Health Education

Inflammation

By September 10, 2017 No Comments

It’s important to understand that disease and chronic health conditions don’t develop overnight. Although symptoms may suddenly appear, our body has been dealing with an imbalance on a cellular level for a long time. Inflammation describes the body’s immune system response, which is good in some cases but troublesome in others.

We need a healthy immune system to help fight off colds and repair injuries. Producing an inflammatory response to a harmful stimulus is an important part of prevention, healing, and recovery. Fighting off a winter cold or rushing fluid to an injury site are good examples of a high functioning immune and inflammation response.

Chronic response to negative stimulus, however, can lead to potentially dangerous reactions in the body. Emotional or psychological stress can be relentless on your internal systems. Constantly trying to balance out cortisol, the hormone released by the brain under stress, is an exhausting battle. It’s as if your body is under attack. The same concept applies to the reaction after eating processed foods. We are not designed to digest highly refined grains and sugars, and over time our body begins to tire from the process. It can have devastating results.

Diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and cancer all stem from chronic inflammation. Psychological, digestive, and skin conditions are also on the list. Nobody is bulletproof, and our genetic make up certainly plays a large role in our long-term health. However we have a degree of control in how we deal with inflammation. Start with replacing all processed foods with a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and proteins. Get regular exercise and have a strategy to deal with stress. Do your best to make healthy habits a part of your life.

Sean Fitzpatrick

Author Sean Fitzpatrick

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