So what is INFLAMMATION and how does it cause chronic issues? 

We've all heard the wellness hot word: INFLAMMATION

But what is inflammation? And why is it wreaking havoc on your body?

Inflammation is a natural biological function that arises in response to any stressor within the body (including mental stress). 

Inflammation is the body trying to protect and heal itself - so if you're upset with your body, know that it comes from a place of good intentions! Injury, illness, or any other kind of stressor causes an inflammatory response to fight off the infection or to properly heal the area of trauma.

Two types of inflammation can be present in the body: acute and chronic. 

Acute inflammation is important in times of injury or infection because it is the body’s way of repairing itself (for example, when you have a cut). 

Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is a major cause of chronic degenerative diseases. This type of inflammation, also known as “silent inflammation”, is not as easily detectable as acute inflammation and can go unnoticed for years. 

Symptoms and conditions associated with inflammation include: 

cardiovascular disease

arthritis

depression

Alzheimer's

Parkinson's

autoimmune disease

PMS, diabetes 

digestive issues 

skin conditions including acne  

obesity.

The most effective blood test to identify chronic inflammation is one that tests for C-reactive protein (CRP), which is an indicator of how much inflammation is occurring in the body. It is also an effective marker for predicting cardiovascular disease.

In my practice more than ever we are seeing people's chronic inflammatory markers, which lead to all the chronic conditions listed above, higher than ever before. Our Western lifestyles are far more stressful, sedentary, and nutritionally imbalanced than what is ideal or natural, which is leading to a problem of chronic inflammation in our society.

So what causes chronic inflammation? 

Hyperpermeability of the intestinal tract

Standard American Diet (as it is insulin-promoting)

A deficiency of healthy fats and antioxidants

Insufficient Omega-3 and/or excessive Omega-6 intake

An excess of free radicals

Excessive exposure to environmental toxins

Poor food choices + Allergies and intolerances +Poor gut health

Infections

Lack of sleep

Inadequate exercise

Chronic stress

Any combination of the above leads us to a place where our bodies are in a constant state of low-grade inflammation, which can negatively affect many different systems, organs, and tissues. 

It’s important to look at what contributors may be causing inflammation in your life and to modify your diet and lifestyle accordingly, and that's exactly what we do in my practice. 

There are SO many foods and tools that can decrease inflammation and promote health that you can add to your routine and work to remove and eliminate the food triggers and constant stress causing inflammation in the first place.

If you're looking to improve your inflammation levels and the symptoms associated, click the link to learn more about how to heal!