Inflammation is a natural bodily response to injury or infection. It is the body’s way of getting more immune activity and nourishment into the specific area that needs to heal. Chronic inflammation, however, is a different story. It has the potential to be destructive and people don’t typically suspect it as a cause of poor health.
Many studies have suggested that inflammation plays a role in the development of serious conditions like Alzheimer’s & Parkinson’s diseases, cancer, and heart disease. Recent studies have also linked chronic inflammation to the development of depression and anxiety. While chronic inflammation can be influenced by genetics, other factors like stress, poor dietary choices, exposure to environmental pollutants, and smoking cigarettes can cause excess inflammation. Help decrease inflammation in the body by using the following tips in your daily life.
Skip The Sugar
Eating too much sugar can take a toll on your adrenal glands, which makes it harder for you to cope with stress over time. Consuming sugar raises inflammation levels by triggering the release of cytokines, which are pro-inflammatory. Watch out for the hidden sugars in items you wouldn’t suspect. We are referring to salad dressings, condiments, sodas, and tomato sauce.
Meditate
This may seem ridiculous to some, but meditation is a great way to reduce stress. Research has indicated that chronic stress can negatively affect the immune system, which can induce inflammation. Take about 10-15 minutes each day to meditate in some peace and quiet. If meditation isn’t your cup of tea, try to find a calming outlet or activity, like walking or yoga.
Eat A Lot Of Anti-Inflammatory Spices
Spices are the unsung heroes of the kitchen. Not only do they make the food taste good, but they also have tons of health properties. Turmeric and ginger, for instance, provide powerful antioxidants that help to fight inflammation. It is advised to pair turmeric with black pepper because that helps the body absorb the curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric. Fight inflammation with other herbs like rose hips, garlic, and nettle.
Start Your Mornings With A Green Smoothie
Leafy greens have been known to fight inflammation in the body. Starting your mornings with a pre-digested smoothie (meaning your body doesn’t have to work to break down the food) can help kick start your metabolism and digestion. Many leafy greens like arugula, romaine, spinach, and kale can contain vitamins A, D, E, and K, all of which help to decrease levels of CRP, which is an inflammatory protein. Visit our smoothie section for creative green smoothie recipes.
Eat Sulfur Rich Veggies
Methylation is like a biochemical superhighway in the body and it helps to protect the gut, brain, and DNA from inflammation. You can support methylation by eating sulfur-rich vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or broccoli, all of which help to lower the inflammatory acid known as homocysteine.
