I studied inflammation as a major topic focus of my Nutrition Masters, so I’m quite passionate about the topic.
But the interesting thing here is that we are not just talking about arthritis, which is what people commonly think of, we are talking about a low grade inflammation that can occur in the cells of your body.
It is quite amazing because all throughout research studies today it is well understood that inflammation is at the base of most conditions. In fact it under lies most diseases today.
So what we need to do is understand what is happening in the body, and then use food and lifestyle strategies to help reduce the inflammation occuring.
While you’re here…
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Conditions Influenced By Inflammation
Reducing inflammation can be helpful for all types of conditions from:
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Dementia
- Osteoporosis
- Type 2 diabetes
- Adrenal fatigue
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Obesity and stubborn weight
- Depression
- Insulin resistance
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Thyroid issues
- Autoimmune dysfunction or disease
- Digestive issues and dysfunction
That’s a big list, right?
And I can share with you here that your diet is one of the biggest influencing factors on your overall inflammatory status.
Understanding Inflammation
Here are some great articles from the GFE blog to help get you started in understanding what’s happening in your body when inflammation is occuring. Just click on the links below to access the articles.
GFE Podcast #17: Acute & Chronic Inflammation in the Body
What Does Inflammation Mean Exactly?
GFE Podcast #35: Foods that cause and Foods that fight Inflammation
The 2 Most Powerful Natural Anti Inflammatory Supplements
Best Rated Probiotics for Inflammation
The Ultimate Anti Inflammatory Food Index
GFE Podcast #32: Fat Cells: Did You Know?? – how fat cells increase inflammation
Sugar and Inflammation. What’s the real deal?
There is plenty of great info there to learn more about inflammation, and lots of practical tips too.
There is also plenty more info to come so be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter and receive a free copy of our anti-inflammatory food index.
Jedha
Nutritionist & Health Counselor
P.S. Would you like more information about managing inflammation through nutrition and lifestyle?
Join us for weekly updates AND…
Grab Your Copy Of The Anti-Inflammatory Food List & 3-Day Meal Plan: FREE Download
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I’ve had low grade inflammation for years now. The funny part is that a couple of years ago, my doctors said, “it’s no big deal”. I completely disagree with that now and am actively trying to get rid of ALL inflammation – or as much as possible. While it’s normally just elevated, last year it was through the roof – I think my CRP was 26… I was extremely ill though. I’m doing much better now thanks to my amazing diet!
And yes, I’d love more info about inflammation through diet and lifestyle. Thanks.
WOW a CRP of 26 and they said it was no big deal. They might as just get you ready for a major heart attack or stroke with CRP that high as it’s a major cardivascular disease predictor, I would think any doctor would know that?!
It is amazing how much diet influences inflammation so it’s good to hear you are heading in the right direction. There will be lots more info coming on the topic Rachael so stay tuned
Oh, sorry, I wasn’t very clear! My docs DID think the CRP of 26 was a huge deal while I had systemic inflammation due to Candida overgrowth. It was about a year before that my CRP was “normally” elevated when they said “no big deal” – but I still disagree that even a CRP of 1 is something that should be ignored.
I’m all good now though! Yay, organic veggies!! Hahaha.
Thank you, Jedha! You’re amazeballs!
HaHa…well that makes sense. Thanks for sharing
Anything to make me feel better!
Hope you find some helpful tips Frances
This is good information Jedha. I have had inflammation in my feet for the past several years. I’m doing a couple of things right now which seem to help i.e. putting my feet on ice and stretching them. This seems to help. I must say, I do eat very well and have for the past two years. I’ve made some lifestyle changes in that area and I bought a Kangen water ionizer two years ago. My exercise is a little weak. I do well for awhile and then drop off. This is the only area I’m not consistent with. Keep sending this good information..
Luanne
simplify123.net
Thanks for stopping by Luanne and so glad you like the info
Try using a tennis ball under the sole of the foot and roll the foot on it to release the muscles underneath. Arnica cream isa also good to rub in and you could try soaking them in a hot foot bath with epsom salts. I know this sounds counteractive but heat can also be really beneficial to inflammation and magnesium in the epsom salts is an anti-inflammatory too
Hi,
My mother has a inflamated finger, her middle right finger to be exact, any remedies?
Thanks
Arnica cream is great to rub onto inflammed areas. I also shared some tips on reducing inflammation in the hands in this podcast http://goodfoodeating.org/7625/
what can you do to help fibromyalgia ! have had it for 35 years now the older i get the worse it gets, started from me getting Epstein bar virus also show i have Cytomegalovirus which became active when i came down with the epstein bar! thank you
Hi Leona, you can do a lot and although it may not cure the FM, you can definitely decrease symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Are you subscribed to the GFE newsletter? I have a new article coming out about FM nutrition next week and my new Anti-Inflammatory program includes a whole segment on FM. Make sure to subbscribe so you get updates, too much info to share here in one reply
Thank you for all of the great information you have posted about so many conditions!!! I would like to know how to subscribe to your newsletters. I have many autoimmune diseases and I am looking for alternatives to all the medications that my doctors have put me on. What you do is so helpful to so many, just wanted to say Thank You !
Hi Lisa, Thanks for stopping by and leaving your positive comments. If you just go to the homepage http://goodfoodeating.org, click on the sidebar and you can subscribe to the newsletter. I look forward to having you as part of the GFE community
How do you even know your inflammation levels? How do they know where it is? That’s not something my doctor has ever mentioned checking. Is there a specific test or tests you have to ask for?
Hi Cara, You can ask for a C reactive protein test or sometimes known as C-peptide test. Here is some info about that here http://goodfoodeating.org/7618/c-reactive-protein-blood-test-for-inflammation/
I think the important thing to understand is that inflammation is a natural response that occurs in our body and it is ALWAYS present to a certain extent. Keeping the balance tilted to anti-inflammatory is the important thing. Sometimes if there is a very low level of inflammation it may not be apparent on a C-peptide test, that doesn’t mean there isn’t inflammation, it’s just not enough for it to show in the bloodstream. The C-peptide test shows blood levels of an inflammatory protein produced by the liver. Testing other inflammatory molecules is much more difficult and not commonly tested at a clinical level.
Hi Jedha,
Have you heard of this seed based product discussed by Dr. Susan Bostian.
Thanks for all you’re doing!
Hi Beth,
Sorry the link you shared does not work so I’m not sure what you are referring to exactly but I have never heard of Dr. Susan Bostian.