What Is Inflammation And How Does Diet Control It?

Every year, more people are interested in approaching their overall health and wellness holistically. It just makes sense to treat every aspect of our health as part of our body’s interconnected system. It’s common for our patients to think of inflammation as something that occurs as part of an injury, but it can result from many different things. More importantly, chronic inflammation can cause lasting damage to our tissues and organs, damaging the DNA and potentially leaving internal scarring behind. One of the most effective ways of reducing chronic inflammation is by adopting an anti-inflammatory diet.

 

What Is Inflammation And How Does Diet Control It?

Inflammation is how our body responds to infection or injury and indicates that it is trying to heal itself. However, uncontrolled chronic inflammation can stop being beneficial and can begin to cause the kinds of damage mentioned above. You can think of chronic inflammation as being similar to chronic stress. Stress indicates that our environment doesn’t feel safe or healthy and can play an essential role in helping us respond to it. Over time, however, the constant state of alertness begins to have physical and psychological impacts that can actually endanger our health. Similarly, chronic inflammation can begin to cause harm to our body over time.

 

It often surprises people to learn that controlling chronic inflammation can be made much easier by making certain dietary choices. The foods included in an anti-inflammatory diet aid in reducing inflammation with their anti-inflammatory properties. Consider these core tenets:

 

• Omega-3 Fatty Acid – These compounds are well-known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They work to reduce the production of the molecules that contribute to inflammation. They’re often found in flaxseed, salmon, sardines, etc.
• Antioxidant-Rich Foods – Vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables are absolutely packed with compounds that can help reduce inflammation. These compounds, known as antioxidants, neutralize free radicals that develop within the body and can cause significant harm to our cells.
• Limiting Harmful Foods – Certain types of fats, sugars, and processed foods are all known to contribute to chronic inflammation. Limiting the amount of these you consume will help your body reduce inflammation and heal better.
• Whole Grains And Nuts – Quinoa, almonds, and brown rice are wonderfully nutritious and have properties that help to reduce the inflammation markers in the body.

 

Perhaps the most important part of maintaining an anti-inflammatory diet is staying hydrated. Our bodies are extremely reliant on water to function properly. So make sure you drink at least 64oz of water daily. You should also ensure you get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and be sure to manage your stress.

 

A Comprehensive Approach To Inflammation Care With Us

It’s essential to remember that diet is just one part of reducing inflammation. It’s essential that you work with professionals like those on the Delaware Valley Pain & Spine Institute team to make sure the underlying causes are being addressed. Schedule a visit with us by calling (215) 489-9170, and we’ll set you up to see Dr. Tom Bromberg at our offices in Chalfont, PA.