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Chronic Inflammation in the body is proving to be the cause of many diseases. Scientists and doctors worldwide are coming to the same conclusion; pain, chronic disease and premature aging are triggered by inflammation.
Scientists from Stanford University recently showed that people with heart disease, the leading cause of death globally, are most likely predisposed to the disease because they have systemic inflammation that is caused by lifestyle choices. The Lancet Journal of Medicine reported studies showing that the inflammation within artery walls is the reason why people with normal or even optimal cholesterol levels suffer heart attacks and strokes.
Once triggered by lifestyle choices, inflammation can persist undetected for years, causing cell death throughout the body and contributing greatly to deterioration and aging of the body.
Inflammation is a natural process, and when we get hurt it is initially beneficial. For example, if you fall and sprain an ankle or your low back hurts from heavy lifting, the area swells as a healing mechanism. When that low grade inflammation throughout the whole body persists, it becomes a bad thing. Research is showing that almost everyone has some form of chronic low grade inflammation in their bodies.
The United States Centers for Disease Control has stated that of the ten leading causes of mortality in the United States, chronic, low-level inflammation contributes to the development of at least seven diseases. These include heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and nephritis.
What are the foods and lifestyle choices that create chronic inflammation?
· Subluxations along the spine that cause interference in the nervous system and miscommunication throughout the body and brain.
· Nutritional deficiencies caused by poor digestion or poor quality food.
· Excess body fat, especially around the belly.
· Highly processed fat and foods, especially fried foods and processed white flour products.
· Sugar and synthetic sweeteners like aspartame.
· Soda and sugary carbonated beverages containing phosphoric or carbonic acid.
· Obesity.
· Alcohol. More than 1 or 2 drinks daily contribute to inflammation.
· Excessive stress. As little as 10 minutes per day of meditation or yoga helps relieve the body of stress.
· Lack of Sleep. Your body needs at least 7 to 8 hours per night of good sound sleep (without chemical aids).
· Lack of antioxidants in the diet. You need at least 8 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
· Genetically Modified Foods (GMOs).
· Additives including food coloring, preservatives and Nitrates.
Until recently, chronic inflammation wasn’t understood or talked about. Thousands of new research studies on many different diseases have all led to the same conclusion -- cellular inflammation either causes or seriously increases disease and aging in the body. The great news is that major studies have also identified the main markers of foods and lifestyle that create inflammation and what we can do to reduce and eliminate it.
Your nervous system controls and coordinates everything in your body. Keeping it clear is vital for your health. For more information on ways to improve your immune system and reduce inflammation specifically for you, talk to Dr. Lavender or Dr. Jarman on your next visit, get a nervous system evaluation or attend one of our FREE weekly Wellness Opportunity Workshops. Call today at 480-325-6977.
Thank you to D. Grant of Optimal Health Systems for research information contained in this article.
