What You Need to Know About Inflammation

What is inflammation?

There are two types of inflammation, acute inflammation which is short term, and chronic inflammation which is long-term. Acute inflammation is usually caused by an injury like a sprained ankle or by an illness like a bacterial infection or a virus and can last hours or days. This is part of the way our body naturally heals itself.

Chronic inflammation, on the other hand is more dangerous to our overall health and wellness, and unfortunately once chronic inflammation is triggered it can last months or even years.

There are many things that can cause chronic inflammation:

•   Untreated infection or injury
•   Auto-immune disorders
•   Poor Diet
•   Exposure to pollution or harmful chemicals
•   Smoking
•   Alcohol
•   Stress including Oxidative Stress

Chronic inflammation can do damage to your body. Chronic inflammatory diseases are the most significant cause of death in the world. Worldwide, 3 of 5 people die due to chronic inflammatory diseases like:

• Stroke
• Chronic respiratory diseases
• Heart disorders
• Cancer
• Diabetes

Do I have inflammation?

If you have one or more of these symptoms, you probably have it.

• Body pain
• Chronic Fatigue and Insomnia
• Depression, Anxiety and Mood Disorders
• Gastrointestinal issues
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Acid Reflux
• Weight Gain
• Frequent Infections

How does diet affect inflammation?

Food choices can have an impact on inflammation. Research shows that some foods like processed sugars help release inflammatory messengers that can raise the risk of chronic inflammation. Other foods like fruits and vegetables fight oxidative stress which further triggers inflammation. The good news is that foods that are anti-inflammatory tend to be foods that keep you healthy.  

Eating an anti-inflammatory diet doesn’t have to be complicated or restrictive.

Here are some simple things you can do to eat a more anti-inflammatory diet:

1. Cut the processed stuff! Refined carbohydrates like white bread and pastries, fried foods like French fries, and processed meats like hot dogs and sausages all cause inflammation.
2. More Plant-Based Foods: Whole foods have the anti-inflammatory nutrients your body needs. Eat the rainbow of vegetables and use more olive oil.
3. Increase your Omega-3 fatty acids: Fatty acids play a role in regulating your inflammatory response. They are found in fish like tuna, and salmon, or you can take a high-quality supplement.
4. Consume more Antioxidants: Antioxidants help prevent delay or even repair some types of inflammation. They are found in leafy greens, berries, avocados, ginger, turmeric and green tea.

Is Ideal Protein and Anti-Inflammatory Diet?

Yes! Ideal Protein: it is an anti-inflammatory diet that addresses insulin resistance and helps you lose fat instead of muscle. If you want to feel better and lose weight at the same time, it may be worth taking a look at this amazing protocol.

For more information about what makes Ideal Protein different from other weight loss protocols – check out Dr. Paul’s Incredible 185lb Weight Loss Journey and Why Ideal Protein. We are also happy to share stories of dieters that have reduced the syptoms of inflammation with Ideal Protein.