Drug Free Ways To Fight Inflammation

The body has a natural inflammatory response when exposed to germs or when tissue is injured. Redness, swelling, and fever are all physical symptoms of the acute inflammatory response that comes when the body accelerates the immune system. In a healthy body, they will be quickly resolved. Also a degree of muscle soreness after hard training session is totally normal and it is crucial for progress.

With poor diet, high levels of toxicity or heavy metals, lack of physical activity, or persistent high stress, acute inflammation will become chronic. The medical establishment tells us that hypertension is the "silent killer." According to many progressive doctors, chronic inflammation also deserves that title. It is connected to obesity, fat gain, accelerated aging, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma, arthritis, cancer, and stomach problems. Chronic inflammation can shorten your life and will cause you pain on a persistent daily basis.

Part of the problem with inflammation and health is the overuse of anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen, aspirin, and prednisone to manage it. There are many consequences from using these drugs, especially if taken regularly. Side effects include liver problems, stomach upset, blood disorders, vision problems etc. The good news is that you can reduce inflammation without these chemical aids! Here is a list of strategies for reducing inflammation and getting healthier:

Rebalance Your Omega-6 to Omega-3 Fatty Acid Ratio

You want this ratio to be just about equal but most Western diets have a ratio between 15:1 to 50:1. Some omega-6s do have protective benefits, but a distorted ratio is probably the primary reason we’ve seen an increase in inflammatory-related disorders in past half century. Dump any cooking oils made with corn, sunflower, and other high omega-6 oils.

Aviod Trans-Fats for Better Heart Health

Trans-fatty acids and hydrogenated fats have been shown to significantly increase cardiovascular inflammation and cholesterol levels. The worst thing about trans-fatty acids in your diet are that they cause chronic, lasting inflammation, partly because they interfere with your body’s ability to process the good omega-3 fatty acids that help lower inflammation.

Eat Grass-Fed Meat

Pasture-raised, grass-fed livestock have superior fatty acid profiles. Organic grass-fed meat provides a great nutritional bang for your buck because it is packed with vitamins, omega-3 fats, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and antioxidants.

Limit Refined Carbs

Refined sugars are anti-nutrients – they take more from your body than they give. They also raise insulin, which isn't catastrophic, but constantly doing so will result in increased inflammation. Use simple carbs post-workout only, and if your primarily goal is muscle gain. Manage your blood sugar by eating entirely low-glycemic foods.

Go Gluten-Free: Lower Intestinal Inflammation

Gluten, naturally occurring in wheat, barley, and rye is a highly inflammatory food that agitates the intestine. If you are allergic to gluten, you’ll likely have symptoms including diarrhea and abdominal pain. It has also been shown to increase symptoms in type 1 diabetics. Even if you’re not allergic to gluten, getting gluten out of your diet is a good move and will lower inflammation.

Use Spices Like Turmeric, Ginger & Oregano

Curcumin, a nutrient found in the spice turmeric, may be the most powerful anti-inflammatory herb available. It counters inflammation, helps detoxify excess estrogen, and supports the body’s natural antioxidant system. It has also been shown to prevent colds and flu.

Take High Quality Magnesium & Zinc Supplement

Magnesium and zinc are the two most common and severe nutrient deficiencies. For magnesium, this is partly because the soil is no longer rich in magnesium, making dietary sources of magnesium nearly unavailable. Processed foods rarely contain magnesium, and cheap magnesium. supplements like magnesium oxide are not absorbable by the body. Zinc is critical for overall health and avoiding inflammation. Adequate zinc levels are essential for minimizing the body’s inflammatory process, and zinc is related to testosterone level.

Minimize Your Exposure To BPA

Take action to minimize your environmental toxin exposure from your food. Avoid the use of plastic bottles, plastic containers, and plastic bags. Opt for glass bottles and containers. Only buy canned food in BPA-free cans.