How to Naturally Reduce Inflammation
While chronic inflammation often goes unnoticed, it can slowly damage your body if left unchecked. That is why it is incredibly important to take measures—such as eating an anti-inflammatory diet and exercising regularly—to prevent the build up of inflammation in your body. Keep reading to learn how your diet and lifestyle habits can help to prevent chronic inflammation.
What does chronic inflammation do to the body?
Early symptoms of chronic inflammation are typically subtle and can go undetected for a long period of time. In its primary stages, chronic inflammation may only result in a general feeling of fatigue. Eventually, as inflammation progresses, however, it can lead to damage in your arteries, organs and/or joints. If inflammation is left unchecked, it can contribute to more serious chronic diseases such as heart disease, blood vessel disease, diabetes, obesity, cancer or Alzheimer’s disease.
What are the most common causes of chronic inflammation?
Chronic inflammation can be caused by a variety of factors, some of which include:
- Untreated injury or infection
- Diets high in trans-fat or refined sugar
- Low testosterone or estrogen
- Smoking and alcohol consumption
- Physical or emotional stress
- Irregular sleep patterns
What can I do to reduce the risk of chronic inflammation?
- Load up on anti-inflammatory foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, tuna, tofu, walnuts, seeds and soybeans. Following the Mediterranean diet can be a good guide to reducing inflammation through your diet.
- Limit inflammatory foods such as red meat and anything with trans-fats such as deep fried or processed foods.
- Control your blood sugar by avoiding simple carbohydrates such as white flour, white rice, refined sugar, and anything with high fructose corn syrup.
- Watch your weight: individuals who are overweight for their body proportions are more susceptible to chronic inflammation.
- Prioritize regular exercise in your schedule by making time to exercise at least three times a week.
- Learn to manage your emotional and physical stress through yoga, going on walks, working out, or some other method that works for you.