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Turmeric has grown to become one of my favorite herbs. It's actually in my top three. I have dealt with issues of inflammation for a good bit of my adulthood. I was only 24 when I was diagnosed with high blood pressure. Despite several medication changes by my physician (this was before I got more on my holistic path) my blood pressure would still consistently be high. It wasn't until one visit that my physician said that it may be time to look at the root cause of my inflammation. And so my journey began from there.
Inflammation is your body's way of protecting itself from infection, illness, or injury. As part of the inflammatory response, your body increases its production of white blood cells, immune cells, and substances called cytokines that help fight infection. So it is basically your body's natural protective response when it feels threatened by something foreign. Certain foods can lead to inflammation as well. Foods that cause inflammation are:
-processed meats and foods like chips and crackers
-sugary drinks like sodas
-gluten
Many people suffer from gluten allergies and don't even realize it. They may go on for years before actually realizing the source of their inflammation is from foods that contain gluten. You don't have to have a gluten allergy to choose to follow a gluten-free diet. If you find yourself dealing with chronic inflammation, consider the diet change to see if you notice a difference.
There's acute inflammation and chronic inflammation. Here's the difference between the two:
Acute has symptoms of redness, pain, heat, and swelling. When many think of inflammation this is usually the type that comes to mind.
Chronic inflammation happens inside your body without any noticeable symptoms. Chronic inflammation is the root of many diseases including diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, and cancer. Chronic inflammation can develop without addressing the early signs of inflammation or taking preventative measures such as diet change.
Vegetables: Broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, etc.
Fruit: Deeply colored berries like grapes and cherries
High-fat fruits: Avocados
Healthy fats: Olive oil and coconut oil
Fatty fish: Salmon, sardines, mackerel, and anchovies
Nuts: Almonds and other nuts
Peppers: Bell peppers and chili peppers
Chocolate: Dark chocolate
Inflammation can become chronic and can lead to disease. Your diet and lifestyle can affect inflammation occurring in your body so changes can prevent and alleviate the problem.
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