Inflammation is an essential defense mechanism of our body and a way of healing. Any time we are injured, become ill with a virus or bacteria infection, our immune system sends inflammatory cells to fight off the problems and speed healing. Unfortunately, sometimes inflammation overstays its welcome. Let’s learn how to fight inflammation and prevent disease.
Acute inflammation is the short-lived helpful response after an injury or illness. Characteristic signs are pain, redness, swelling, and heat. Once the immune system does its job the inflammation retreats.
Chronic inflammation lingers and becomes a low level inflammation. This type of inflammation can play a part in certain diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even Alzheimer’s Disease.
This unhealthy process is further advanced by smoking, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and it contributes to many other diseases.
There are ways to overcome lingering chronic inflammation and thereby prevent the development of certain diseases.
Even moderate exercise can help fight inflammation. 20-30 minutes a day is all that is needed. Take a stroll or swim, ride a bike or rake leaves from your backyard. Anything that gets your body moving is beneficial.
When you are exercising regularly, you will naturally be maintaining a healthy weight. Concentrate on losing a few pounds. Obesity is one of the issues which increases the risk factors for disease and chronic inflammation.
This is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It is a game-changer. Eliminating it from your life subdues chronic inflammation and the diseases that follow.
If you don’t already consume these foods, start now.
If you already like tea, this is a no brainer. If you’re not such a fan of tea, just do it anyway. You don’t necessarily have to drink it every day, even twice a week is helpful to fight off free radicals which promote inflammation.
We know it’s always easy to recommend this, but not so easy to make it a reality. Everyone has some level of stress in their life, but keeping it as low as possible can minimize inflammation.
Make an appointment with Weirton Medical Center for additional recommendations to lower inflammation and fight off diseases. Call (304) 797-6DOC to schedule.