Inflammation! What's With All The Hype?

Inflammation! It's Not Hype It's Real and Can Cause Major Damage

We are hearing so much about inflammation these days.  How did we go so long not having this term in our face as much as we are now?  It seems that everywhere we turn around the subject of inflammation comes up.  

Inflammation is not all bad, it's a natural process that helps the body heal and protect us from illness, injury and infections. Inflammation can last days, weeks, months or years, It's only bad when it becomes chronic and leads to other health issues.  

Chronic signs of  acute (short-term) inflammation include redness, pain, heat and swelling. Are you having any of these symptoms? 

Long-term inflammation happens inside of the body that can go unnoticed.  This type of inflammation can drive illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease and sometimes cancer.  If you have any of these illnesses you are full of inflammation.  The good thing is you can turn things around 

This subject is dear to me because I had to overcome fybromyalgia, pre-diabetes, obesity and chronic pain that was linked to my body being inflamed. It's still an ongoing process of making sure I put the right foods into my body to keep inflammation from getting me sick again.  I have family members dealing with chronic pain, diabetes, arthritis, obesity and heart disease.  You or someone you know may be dealing with these same issues as well.  That's why I'm writing this to help.  

Chronic inflammation can also happen to people who are obese or under stress.

As part of the inflammatory response your body increases it's white blood cells, immune cells and substances called cytokines that help fight infection.

What Causes Inflammation?

• Lifestyle factors like eating to much sugar and high fructose corn syrup which can lead to insulin resistance  are a great deal for the body to endure and may cause an inflammatory response. 
• Processed and foods high in trans fat has shown to promote inflammation and damage the cells in the arteries. 
• Vegetable oils used in many processed foods can contribute as well. 
• Excessive alcohol and processed meats can have an inflammatory response.
• Inactivity that includes lots of sitting is a major non-dietary factor that can increase the body's ability to control inflammation.

Your Diet Makes All the Difference

Since we have identified several causes and signs, are you concerned you could be inflamed? If you are overweight, have diabetes, swelling, pain, redness and are inactive, chances are you may have some issues with inflammation.

Reducing inflammation means changing your diet. Plain and simple.  Food changes everything. Eating anti-inflammatory foods and fewer inflammatory foods is crucial to decreasing it's affects. 

Eating a diet that is plant based and filled with nutrients, that are high in antioxidants and avoiding processed food, may begin the process of decreasing inflammation.

Your anti-inflammatory diet should contain a balance of protein, good carbs and and high quality fats. You will also need to make sure you have plenty of vitamins, minerals, fiber and water. 

Foods to Avoid: sugary drinks, refined carbs (white bread and pasta),desserts,processed meats, processed snacks (crackers, chips), soybean and corn oil, trans fat and excessive alcohol should be avoided.

Foods to Include: fruits, vegetables, avocados, nuts, dark chocolate, red wine, spices to name a few.

Choose a balanced diet that eliminates processed foods and increase your intake of whole anti-inflammatory, antioxidant foods will set you on a path to wellness.

It is my desire to educate, inform and serve those that are sick or wanting to make changes in their lifestyle before they get sick. 

Reach out to me for personal attention if you have concerns.  I have helped so many make changes in their diet and lifestyle by turning around their health around quickly with great results.

All it takes is making a decision that good health is the most valuable thing you have and now is the time to take charge of your life. I've been there, I know the pain and the struggle. 

Your Sister In the Journey

Melesha Bailey
Certified Holistic Nutritional Health Coach
Love 4 Life Wellness/Manna Healing & Wholeness