Why You Need to Reduce Inflammation

Unlike acute inflammation (in which the immune system responds to infection or injury by activating inflammatory chemicals that combat foreign substances), chronic inflammation isn't beneficial for the body. Often resulting from lifestyle factors like stress and poor diet, chronic inflammation occurs when the immune system continually releases those inflammatory chemicals -- even when there are no foreign invaders to fight off.

Chronic inflammation is linked to a number of conditions, ranging from cardiovascular to neurological to metabolic. Luckily, by tackling the inflammation, you may be able to protect against a number of conditions shown to be inflammation-related. This includes:

• heart disease
• cancer
• stroke
• diabetes
• Alzheimer's disease
• asthma
• irritable bowel syndrome

How to Reduce Inflammation Naturally

Here's a look at several science-backed approaches to reducing inflammation naturally:

1) Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Maintaining a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids (naturally available in foods like fish oil and flaxseed oil) and low in omega-6 fatty acids (found in foods like red meat and dairy products) may help lower inflammation and guard against diseases like breast cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, and asthma, according to a research review published in 2002. Shown to thwart the production of pro-inflammatory substances, omega-3 fatty acids are also available in supplement form.

2) Herbs

Preliminary research suggests that some herbs may help reduce inflammation. In an animal study published in 2007, for instance, scientists discovered that curcumin (a compound found in the curry spice turmeric) can overpower pro-inflammatory proteins called cytokines. And in test-tube research published in 2005, investigators found ginger may reduce inflammation more effectively than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as aspirin).

In fresh or dried form, both turmeric and ginger can be used in cooking. If you're considering the use of any type of herbal supplement in your efforts to reduce inflammation, make sure you consult your physician before starting your supplement regimen.

3) Gut Health

Because inflammation can be at the root cause of many diseases it’s important to downregulate the inflammatory response when we can. Some have theorized that the interaction between the gut and the immune system can result in either a healthy inflammatory response or chronic low-grade inflammation. Current research suggests therapeutic benefits may be achieved through dietary manipulation of the microbiota. Here are five delicious foods that support healthy inflammatory levels, and they nourish the gut too! I also recommend eating some of my favorite microbiome nourishers every day. 

4) Yoga

People who regularly practice yoga may have reduced levels of interleukin-6 (a marker of inflammation), according to a 2010 study of 50 women. Analyzing blood samples from the participants, researchers observed that those who practiced yoga had 41 percent lower levels of interleukin-6 than those who didn't practice yoga.

More Ways to Reduce Inflammation

Making healthy changes to your diet and lifestyle should be your first step in reducing inflammation. The following approaches may have an inflammation-fighting effect:

• manage your stress (possibly with the help of mind-body practices like meditation and tai chi
• avoid smoking
• limit your alcohol intake
• exercise regularly
• get sufficient sleep every night

Article courtesy of About.com/AlternativeMedicine, by Cathy Wong, and found with sources, here.