Inflammation is one of the body's natural responses, and much like the rush of adrenaline we get in a fight, flight or freeze situation, once stood the human race in good stead in terms of fighting infection and human survival. But in the absence of sabre tooth tigers and open pus-filled sores left to fester and poison the blood, chronic inflammation can really mess up the body in many ways.
In Spring we experience runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezes a-plenty, stuffy heads, and clogged sinuses that make you feel miserable. This is a message from your immune system: putting up its barriers, preventing harmful substances from entering the body. For many, that means relying on a cocktail of antihistamines, eye drops, and tissues until we can breathe freely again. This is acute inflammation at its finest.
People living with inflammatory disease like arthritis who have overactive immune systems also experience inflammatory conditions but this is long-term, so chronic. There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that minor, bodily inflammation over time, is thought to contribute toward the development of heart disease, Alzheimer’s diabetes, and some cancers.
So inflammation, whether lots of acute scenarios or over a longer period can have damaging and lasting effects. So what can be done about it?
Diet
Many fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs are natural allergy fighters. These foods contain potent antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory properties which help bolster your immune system and reduce the impact of allergies.
Top 5: broccoli, kale, turmeric, green tea, strawberries
Omega-3 fatty acids are great for limiting the inflammation process in your body when your immune system is calling for inflammation. At times, this can be beneficial for people who require a reduced amount of inflammation.
Top 5:avocado, nuts and seeds, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower.
Movement
Taking anti-inflammatories may actually be preventing the body from healing effectively so these are best avoided. Studies show that anti-inflammatories can impair tendon healing, decrease tissue strength and reduce the integrity of the tissues. Additionally anti-inflammatory medications can have other complications such as stomach ulcers, kidney and liver and cardiovascular issues.
Allowing the body to expel toxins that have accumulated as a result of inflammation through exercise and movement is more effective and creates circulation and natural pumping to increase blood flow and promote lymphatic drainage to take away the debris that has accumulated.
Probiotics
Studies show that probiotic supplements proved to decrease inflammation, so pick up a supplement or look into probiotic foods:
Top 5: Sauerkraut., Dark Chocolate. Microalgae. Miso Soup. Pickles. Tempeh.
Sleep
Studies show that getting an 8-hour sleep every night can reduce and prevent chronic inflammation!
What simple changes can you put in places to minimise your inflammation?
In Spring we experience runny noses, itchy eyes, sneezes a-plenty, stuffy heads, and clogged sinuses that make you feel miserable. This is a message from your immune system: putting up its barriers, preventing harmful substances from entering the body. For many, that means relying on a cocktail of antihistamines, eye drops, and tissues until we can breathe freely again. This is acute inflammation at its finest.
People living with inflammatory disease like arthritis who have overactive immune systems also experience inflammatory conditions but this is long-term, so chronic. There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that minor, bodily inflammation over time, is thought to contribute toward the development of heart disease, Alzheimer’s diabetes, and some cancers.
So inflammation, whether lots of acute scenarios or over a longer period can have damaging and lasting effects. So what can be done about it?
Diet
Many fruits, vegetables, spices, and herbs are natural allergy fighters. These foods contain potent antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory properties which help bolster your immune system and reduce the impact of allergies.
Top 5: broccoli, kale, turmeric, green tea, strawberries
Omega-3 fatty acids are great for limiting the inflammation process in your body when your immune system is calling for inflammation. At times, this can be beneficial for people who require a reduced amount of inflammation.
Top 5:avocado, nuts and seeds, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower.
Movement
Taking anti-inflammatories may actually be preventing the body from healing effectively so these are best avoided. Studies show that anti-inflammatories can impair tendon healing, decrease tissue strength and reduce the integrity of the tissues. Additionally anti-inflammatory medications can have other complications such as stomach ulcers, kidney and liver and cardiovascular issues.
Allowing the body to expel toxins that have accumulated as a result of inflammation through exercise and movement is more effective and creates circulation and natural pumping to increase blood flow and promote lymphatic drainage to take away the debris that has accumulated.
Probiotics
Studies show that probiotic supplements proved to decrease inflammation, so pick up a supplement or look into probiotic foods:
Top 5: Sauerkraut., Dark Chocolate. Microalgae. Miso Soup. Pickles. Tempeh.
Sleep
Studies show that getting an 8-hour sleep every night can reduce and prevent chronic inflammation!
What simple changes can you put in places to minimise your inflammation?