First off, inflammation isn’t always a bad thing. Our bodies use inflammation as a way to protect and heal injuries. Swelling naturally occurs after an injury – like a cut to the finger – to help in the healing process. Similarly, inflammation happens during some illnesses and is part of the cycle of healing. So, in some cases, inflammation is an appropriate and necessary part of getting better. Having said that, chronic inflammation can be a chief reason people are in pain when injuries and illnesses aren’t present.
Much of the chronic inflammation people feel comes from two things
- Foods that promote inflammation
- Sedentary lifestyle
What you’re eating – and not eating – could be causing inflammation in your body
Our diet can be a contributing factor to inflammation. The foods we are eating and the ones we aren’t can create or heal inflammation. Some foods that cause inflammation are pretty easy to identify but there are foods that you might not think contribute. It’s valuable to understand what foods promote healing and which ones contribute to inflammation.
Overall, inflammation-causing foods are lumped into groups. Groups like
- Processed foods
- Alcohol
- Refined carbohydrates
- Oils
These categories account for a lot of foods, so it’s important to take a look at the foods you eat on a regular basis and identify foods that might be adding to chronic inflammation. Additionally, while these are the top categories of foods that can cause inflammation, your body is unique and may react to what’s considered a “healthy” food. Issues like food allergies and sensitivities (especially with autoimmune disease) can cause chronic inflammation you may not be aware of.
Failure to move your body can contribute to inflammation
Living a sedentary lifestyle is a chief contributor to chronic illnesses, including Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Failure to move regularly can deteriorate muscle tone and reduce the vitality and ease of movement for joints. Stiffness can morph into mobility restrictions that could be avoided or improved through exercise. Eating anti-inflammatory foods can ease some diseases like arthritis.
Inflammation can be a chief reason people live with chronic pain. The good news is many of the reasons people have inflammation can be reduced or stopped entirely by a healthy diet and getting exercise. Making simple changes in your diet, including eliminating unhealthy foods and introducing anti-inflammatory foods, can reduce inflammation quickly. Becoming more active can help speed things up even more. Reducing chronic inflammation is something you can take control of and become pain-free.
[RECIPE] GRAIN-FREE “OATMEAL”
Serves 1
- ¼ cup coconut flour
- ¼ cup canned coconut milk
- ¾ cup water
- ½ banana
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup canned pumpkin
- ⅓ cup coconut chips (optional but gives it an oatmeal-like texture)
- pinch of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
In a pot over medium heat combine the coconut flour, coconut milk, water, and thinly sliced 1/2 banana. Stir until everything is combined and banana is broken up (roughly 2 minutes). Crack the egg in and whisk until cooked and fully incorporated. Turn heat to low and stir in pumpkin, coconut chips, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Serve warm with a dollop of coconut milk is desired. If you prefer sweeter oatmeal you can use a full banana or add a sweetener of choice.
To Your Health,
Patti
