18 Jan Inflammation ~ Listen to Your Body

What is inflammation? Our bodies are constantly speaking to us. Inflammation is simply a message that something is wrong.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines inflammation as “a local response to cellular injury that is marked by capillary dilatation, leukocytic infiltration, redness, heat, and pain and that serves as a mechanism initiating the elimination of noxious agents and of damaged tissue.”

Acute (or good) inflammation is when your body responds in a healthy way to an injury like a twisted ankle or a cut. Chronic, low-grade inflammation is more underhanded, and reveals itself in many ways. You won’t feel it right away, but it is the cause of many problems including skin rashes, heart disease, difficulty losing weight, lack of energy & digestive issues.

Addressing the root cause is always the best route to take. Chronic inflammation can be caused by a food sensitivity, over-exercising, stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, or many other possibilities. By making one simple lifestyle change, you could eliminate inflammation in your body! You can also challenge inflammation with…

Food

Here’s what to eat: turmeric root, ginger, tomatoes, peppers, garlic, onions, bok choy, soy, celery, beets, broccoli, coconut oil, olive oil, green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale, collards), nuts like almonds and walnuts, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines, fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, oranges, pineapple, bone broth, whole grains, chia seeds, & flaxseeds. See our recipes!

Here’s what to avoid: refined carbohydrates, processed sugar, artificial sweeteners, gluten, lactose, processed foods, alcohol, saturated & trans fats, meat, etc.

Topical Relief

The soothing applying anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera, chamomile, argan oil or comfrey will provide relief to your affected skin area quickly after applying especially if coupled with a good anti-inflammatory diet. Some of our favourite compilations are Traumacare & Liv Relief.

Natural Supplementation

When inflammation has been left too long without any treatment you may need a concentrated dose of healing. There are many quality anti-inflammatory supplements, but one of our favourites is curcumin. Curcumin is the main active ingredient in turmeric root and has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. If you need a kick-start to your battle against inflammation, curcumin may be the thing for you.

Theracurcumin is a staff & customer favourite; an enhanced form of curcumin that increases its absorption over 300 times compared to regular curcumin. It achieves this superior absorption through a reduced particle size, colloidal dispersion process.

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We hope you found this article helpful! If you’re interested in finding out more about inflammation and how to fight it, please visit us in-store! And be sure to keep an eye out here on our website for upcoming events, seminars & specials this year!