Body inflammation is a really interesting we could all fo with learning more about. It’s a really important area to be aware of and it’s getting a lot of press these days.
so, what is inflammation?
Inflammation is a natural process that helps your body heal and defend itself from harm. However, inflammation is harmful if it becomes chronic or it’s out of balance.
That said, there are many things you can do to reduce inflammation and improve your overall health.
To put it the most simply: inflammation is the response your body initiates when an infection or injury occurs in your tissue. It can be acute or chronic and it’s a really important innate part of our bodies healing system if we get an injury or infection to fight it off with white blood cells etc etc.
Unfortunately with chronic inflammation, the body gets stuck in this “fight mode” with white blood cells constantly on guard and fighting without the injury or infection present.
There are a few ways that are said to help reduce your risk inflammation in the body.
- Another win for massage. Massage therapy is said to help fight chronic inflammation because of it’s benefit of increasing circulation, which can then help to remove fluid and waste build up from the tissues.
- Massage therapy can also help the functionality of the muscles around the inflammation. For instance if the muscles surrounding the affected areas become tense and knotted which leading to reduced range of motion or soreness.
- Interestingly high anxiety and depression levels have recently been linked to inflammation, and massage can help rebalance and align the hormonal system to help with these emotions as well as boosting the immune system!
Food is also a really good area to be aware to manage inflammation levels.
If you want to reduce inflammation, eat fewer inflammatory foods and more anti-inflammatory foods.
It’s said if you base your diet on whole, nutrient-dense foods that contain antioxidants — and avoid processed products that’s a great start!
A few foods that are said to increase inflammation are;
Sugary drinks, refined carbs, desserts, processed meats, processed snacks, alcohol.
Foods that are great at reduces inflammation are;
vegetables, fruit especially deep coloured berries, avocados and olives, healthy fats like coconut oil and olive oil, fatty fish, nuts, dark chocolate, turmeric, cinnamon, green tea & a small glass of red wine! woohoo!
