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What is Inflammation and why is it so important to reduce it?
There are two kinds of inflammation. The first is the body’s response to an injury such as falling on a knee and having it swell as part of the healing response. The second is whole-body inflammation, which refers to chronic, imperceptible, low-level inflammation. Studies suggests that over time this kind of inflammation sets the foundation for many serious, age-related diseases including heart disease, cancer and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Please refer to this study about inflammation and Alzheimer’s. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10858586
There are many causes for this type of inflammation, such as a poor diet, low activity level, too much alcohol consumption, smoking and stress.
Here are a number of ways to reduce inflammation:
Take omega-3 fatty acids. (fish oil)
Replace processed foods with fresh vegetables and some fresh fruit. (more on this later).
It is important to focus on green vegetables which are rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients and important nutrition. Below is a list of foods rich in antioxidants.
Eat a Low glycemic index foods (no processed, “white” foods etc.) which means that it is important to stop eating refined, processed and manufactured food.
Eat enough dietary fiber daily.
Consume Arginine-rich foods (fish, nuts) regularly.
Move your body, get some physical activity daily.
Restrict your alcohol intake.
Replace processed foods with fresh vegetables and some fresh fruit.
*It is important to focus on green vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants, phytonutrients and necessary nutrition.
Below is a list of some foods rich in antioxidants:
All berries
Small red beans, pinto and black beans
Prunes, plums and gala apples
Broccoli, cabbage, greens such as kale, spinach and swill chard
Tomatoes, watercress, red or sweet potatoes
“To exist is the change…to change is to mature…to mature is to
go on creating oneself…Endlessly…” Samuel Aivital
