If you’re dealing with any sort of health issue, chances are something in your body is inflamed.
Inflammation can be the result of a disturbance in the body, and can even trigger other imbalances.
How can you manage your inflammation? Check out these tips to stay energized and vibrant!
What Causes Inflammation + Tips To Get Back On Track
CAUSE: Meat, alcohol, fried and processed foods.
It’s no secret that these foods can cause dis-ease in the body; however, have they specifically been linked to inflammation? Yes. Meat and fried foods have been linked to greater inflammation (especially for women), inflammation associated with prostate cancer, increased inflammation and increased risk of cancer, higher inflammation and faster cognitive decline in older ages, and much more. Red meat is associated with greater inflammation, higher obesity, and more oxidative stress (the precursor to cancer). Alcohol is also repeatedly linked to more inflammation. Dairy and eggs are also linked to inflammation, so those foods get special mention here as well (learn more about eggs here). All of these foods also have many studies to point them towards serious conditions that result from inflammation (heart disease, obesity, cancer, and more).
SOLUTION: More fruits & veggies.
The most amazing thing that researchers have found is that these chronic inflammation and other inflammatory conditions can be reversed by a plant-based diet. The amount of studies showing that fruits and vegetables assist with conditions like heart disease, cancer, obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and many more is simply overwhelming and cannot be ignored. In fact, this 2014 study in the National Library of Medicine encourages limiting the intake of dairy, alcohol, meat, fried foods, and soy products – as well as increasing intake of fruits and veggies – to reduce the risk of several cancers.
If cutting out a lot of foods that cause inflammation seems daunting, just take it one step at a time. Start by adding in more fruits and vegetables, and then slowly take out one food at a time. Make sure to get in these foods that reduce inflammation. Go at your own pace, but know that steps forward count, no matter how small! Check out this article to see more reasons to switch to a plant-based diet.
Worried about protein? Find the truth about protein here.
CAUSE: Dehydration.
Most people don’t realize that they are dehydrated! Staying hydrated is such an important and easy way to improve your health. When your body doesn’t have proper levels of fluids, your muscles become sticky and gluey and won’t function as well; your brain won’t fire as quickly, your lymphatic system can swell and become clogged – there are so many “domino effects” to dehydration that lead to inflammation and other troubles in the body.
Click here to read more about how to tell if you are dehydrated – and what to do about it.
SOLUTION: Hydrate with minerals.
Drinking more clean water is great; adding in minerals is fabulous! Your body is constantly using its stores of minerals, and thus they need to be replenished. Many people are often dealing with unknown mineral deficiencies, so getting more minerals in with your hydration is feeding two birds with one seed, so to speak! The simplest way to add more minerals to your water is to squeeze in some lemon or lime juice. The amazing properties of lemons and limes help nourish and hydrate on a deep, cellular level. Want more hydration hacks?
Check out some tips and tricks here to make your hydration work for you.
CAUSE: Sitting for long periods or not much movement.
Do you have a job that requires you to sit at a desk for most of the day? It may be more important for you to focus on moving your body. This study found longer weekly total sitting time was associated with low grade chronic inflammation. Did you know that sitting is now considered a public health concern and is associated with increased risk of cancer? Low physical activity and high sitting time has also been linked to higher mortality from inflammatory diseases other than heart disease and cancer in adults.
SOLUTION: Move your body!
Studies show that moving your muscles helps them fight inflammation. In fact, this 2016 study shows that just 20 minutes can act as an anti-inflammatory agent for your body! Regular exercise is associated with decreasing levels of inflammation. So whether it’s a walk around the block, a quick jog, an evening bike ride, a class at the gym, a morning hike – any regular movement will help your inflammation!
CAUSE: Stress.
It is well known that stress can seriously affect your health. Did you know that the link between stress and inflammation has been made abundantly clear? It’s no wonder these two are linked. Chronic stress leads to chronic inflammation, which can trigger or worsen many health conditions and make it difficult to heal. This is why, while on a healing journey and to maintain good health, it is important to consistently manage your stress levels.
SOLUTION: Find a stress-reliever!
There are many ways to manage stress, and if you don’t know what works best for you, try some out. For some it may be deep breathing, meditation, movement, painting, music, good company, or even good food. Deep breathing and meditation is something I do daily to keep myself grounded and clear throughout my day. Research has even found that meditation can reduce inflammation, decrease stress, increase happiness, and so much more. Deep breathing has also been linked to lower inflammation and can work wonders for healing the body. I encourage you to carve out some time daily to help manage your stress levels.
CAUSE: Lack of sleep.
Having a hard time falling asleep, staying asleep, sleeping at the right times, or sleeping too much? There are many ways to have difficulty with sleep, and many difficulties poor sleep can cause. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to greater inflammation, and the effect on the immune system has been found to be very similar to the effect that stress has.
SOLUTION: Get in a sleep groove.
What you do during the day can affect your sleep. Your habits related to eating, movement, lighting, technology use, and when you go to bed can influence your sleep in positive or negative ways. What you do right before bed can also affect your sleep. My recommendation? Practice good sleep hygiene. Find a calming routine to do an hour or half an hour before bed in order to prepare your body for the time of resting, repairing, and renewing.
More Tools To Fight Inflammation
FULVIC ACID POWDER
(Updated 11/30/21) Fulvic acid and humic acid come from the humification of organic matter in the earth. This substance is rich with minerals, antioxidants, electrolytes, and much more – and it has specific properties found to assist with inflammation. This recent study has found fulvic acid to prevent inflammatory diseases, including diabetes. Many other studies seem to support this finding, and after thoroughly testing it out for myself and in my practice, I agree. This is the one that I like.
TESLA BIOHEALER
Technology that has been verified by Nicola Tesla and developed, researched, and tested for over 100 years manifests in the Tesla BioHealer. The science is sound, very accurate, and far reaching of its impact on the human body. Research done with this device has found it able to decrease inflammation, increase circulation, and reduce pain in the body – among many other benefits. I have personally found the Tesla Biohealer to be an important part of my family’s health, and have watched it do amazing things for my clients. To learn more about the Tesla Biohealer and how to try it for yourself, click here.
TART CHERRY CONCENTRATE
Cherries are an amazing food for reducing inflammation. They also have one of the highest concentrations of melatonin in nature, and protect the body against radiation. High in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, cherries are a refreshing and replenishing fruit for your body.
One of my favorite ways to get in cherries is with Apothecherry, an amazing tart cherry concentrate. Its only ingredient is organic cherries – perfect! I recommend taking it before bedtime to support a beautiful night’s rest. Getting good sleep plus cherries’ anti-inflammatory properties make this a must-have! Get yours here.
The End To Your Inflammation Is Right Around The Corner
Now that you have read about the causes and some solutions to inflammation, the next step is to do something about it! You are equipped. You have the knowledge you need to move forward. Your body is able to be whole, healthy, strong and vibrant! Take one step at a time. Cheers to better health!
Ignite the healer within,
Amber Bodily
P.S. If you want to find a step-by-step plan to radically change your health, check out my online course Radical Healing: A Step-By-Step Guide To Reclaiming Your Vibrancy.
