When we discuss our health and the things that hinder it, it doesn't take long for inflammation to be mentioned. At this point we know very well that inflammation is bad for us, but that doesn't necessary mean we know exactly what it is. Find yourself nodding and smiling when inflammation comes up in conversation? Don't panic! Here is a quick and easy breakdown, as well as a few tips to overcome it:
What is inflammation?
In a nutshell, inflammation is there to help you. It is part of your body’s immune response to an illness or injury. When you have a wound or an infection, inflammation helps fight off germs and facilitates healing. A build up of cholesterol and other substances in your arteries (called plaques or atherosclerosis) can set off an inflammatory response, too.
So, why is it bad?
In the short-term, inflammation is a helpful response of the immune system. But when we have sustained low levels of inflammation, it irritates our blood vessels. In these cases, inflammation may promote the growth of plaques, loosen plaque in your arteries and trigger blood clots — the primary cause of heart attacks and strokes. When a blood clot blocks an artery to the heart, you have a heart attack. If the blood clot blocks an artery to the brain, the result is a stroke. Unfortunately, as we know, both heart attack and stroke may result in disablement or death.
Fast fact: Many people assume that heart conditions are men’s diseases, but more women than men die each year from the various types of cardiovascular disease.
In addition to these, inflammation is responsible for many cases of kidney failure, and for peripheral artery disease that can lead to gangrene and amputations, usually in the legs and feet.
How to overcome inflammation
Diet and supplementation play a large role in managing inflammation. Identifying and reducing inflammatory foods (sugar, trans fats, processed foods, excessive alcohol) in your diet and replacing them with anti-inflammatory foods (think fresh whole foods with lots of colour, nuts and seeds, olive oil and fatty fish) will have a positive impact on your wellbeing.
Each product in our Remedy Greens® range uniquely targets inflammation in the body, making them a great way to supplement with anti-inflammatory foods.
Here are some clinical studies that illustrate the anti-inflammatory properties of certain foods found in our products:
Anti-inflammatory activity of celery
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits of ginger
Reducing inflammatory markers with curcumin
Beetroot: A natural solution for reducing inflammation