Inflammation is a normal body function. It is generated by the immune system which identifies damage to body tissue. The immune system and inflammation go hand-in-hand. Causing an inflammatory response is one way the immune system responds to a threat and starts to fight off bacteria or tissue damage. One of the most incredible and complex parts of the human, the immune system can recognize foreign substances that might do harm to the body and then stimulates white blood cells to help eliminate the threat. Inflammation is an important part of the healing process as it helps to heal and destroy invading microorganisms.

Guidelines to Treat Inflammation and Support the Immune System

• Food and Sensitivities. Food sensitivities may cause inflammation as they are a stress to the body and digestive system. Often, the first stressors are sugar, dairy and gluten. It is also good to know which foods are anti-inflammatory. Focus on eliminating stressor foods and incorporating anti-inflammatory foods such as:
• Turmeric and Curcumin – One of the major constituents in turmeric is curcumin which is responsible for many of the health benefits attributed to turmeric. Supplementing with curcumin can help significantly improve inflammatory conditions. It is suggested that curcumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-cancer activities. It also has been shown to support memory and healthy ligaments.
• Omega-3 – These fatty acids have properties that can be useful for inflammatory conditions instead of using anti-inflammatory medicines which may have negative side effects.
• Vitamin D – Low levels of vitamin D can aggravate inflammatory conditions and play a role in developing cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Two-thirds of teens and adults are deficient in vitamin D. Learn and get tested with Nutritional Response Testing to find out sensitivities and deficiencies.
• Green Tea – can fight inflammation. Researchers say that green tea contains a high concentration of polyphenolic compounds that can interfere with inflammatory pathways.
• Stress. Stress comes in many forms: emotional, physical and digestive. Chronic stress of any form can cause inflammation. Exercise, meditation and quality sleep will benefit and help to reduce or eliminate inflammation and improve the immune system.

Empower yourself with more knowledge. The immune system is overly complex. The more you learn how to limit inflammation naturally with foods that work for your body, the better your life will be. Each body has different chemistry as well as different stresses. Learn what your sensitivities are and which foods will be best for your body. Be empowered to limit inflammation and improve your immune system.

Courtesy of Joyce Sobotta