Today we are going to talk about inflammation, the invisible enemy of health and beauty.
Our hormonal system, enzymatic reactions and physiological responses are constantly produced in our body with great precision. Nothing happens just because. Inflammation is a clear example of a reaction of our immune system, designed to occur in exceptional cases.
When you get hit (wound) or exercise excessively (soreness), our body uses cytokines, proteins that regulate the inflammation mechanism and go directly to the point of pain. Your arteries dilate, blood concentrates at that point while your white blood cells work to repair damaged tissue and prevent infection. Fever and/or pain indicate that you are in the healing process. All this is called acute inflammation.
Environmental pollution, an inadequate diet, stress, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and recurrent alcohol consumption lead to chronic inflammation occurring in our body. In response to this, our white blood cells receive “the alarm signal.” But what is the difference? They really have nothing to do unlike in the case of acute inflammation. And they can generate autoimmune responses that damage our cells. All of this can lead to a host of chronic diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer's, arthritis, allergies, asthma or depression.
We need to reconsider our habits and realize the importance of diet to prevent all of the above.
Which foods are the most inflammatory and which ones will we have to avoid at all costs?
- ALL FRIED THINGS: potatoes, battered foods, processed snacks, etc.
- REFINED VEGETABLE OILS: sunflower, canola, safflower, etc.
- INDUSTRIAL BAKERY: cookies, croissants and other foods of this type, due to their high content of partially hydrogenated fats and additives.
- GLUTEN AND DAIRY: for intolerant or sensitive people, so if you feel heavy after taking them, we recommend taking a food intolerance test.
What can we do to reduce inflammation caused by the daily pace of life?
Without a doubt, diet should be our best ally since it plays an essential role.
- BREAKFAST: Start with a good glass of warm water with lemon. Change the coffee for ORGANIC MATCHA tea, and opt for a good fruit and vegetable smoothie to which we recommend adding goji berries or ORGANIC MACA root.
- LUNCH AND DINNER: salads, vegetables, legumes and whole grains (such as quinoa) are always a good option. Add anti-inflammatory foods such as hemp seeds, which will also provide you with highly digestible protein, walnuts, sesame, almonds, turmeric, parsley, cilantro, pomegranate and dress with extra virgin olive oil.
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BETWEEN HOURS : don't forget to drink plenty of water and exercise ! It is very important to stay well hydrated throughout the day, and even more so after playing sports.
- BEFORE SLEEP: try to do a mini “tech detox” by disconnecting from your cell phone, television and computer for at least 20 minutes. Yoga stretches and breathing exercises are calming and reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone and therefore pro-inflammatory.
We must take our health seriously and try to incorporate habits that “deflate” our body on a daily basis. Not only will you reduce the probability of having chronic diseases, but you will feel less bloated, with better digestion, with more uniform skin and much higher energy levels.
Go for it!
Alicia Lamothe (Health Coach)
