Our bodies are fine-tuned machines. Every moment of every day, thousands of signals are being passed from one organ to the next, from one nerve ending to another, all to keep us moving, to keep us thinking, to keep us living.

Air passes in and out of our lungs. Blood pumps up and down our veins. Our food is picked apart and turned into the nutrients that fuel our lives. And for the most part, all this and more happens without us having to lift a finger.

For the most part …

Today, I’m going to discuss inflammation, one of the most common roadblocks to our bodies functioning properly, what it means, and how you can improve it on a daily basis.

What is Chronic Inflammation

Inflammation, in and of itself, is a very normal part of our lives.

A tool of our immune system, inflammation arises in our bodies when we experience a wound or infection. When something goes wrong, like a fire alarm, a signal is sent to our immune system, and in response, a combination of antibodies and proteins are sent to the area to repair the damage.

When the damage has been repaired, the inflammation decreases gradually until our bodies return to their status quo.

Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, occurs when those antibodies and proteins fail to recede to normal levels. Essentially, the fire alarm keeps ringing, leaving your immune system on high alert. If persistent, this can lead to serious health conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and possible strokes.

Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation

• Anxiety or depression

• Weight fluctuations

• Body aches

• Infections

• Fatigue

How to Fight Inflammation:

Not only can chronic inflammation be uncomfortable — it can be dangerous.

Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do in your daily life that will help calm your body’s inflammatory response and ease your discomfort.

1. Exercise Regularly

One of the highest risk factors for chronic inflammation is obesity. A consistent habit of exercise can not only help you reach a healthy weight, but it is also a great way to relieve stress. Consider taking up regular evening walks or participating in other moderate activities such as swimming, dancing, or cycling.

2. Get a Good Night’s Rest

A lack of solid sleep can add strain to your body, leading to more inflammation. Make sure you’re following a consistent sleep schedule that prioritizes seven to nine hours of sleep. Invest in a good mattress, eliminate excess light, and make sure you’re turning off your screens early in the evening.

3. Relieve Stress

As discussed already, stress in your life can lead to stress in your body. Prioritize your mental and physical health by practicing stress-relieving activities. Yoga and meditation are great options to jumpstart your morning. A journal is also a great night-time practice. The important thing is for you to carve out moments in your day where you can relax. Treat yourself!

4. Avoid Toxins

The more toxins in your body, the more strain on your immune system. It’s really as simple as that. Both alcohol and tobacco, as well as other drugs or substances, will trigger inflammation if overused. Limit toxins as much as possible or limit them altogether. A holistic detox program can also be a great way to clear your body of harmful materials and start anew.

5. Improve Your Diet

Your diet plays a major role in the health of your immune system and, as a result, your body’s ability to control inflammation. As simple as it may sound, you can greatly improve your body’s ability to combat chronic inflammation by following a diet that supports that aim. You can begin by targeting and avoiding these simple groups of food, respectively:

Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods

• Fruits and vegetables (leafy greens, berries, oranges, etc.)

• Fatty fish (salmon, tuna, omega-3 fatty acids, etc.)

• Healthy fats (olive oil and avocados, etc.)

• Nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, etc.)

• Spices (turmeric, ginger, cumin, etc.)

• Green teas

Avoid Inflammatory Foods

• Processed foods (convenience store snacks, frozen meals, etc.)

• Refined carbohydrates (white bread, white pasta, white rice, etc.)

• Sugar (sodas, candies, pastries, etc.)

• Red and processed meat (steaks, pork, hot dogs, etc.)

• Fried foods

Want More Help?

If you’ve been dealing with chronic inflammation and would like some more personalized advice, consider my Immune Support Package. Over the course of three months, I will help you transform your diet, build up your immune system, and ease your symptoms of inflammation.

Schedule a free consultation today to see if the program is a good fit for you!