Just because you don’t see typical inflammation signs on the outside of your body, it might be lurking in other ways. Inflammation is a by-product of an immune response, which is supposed to help your system heal. Four classic inflammatory responses that we can see and feel are redness, heat, pain, swelling. However, what few people understand is that hidden inflammation is the root of all chronic illness we experience–conditions like heart disease, diabetes, dementia, depression, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, asthma, cancer, autism, and many other degenerative diseases along with weight gain, obesity and weight resistance. We may feel healthy, but if this inflammation is raging inside of us it can lead to serious problems.

According to a study by the World Health Organization, an estimated 17.3 million people died from cardiovasucular diseases (CVDs) in 2008. By 2030 more than 23 million people will die annually from CVDs. If that doesn’t raise concern, a staggering number of over 80% of CVD deaths take place in low- and middle-income countries.

If your immune system and its ability to reduce inflammation in your body are impaired, illness and premature aging are taking over. Even a slightly elevated sign of inflammation is linked to obesity, weight gain, diabetes, heart attack and stroke. Researchers and scientists have now demonstrated that problems occur when the inflammatory process becomes chronic and no longer turns off. Unfortunately, today’s stressful, on-the-go lifestyles, fast-food and processed foods choices create a breeding ground for chronic inflammation to develop. Study after study shows that the risk of heart disease and cancer are modifiable by our lifestyle choices, which include the food we choose to eat each day. With every bite we take, we are either balancing the pro- and anti-inflammatory compounds in the body, or going from one end of the scale to the other.

Why are detox or elimination programs beneficial when your body is inflamed? Mainly to help bring down inflammation in the body and reset it back to homeostasis by giving the body time to rest and repair itself.

How can I reverse the occurrence of hidden inflammation in my body? Fortunately, inflammation is reversible and by addressing the causes of inflammation and learning how to live an anti-inflammatory lifestyle you can dramatically improve your health. By making shifts in your diet and lifestyle you will see changes in weight, energy levels, and overall in the way you look and feel. To shift the balance in the body back to a state of homeostasis, it’s key increase the amount of anti-inflammatory foods (see below) and to avoid or cut down on foods, which are known to promote inflammation. Below are some powerful, natural and simple steps that can be taken to keep inflammation at bay.
 

Steps to an Anti-inflammatory Lifestyle

– Eliminate sugar, artificial sweeteners, refined flours, processed and high glycemic foods.

– Stop eating trans fats and saturated fats use healthy fats (oils rich in monounsaturated fat or omega-3, nuts, seeds, avocado).

– Buy organic and consume less foods with pesticides on them.

– Drop the top 7 high food intolerant and pro-inflammatory foods (dairy, eggs, sugar, corn, gluten, soy, peanuts) they are likely to cause chronic low-grade inflammation, weight-loss resistance and obesity.

– Reduce consumption of animal foods to 1-2 times per week.

– Add in more plant-based foods.

– Increase consumption of omega-3 fats or take a fish oil supplement of 2-3 grams per day.

– Drink more water preferably alkaline ionized water, or at the very least good filtered water.

– Consume 2-4 cups (white, green, oolong tea) per day.

– Get more exercise and focus on loosing belly fat. Belly fat or visceral fat boosts inflammation and is linked to heart disease.

– Sleep more because rest allows your body to heal and repair itself.

– Take whole food vitamins and supplements and herbs to help combat inflammation and cravings.

– Relax and slow down, de-stress with yoga, meditation, massage or a hot bath.

– Use natural cleaners and detergents around the house and avoid using plastic storage containers for food, or non-stick cookware. Doing this will reduce the level of toxins you are exposed to which is known to increase inflammation.