Inflammation is the way our body responds to stimuli and is a normal part of the healing process. It can however, lead to more serious health problems. Here are six signs you may be suffering from inflammation and ways you can help reduce it.
Signs you may be suffering from inflammation
1 // Aches and pains
Aches and pains are a sign of inflammation, such as cold coming on, or it could be a sign of something more serious. It is however, the most common symptom of inflammation.
2 // Fatigue
Fatigue is a classic sign of inflammation in the body.
Medical researchers have known for some time that low-level inflammation over time is harmful and have linked inflammation to chronic fatigue syndrome and depression.
3 // Being overweight
Obesity and chronic inflammation are linked to other diseases like diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers and Alzheimer’s disease.
4 // Hot, red or itchy skin
Heat, redness and itchy skin can be a sign of inflammation in skin conditions, infections and allergic reactions.
5 // A diagnosed autoimmune disease
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakes its own tissues as foreign and attacks the body. Constant inflammation is a common thread in these chronic conditions. Examples include multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, Crohn’s disease, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.
6 // Allergies or infections
The presence of allergies or infections could be a sign of inflammation. Although some allergic inflammation is a good way our body responds to fighting off an allergic reaction, it can be life threatening and needs to be monitored.
How to reduce inflammation
- Eating whole foods that are high in fibre and plant-based can help your body build a defence to inflammation. Therefore, choose unprocessed, unrefined, whole and fresh foods.
- Eat healthy fats. Monounsaturated fats are found in olive oil, nuts and avocados. Also try eating more small fish for omega-3 fats.
- Exercise improves immune function and ability to fight inflammation. It strengthens your cardiovascular system and aids insulin resistance. So get moving!
- Learn how to relax. The vagus nerve relaxes your whole body and reduces aches and pains. Try yoga, meditation, get a massage or take an aromatherapy bath.
- Stop eating foods you are intolerant to. Gluten and dairy are two common culprits that may increase inflammation.
- Take pro-biotics to help improve the balance of healthy bacteria in your gut.
- Take a multivitamin supplement, fish oil, and vitamin D, all of which help reduce inflammation. [1]
If you’re looking for a great way to relax you, might like to read Aromatherapy Bath: Not Just a Great Way to Relax. or How Manual Lymphatic Drainage can help you
