Let’s start by tackling this topic head on… What is inflammation and do I have it? Well technically, everyone’s body can become inflamed, even in your day to day life. There are two types of inflammation that you should know about, acute and chronic inflammation. Acute inflammation is a result of your immune system response, it is what your body does when it is trying to protect you from infection and harm. Let’s say you fall off your bike and cut your knee, or you have a sore throat, acute inflammation does its job and heals you in the quickest way possible. Now chronic inflammation is something very different. Chronic inflammation has an ongoing, persistent effect that takes place when your body forgets to turn off the acute inflammation. That inflammation that was supposed to help you heal your cut knee or that sore throat turns from an angel into a devil. It confuses your body and the inflammation starts attacking your healthy tissues and cells without anything even being wrong. This chronic inflammation can also stem from an autoimmune response as well, which does something similar in confusing your own body as being a foreign invader (Tessmer 2015).
Are you confused yet? I hope not!! If you suffer from chronic inflammation, know someone that does or just want to learn more about it, then keep reading.
“How can I treat Inflammation?”
Most of the time, chronic inflammation is the root problem of a lot of undiagnosed diseases. Diagnosing autoimmune diseases like Granulomatosis with polyangiitis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis and even Celiac disease means diagnosing inflammation, which can be very tricky. I think of them as a silent killer, hard to diagnose and tricky to treat. However, with the right doctors, a combination of some specific inflammation targeting bloodwork, and a physical examination it is possible to tame the lion. This is usually done with medication, specifically anti-inflammatory medications and Corticosteroids (like prednisone). But I believe that once you know what is going on within your body and finally understand the root problem, medication AND a healthy lifestyle is your best option.
“What constitutes a healthy lifestyle?”
A healthy lifestyle means something a little different to everyone. To me it means putting as much good in my body as possible. Trying to be physically active three times a week, drinking lots of water, taking vitamins and eating a clean diet helps me stay on track. Creating a mind-body connection is so important when facing chronic inflammation, being able to communicate with your body is essential. Fueling it with the best foods possible and creating meals with natural ingredients makes you not only feel better on the inside but on the outside as well.
“What foods help control inflammation ”
Say goodbye to unhealthy, saturated fats and hello healthy fats. Introduce natural products and lots of fruits and vegetables into your diet. Avoid nightshade fruits and vegetables like tomatoes, white potatoes, eggplant and sweet peppers. Try including salmon and dark leafy greens into your diet instead of red meat. Switch out your butter and margarine for extra-virgin olive oil and grab a handful of nuts or berries instead of a handful of potato chips. Simple day to day food choices can have a bigger effect on your body and the way you feel daily than you may think. Even if you don’t suffer from chronic inflammation, it is always good to give your body the energy it needs in natural ways.
“What now?”
Reality is I could go one for pages and pages educating you on everything about inflammation, what to do about it and how to treat it. I honestly wish I could, but if you are still interested and want to learn more, here is a list of books that I have found very helpful in learning how to tackle inflammation and handle it face first. Good luck!
Your Nutrition Solution to Inflammation by Kimberly A. Tesser, RDN, LD
The Anti-Inflammation Cookbook: The Delicious Way to reduce Inflammation by Amanda Hass with Dr. Bradly Jacobs
The Autoimmune Fix: How to Stop the Hidden Autoimmune Damage that keeps you Sick, Fat and Tired before it turns into Disease by Tom O’Bryan, DC, CCN, DACBN
The Immune System Recovery Plan: A Doctor’s 4-Step Program to Treat Autoimmune Diseases by Susan Blum, M.D., M.P .H