“An increasing body of evidence shows that chronic inflammation causes and advances many common diseases.” Chronic pain, arthritis, heart disease, asthma, diabetes, cancer, autoimmune diseases, digestive disorders, neurodegenerative diseases - chronic inflammation is associated with all of them, and more.
Inflammation is a necessary response, it is the body’s way to protect itself during a time of crisis. The problem with inflammation arises when it becomes chronic.
Symptoms of chronic inflammation include:
Fatigue
Rashes
Digestive Issues
Chronic Pain
Weight Issues
Frequent Infections
Depression
Anxiety
Rashes
Abdominal Pain
Rather than taking medication to reduce inflammation, which serves only as a bandaid so to speak, it is far better for our health and wellbeing to address the root cause. This means taking a closer look at our diet, specifically minimizing inflammation-causing foods, and increasing anti-inflammatory ones.
True health and wellness begins with proper nutrition. When you are making a choice of what to eat, it’s either going to be inflammatory or anti-inflammatory. The culmination of these choices shapes the way your body lives and functions, including pain and disease versus wellbeing.
MAXIMIZE
Bone broth
Wild fish
Grass-fed and/or organic meat
Fermented foods
Organic fruits and vegetables
Herbs and spices
MINIMIZE
Refined Carbohydrates
Vegetable and canola oils
Sugar
Artificial Sweeteners
Trans Fats
MSG
High Omega 6 Oils and Products
Alcohol
Caffeine
Fried Foods
Processed Meats
Some people may also find improvements by limiting gluten and/or casein, especially with certain autoimmune diseases. Additionally, smoking and chronic stress have also been associated with chronic inflammation.
A diet high in sugar, refined carbohydrates, vegetable oils, and other inflammatory foods is a pathway to disease. A diet high in real, whole foods, is the foundation to good health and wellness.
Nutrition can be daunting, and it can seem overwhelming trying to change your entire diet. Many people find success following an 80/20 rule - basing 80% of their diet on whole, real, anti-inflammatory foods, and then limiting indulgences to 20%. Begin with a healthy foundation; incorporate probiotics and a solid base of healthy proteins, fats, fruits, and vegetables. Many also find it easiest to plan ahead; planning out shopping and meals, preparing foods ahead of time, and so on. If you need more help, especially with your specific health concerns, we offer Herbal and Nutritional therapy. We work with you to find a sustainable, balanced plan for your long term health and wellbeing while still enjoying life.
Four Seasons Acupuncture in Hot Springs Arkansas
Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs, cupping, injection therapy, moxibustion, tuina, nutritional therapy, TCM, and more!
We are located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, just minutes from Red Oak, AR, Price, AR, Lake Hamilton, AR, Pleasant Hill, AR, and Malvern, AR.
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