Inflammation is the body’s immune response to promote healing. We need this to heal, but too much over too long of time is damaging to our bodies. An over active immune system can lead to joint pain, fatigue, damaged blood vessels, asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis. All pain is ultimately due to inflammation. Silent inflammation means you are not well, on your way to chronic disease.
The Anti-Inflammation-Zone by Dr. Barry Sears is the book to read for an in-depth knowledge of inflammation and its demons.
Dr. Sears explains how hormonal balance, especially keeping the hormone eicosanoid in balance, is the key to true wellness.
Eicosanoids control inflammation, the underlying cause of chronic disease states.
Eicosanoids are produced from essential fatty acids that the body cannot make, they must be consumed as part of the diet and in supplementation.
CAUSES OF INFLAMMATION:
*Stress – emotional
*Physical Stress – low blood sugar, a fall, a broken bone.
*Digestive Issues – poor diet, IBS
*Blood sugar levels – diabetes
*Food Allergies
*Hormones
*Environmental Toxins – chemicals, synthetic fibers
FOODS TO FIGHT INFLAMMATION:
*Onions and Garlic – natural anti-inflammatory chemicals, quercetin and allicin that produce free radical-fighting sulfuric acid.
*Fish – Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation.
*Dark leafy greens – need Vit.E for cytokines
*Nuts, flax seeds – they have Vit. E, omegas, antioxidants all to help repair damage cause by chronic inflammation.
*Beets – with their crazy bright redness or betalains help fight inflammation.
*Ginger and Turmeric – anti-inflammatory properties.
*Grape seed and Olive oil – omega-9 with anti-inflammatory polyphenols.
The bottom line, lots fruits, veggies, deeply pigmented at every meal for fiber, and natural anti-inflammatory compounds. Oregano, green tea, blueberries, ginger to limit free-radical production in the body.
Stay clear from known allergens like gluten, eggs, dairy, and soy. Leave behind the hydrogenated oils, sugars and refined carbohydrates.
EXERCISE:
Exercise can lower the body’s C-reactive protein which lowers inflammation.
A theory is that exercise causes the body to make more antioxidants that seek and destroy free radicals seen with inflammation.
People who exercise regularly find it much easier to deal with emotional stress.
People who are regularly active, sleep better, manage weight better, feel better physically and have a happier outlook on life.
To reduce inflammation, try to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day, five days a week.
MEDITATION:
Meditation to reduce stress.
SUPPLEMENTATION:
Young Living offers many supplements and essential oils that may help in the reduction of stress and add nutritional support for a healthy lifestyle.
Essential Oils Integrative Medical Guide by D. Gary Young, ND on inflammation and essential oils:
Certain essential oils have been documented to be excellent for reducing inflammation. German chamomile, peppermint, helichrysum, spruce, birch, wintergreen and clove all have anti-inflammatory properties.
There are different types of inflammation for which one oil might be better than another:
Myrrh and helichrysum: inflammation due to tissue/capillary damage, bruising.
Roman chamomile and lavender: inflammation due to bacterial infection.
Ravensara, hyssop, and thyme: inflammation caused by viral infection.
Reference Guide for Essential Oils by Connie and Alan Higley:
According to Dr. David Hill, “Inflammation and oxidation go hand-in-hand.
NingXia Red and Longevity Capsules on a daily basis are a powerful combination to fight oxidation and inflammation system-wide.
Omega-Gize contains clove oil and fish oil, which have been shown to work together to reduce inflammation by up to 30%!
Life 5 a high-potency probiotic for a healthy immune system.
MultiGreens to boost vitality and relieve stress.
Sulfurzyme to aid in the body’s natural defense.
Reduce stress and anxiety with Lavender, Stress Away, Peace and Calming, German Chamomile. Diffuse into the air and meditate.
Ref.: www.activebeat, www.health.com
