Dear Beautiful Friend,

Are you feeling the heat? Not the kind that comes with warmer days, but the internal fire of chronic inflammation? If so, you're not alone. Inflammation affects a staggering 40% of the American population and is a contributing factor to a host of conditions, including

Alzheimer’s
Heart disease
Autoimmune diseases
Arthritis
Asthma
Diabetes
Cancer

Inflammation becomes a concern as we age. It significantly increases our risk for chronic diseases. Scientists have coined a term for it: inflammaging.

To put it simply, we are talking about chronic inflammation. It is different than acute inflammation. Acute inflammation is helpful. It is triggered by infections, injuries, or our exposure to toxins, and is the body's natural defense mechanism.

Chronic inflammation is damaging. It occurs when the immune system remains on high alert, sending out inflammatory cells when there's no immediate threat or when it's unable to eliminate a threat. 

This persistent state of inflammation can wreak havoc on our bodies, leading to symptoms like joint pain, skin rashes, digestive issues, excess mucus, and fatigue.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, consult your doctor and consider getting bloodwork done to confirm if chronic inflammation is at play.

Here's the good news. 5 lifestyle practices can significantly prevent, manage, or reduce chronic inflammation and improve our immediate and long-term health. 

• Focus on nourishing your body. Eat nutrient-dense meals of whole, organic vegetables and fruits, high-quality protein, healthy fat, and fiber. These foods are packed with natural antioxidants and polyphenols that combat free radicals, the culprits behind inflammation.

• Steer clear of added sugars, refined carbohydrates, and fried foods. They are notorious for fueling inflammation.  If you have symptoms, you may want to explore whether you have sensitivities to gluten, dairy, or high-histamine foods, as these can exacerbate inflammation.

• Regular exercise is a powerful tool in the fight against inflammation. Aim for daily exercise sessions to improve immune function and reduce inflammation levels. 

• Stress management is often overlooked in fighting chronic inflammation. Consistent practices such as breathing exercises, meditation, journaling, or yoga can work wonders in getting inflammation in check.

• Sleep is the most potent healer for our bodies. Enough quality sleep can prevent or alleviate markers of chronic inflammation. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night.

Finally, discuss supplementation options with your healthcare professional. Probiotics, curcumin, and fish oil have shown promise in treating chronic inflammation.

 Chronic inflammation is often the common thread among many chronic illnesses. If you're experiencing symptoms of inflammation, it might be time to consider making lifestyle changes and consulting with your doctor for further evaluation.

If you are ready to create a personal lifestyle blueprint that yields lasting results, reach out for a free Optimal Health Over 50 call to kick-start your journey to vitality and health.