Chronic pain, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, cancer, digestive disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, depression - what do all these have in common?
Chronic inflammation.
“An increasing body of evidence shows that chronic inflammation causes and advances many common diseases.”
Inflammation itself isn’t the issue; in fact, inflammation is a necessary response. It is the body’s way of protecting itself during a time of crisis. The dangers of inflammation are when it becomes chronic.
Symptoms of chronic inflammation include:
Chronic Pain
Fatigue
Anxiety
Rashes
Fever
Chest pain
Weight Issues
Mouth Sores
Digestive Issues
Depression
Abdominal Pain
Frequent Infections
While inflammation can be reduced by certain medications, they only serve as bandaids so to speak. It is far better for our health and overall wellness - and any chronic issues we may be struggling with - to address the root causes of inflammation. This means taking a closer look at our nutrition and lifestyle. Specifically, poor nutrition, chronic stress, obesity, smoking, and alcohol play a major role in causing chronic inflammation.
When the body is stressed, it goes into what is known as the “fight or flight response.” The hormones adrenaline and cortisol are released, causing our blood to pump harder, as well as suppressing our immune response, white blood cells, digestion, and insulin production. When someone is chronically in a state of stress, there is a cascading inflammatory response that over time perpetuates itself and leads to chronic health issues and pain.
Our diet also plays a huge role in inflammation — and in our overall health. Excess consumption of refined carbohydrates, fried foods, alcohol, bad oils, and processed foods can increase inflammation, and in general are a pathway to dysfunction and disease. On the flip side, incorporating healthy, nutrient-rich whole foods can decrease inflammation, boost immune function, prevent illness, and support overall health and wellness. When you are make a choice to eat something, it is either going to be contributing to health or disease - and it is either going to be inflammatory or anti-inflammatory. The culmination of your nutritional choices plus lifestyle choices shapes the way your body lives and functions, including inflammation, pain, and disease versus health and wellbeing.
MORE OF THIS
Acupuncture
Time in Nature
Meditation
Herbs and spices
Fermented foods
Bone broth
Wild fish
Organic fruits and vegetables
Grass-fed and/or organic meat
LESS OF THIS
Refined Carbohydrates
Vegetable and canola oils
Fried Foods
Sugar
Alcohol
Caffeine
Tobacco
MSG
Artificial Sweeteners
Processed Meats
Trans Fats
High Omega 6 Oils and Products
If you struggle with inflammation, chronic illness or pain, or weight management, we can help! Contact us to book an appointment now!
Acupuncture, TCM, cupping, injection therapy, Chinese Herbs, moxibustion, tuina, nutritional therapy, and more!
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