Visible or not, inflammation is an ailment that, if left unattended, can cause long-term and permanent damage to our bodies. Unfortunately, it’s quite common with an estimated 60% of all Americans living with one form of chronic inflammation or another.
If you think you might be part of this group, then read on to learn how to manage and reduce your inflammation naturally.
What is Inflammation?
First, let’s clarify exactly what inflammation is. At its root, inflammation is an organic bodily response to harm or trauma, and when operating at normal levels, it’s a critical element of a healthy, functioning immune system. In some cases, however, an inflammatory response may be triggered without the presence of illness, injury, or infection. Since there is nothing foreign or new for the inflammation to combat, the cells that cause inflammation go to work attacking healthy organs, joints, and bodily systems. This is called chronic inflammation and it can have damaging consequences long-term.
How To Reduce Inflammation
Thankfully, there are ways to control and even reverse the adverse effects of chronic inflammation. Some ways include:
- Change Your Diet
One of the easiest and most effective ways to combat chronic inflammation is to focus on your food choices. Fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids all contain potent anti-inflammatory properties. Some of the best sources of Omega-3 are salmon, tuna, tofu, walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds. Blueberries, olive oils, garlic, celery, grass feed beef and certain spices can also help reduce and undue inflammatory responses.
Just as some foods fight inflammation, others encourage it. Trans-fatty acids and hydrogenated vegetable oils contained in processed and fried foods should all be avoided, as they are known to trigger inflammation.
- Exercise
According to various studies, short 20–40-minute sessions of daily exercises like running, walking, yoga, or weightlifting, can help stimulate the immune system and encourage anti-inflammatory cellular activity.
- Get Proper Sleep
The equation here is quite simple: better sleep means less inflammation. Sleep, immune function, and inflammatory response all share common regulators, and growing evidence indicates that a lack of sleep raises inflammation in the body. Even more stunning, one study conducted suggests that a single poor night of sleep can start this process.
Your Health Matters: Choose Vitruvian Wellness Center
Located in West Springfield, MA, Vitruvian Wellness center is here to help guide you on the path to recovery and wellness, naturally. The services of Dr. Morin can assist patients in rediscovering a body defined by optimal health and wellness each and every day.If you want to start living every day pain free and in optimal health, contact us to schedule an appointment today! You can also glance at our catalogue of vitamins and supplements for purchase HERE.
