, and diabetes. Processed foods and packaged foods with artificial trans fats can damage the lining of your arteries. Also vegetable oils made from seeds such as corn and soy are high in omega-6 fatty acids which has been linked to an increase in inflammation. Foods that are cooked at a dry high heat like baked, broiled, grilled or roasted also may increase inflammation.
If you’re feeling stiff and sore, it’s time to start taking an anti-inflammatory approach to your diet and lifestyle. Chronic inflammation is a leading cause of disease, so it’s important to address any issues head on. Comment below if you have any questions about how to get started, or let me know how you’ve been able to reduce inflammation in your own life. I would love to hear from you!