When we have colds or infections in our body inflammation is a result of increased blood flow which brings with it an army of “good” immune cells to battle the infection. Chronic inflammation happens when the immune cells stay active and begin battling heathy parts of our bodies. It’s an immune system imbalance triggered by an unbalanced diet, stress, allergies and other products of the environment.
Chronic inflammation may be at the heart of many degenerative diseases such as arthritis, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer, stroke, and kidney failure. It happens over time as the body slowly attacks itself.
Symptoms include body aches, congestion, frequent infections (colds that never seem to go away), skin outbreaks, swelling, weight gain, shortness of breath, dry eyes, indigestion, and diarrhea. A High Sensitivity Cardiovascular Reactive Protein Test (hs-CRP) can confirm the problem.
Reducing inflammation can be accomplished through 1. Revising your diet to include more fruits and vegetables, Omega 3 acids, while taking out trans fats and refined carbohydrates. 2. Lessening daily stress. 3. Getting enough sleep at night.
4. Helping your digestive system function better by eating probiotics.
