INFLAMMATION: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Get Rid of It

When most people hear the word inflammation, they think of swelling after an injury — a sprained ankle, a cut, or a bruise. But inflammation runs much deeper than that. It's a natural and necessary part of the body's defense system — until it isn't.

What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation is your body's way of protecting itself. When you face an injury, infection, or toxin exposure, your immune system kicks into high gear. It releases white blood cells, antibodies, and other healing compounds to the site. This causes redness, swelling, heat, and sometimes pain — all signs that your body is fighting back and repairing.

There are two types of inflammation:

• Acute inflammation: Short-term and helpful. Think of it as your body's emergency response team.

• Chronic inflammation: Long-term and harmful. It's like your emergency response team staying forever, causing damage instead of fixing things.

  
  

How Does Chronic Inflammation Happen?

Chronic inflammation can sneak up for a few reasons:

• Poor diet (high sugar, processed foods, excess alcohol)

• Lack of exercise

• Chronic stress

• Poor sleep

• Environmental toxins

• Uncontrolled infections or autoimmune diseases

When your body is constantly in "fight mode," even when there’s no actual threat, inflammation becomes destructive instead of protective.

Health Issues Linked to Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is the root of so many major health problems. Studies have connected it to:

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Arthritis

• Alzheimer’s disease

• Cancer

• Depression and anxiety

• Gut disorders (like IBS or Crohn’s)

  
  

Basically, if you’re feeling tired, achy, bloated, foggy, or just off — inflammation could be playing a role.

Why It's So Important to Reduce It

Unchecked inflammation is like letting a slow fire burn inside your body. Over time, it wears down your organs, tissues, and immune system. Reducing inflammation isn’t just about feeling better in the moment — it’s about protecting your health long-term and adding quality years to your life.

How to Get Rid of Chronic Inflammation

The good news: you have a lot of power to control and lower inflammation naturally. Here’s how:

1. Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

• Focus on whole foods: animal protein sources, good fats.

• Avoid toxic seed oils and chemical ingredients you cannot pronounce.

• Spice it up: turmeric, ginger, garlic, and cinnamon are anti-inflammatory superheroes.

• Cut back on (or eliminate) sugar, refined carbs, and processed foods.

  
  

2. Move Your Body

• Regular exercise lowers inflammatory markers in the body.

• Aim for a mix of cardio, strength training, and mobility work.

• Even a 20-minute walk a day makes a difference.

  
  

3. Manage Stress

• Chronic stress = chronic inflammation.

• Try deep breathing, meditation, journaling, or therapy.

• Even taking 5 minutes to slow down and breathe helps calm your system.

  
  

4. Prioritize Sleep

• Poor sleep is a major inflammation trigger.

• Aim for 7–9 hours per night.

• Create a calming nighttime routine and stick to a sleep schedule.

  
  

5. Stay Hydrated

• Water helps flush toxins that fuel inflammation.

• Shoot for half your body weight in ounces per day (or more if you’re active).

  
  

6. Avoid Toxins

• Choose natural cleaning and beauty products.

• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.

  
  

Inflammation isn’t always the enemy — it’s part of how your body keeps you alive. But when it sticks around too long, it can become a hidden cause of major health issues. The power to heal starts with simple, daily habits.

Start small. Add one anti-inflammatory food today. Go for one walk. Shut down your phone 30 minutes earlier tonight. Over time, these small choices add up to big change — and a healthier, stronger you.

Talk to us today about how we can create a plan to reduce/ eradicate your inflammation to better your health - GET STARTED