ne, and unsaturated fats. Nuts such as almonds or walnuts, as well as seeds like chia and flax, can fight inflammation with phytonutrients that are hard to find in other foods. Eating more nuts might slow down the aging process. Eat a handful while you work or top your favorite salads and recipes with beneficial nuts to help reduce inflammation.
A great way to enjoy tastier healthy foods is to spice them up with certain herbs and spices. Turmeric is a powerful one, documented for its anti-inflammatory compounds. Turmeric contains curcumin – an anti-inflammatory compound that’s stronger than those found in aspirin and ibuprofen. Adding a dash of turmeric to your favorite recipes can help combat inflammation throughout the body and even lower the risk of arthritis.
You might know that ginger helps settle an upset stomach, but did you also know it’s great for reducing inflammation from immune responses? Ginger in any of its forms – fresh, dried, extracts, or supplements – warms the body and breaks down toxins that may accumulate in internal organs. It can also help cleanse the body’s lymphatic system and treat inflammation of the lungs, lowering the risk of asthma and allergies.
Inflammation and Health Conditions
Health conditions associated with inflammation: (this is a partial list shared for educational purposes):
- Heart disease – When plaque in the blood vessels trigger inflammation, it can lead to blood clots, and eventually, heart attacks. These blood clots can also obstruct blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke.
- Bone loss – Inflammation throughout the body can interfere with bone growth and even lead to bone loss. Researchers believe that inflammatory markers in the blood interrupt bone remodeling, in which older bone tissue is removed and new bone tissue is formed.
- Digestive problems – Many of the body’s immune cells are in the gut. When intestinal bacteria become out of balance, it can contribute to chronic inflammation, leading to issues such as diarrhea and cramps. In extreme cases, the immune cells can attack the intestines themselves, leading to a condition known as inflammatory bowel disease. Gut inflammation also contributes further to bone degradation, since it can impede your ability to absorb calcium and vitamin D, which your bones need to remain strong.
- Joint damage – Inflammation in the joints can cause serious pain, swelling, and damage. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory disorder, can affect many joints throughout the body, including the hands and feet. RA appears to have a genetic component, but is also linked to smoking and a lack of vitamin D. People with RA also have an increased risk of eye problems and other issues throughout the body.
- Cancer – Inflammation has been linked to cancers of the cervix, lung, esophagus, and digestive tract. A 2015 study led by Harvard Researchers discovered that obese teenagers with high levels of systemic inflammation had a 63% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer as adults. When cells begin to produce inflammation, the immune system is weakened, which creates an environment for cancer cells to grow.
- Periodontal disease – Chronic inflammation in the mouth, known as periodontal disease, causes gums to recede and teeth to become weakened or damaged. An infection in the mouth can also trigger inflammation elsewhere in the body, contributing to heart disease and dementia.
- Difficulty losing weight – Obesity is a major contributing factor of inflammation and losing weight can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, but weight loss can be difficult when inflammation is present. Chronic inflammation can slow down your metabolism and increase insulin resistance, which also increases your risk of diabetes.
- Aging skin – Chronic inflammation has been linked to skin damage and contributes to faster cell aging, which may play a role in the formation of wrinkles and other visible signs of aging.
Suffice to say inflammation is one of the silent and invisible issues we deal with daily while working to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Making