According to the American Heritage Science dictionary, inflammation is the "reaction of a part of the body to injury or infection, characterized by swelling, heat, redness, and pain. The process includes increased blood flow with an influx of white blood cells and other chemical substances that facilitate healing." If the injury persists over a period of time due to stress, poor diet, environmental toxins then the body cannot fully recover and the inflammation becomes chronic.
Chronic inflammation has been called the "Secret Killer" and can be linked to many health problems such as:
All types of pain
Heart disease
Diabetes
Cancer
Alzheimer's disease
Gum disease
Allergies and asthmatic reactions
High blood pressure and deteriorating heart and blood vessel health
Ulcers and Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Constant, overall tiredness and lethargy
Many people take anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) but these can have serious side effects if taken long-term. There are natural alternatives to consider that don't have the same risk.
Nopal cactus juice: Also called the "prickly pear", the fruit of the Nopal cactus of the Sonoran desert contains a rare class of antioxidants called Betalains, that assist the body in attacking toxins and restoring health to damaged cells. If toxins are removed in the cells, cells resume their normal uninflammed state which reduces overall inflammation, swelling, and pain. There are 24 different types of Betalains known to science. The Nopal cactus has the highest concentration (all 24). Other sources are beets (6) and Rainbow Swiss chard (12).
Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic (DHA) are called Essential Fatty Acids. They are responsible for building up anti-inflammatory prostaglandins and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines. The body does not produce on its own so you must include them in your diet or supplements. They can be found in fatty fish or fish oil, flax seed, and walnuts.
Antioxidants: A side effect of chronic inflammation is the creation of free radicals. Free radicals are atoms in the cells which has lost an electron making it unstable. The atom seeks to regain stability by stealing an electron from a nearby cell making that cell unstable. Powerful antioxidants such as green tea and blueberries can reduce inflammation by neutralizing the free radicals that are present. The antioxidants are able to supply the missing electron without becoming a free radical itself.
Adaptogens: Adaptogens are a specific type of plant that can reduce inflammation by reversing the effects stress has on the body. There are 10 know adaptogen plants in the world. They are found in the harshest climates and are able to thrive there because of their unique ability to adjust internally to external conditions. Constant stress in your life can mean that adrenaline and cortisol are constantly being released to "fight or flight". This can lead to chronic inflammation as a response. Adaptogens seek to bring balance to the body. If stress makes your blood pressure go up, then adaptogens will lower it, etc.
Vitamin C: Think vitamin C's only use is to strengthen the immune system against colds? It also neutralizes free radicals, detoxifies the body of smoke and chemical toxins, speeds wound recovery, and facilitates body repair which all can lead to a reduction in inflammation
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