Clearing Your Body of Inflammation

As we continue to look forward, we continue to focus on our health and strengthening our immune systems. Everyday stressors however, create inflammation and negatively affect our immune system’s ability to fight against diseases and viruses. Inflammation has been linked to a large majority of common illnesses and health conditions. Therefore it’s vital to help clear your body of inflammation.

Inflammation is essentially your immune system’s response to tissue damage. It’s a necessary part of how your body responds to illness and injury. While inflammation is useful in certain situations, chronic and silent inflammation can cause an increased risk of a number of medical conditions, including a weakened immune system, heart disease, and high blood pressure. It can also contribute to an increase in the severity of arthritis, diabetes, and eczema.

To help prevent inflammation, a great place to start is to focus on your gut health. A big part of your immune system is found in your gut so the health of your digestive system is one of the main priorities for fighting inflammation. The prominent problem that individuals face with their gut is caused by a lack of healthy bacteria. This can be remedied by eating fermented foods, drinking green juices, and taking probiotic supplements. Bragg Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, Jahmu Tumeric Chai tea, and ginger are easy and convenient things to add to your diet that will help reduce inflammation significantly.

Additionally, refined sugar and processed foods are major culprits in contributing to inflammation. Large consumption of sugar slows your metabolism and digestive process, therefore weakening your immune system and increasing the risk of inflammation. The transfats present in processed foods increase your inflammation, labeled as “hydrogenated oil” or “vegetable oil”. It’s important to limit your consumption of these two contributors where you can.

Alternatively, you want to add more antioxidant-rich foods into your diet. Antioxidants can attack free radicals that cause inflammation. Fresh fruits can vegetables are the best sources of antioxidants. Brightly colored fruits, such as blueberries, apples, and plums, have an abundance of antioxidants. Dark, leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, tend to be a good source as well.

While focusing on your diet, be sure to check if you have any potential food allergies, which causes inflammation from your body attempting to get rid of a potential threat. Throughout your life, you can still develop new allergies, resistances, and even an intolerance to things you eat regularly. If you believe you may have developed an intolerance to soy, dairy, yeast, or gluten, you should get tested or go on an elimination diet to know for sure. Be sure to avoid eating foods that cause gastrointestinal distress or any other discomfort.

In order to make sure that your body is able to process your diet effectively, it’s important to ensure that you’re regularly exercising. When you exercise, you use energy, which your body receives from glucose. In order to combat your intake of sugar, exercise needs to be part of your daily routine. Simply taking at least a 30-minute walk around your neighborhood or local park will help promote a stronger digestive system and immune system.

Lastly, sleep is a key part of a healthy life, while it is usually overlooked. An honest night’s rest allows your body time to recover from inflammation. When asleep or relaxed, your body produces fewer pro-inflammatory compounds. It’s best to get at least seven to eight hours of uninterrupted sleep each night in order to protect your health and immune system.

Reducing inflammation isn’t complicated or difficult. By making a few lifestyle changes, you can prevent heart disease and an increased risk of illnesses. Following these simple lifestyle modifications can help you boost your immune system, optimize your health, and cultivate your happiest, most vibrant life.