INFLAMMATION - A HEALTH HAZARD

Other than the fact that a wound, etc can become inflamed, most of us don't really know much about inflammation.  Inflammation, however, is a health hazard that contributes to every major chronic condition from heart disease to cancer to diabetes.  There is "good" or acute inflammation where the white blood cells temporarily marshal to shield a cut, wound, etc.  This inflammation is a protector so to speak.  Then there is "Systemic" or chronic inflammation and that is not a good thing.  With systemic inflammation, the white cells essentially move into tissues inappropriately and cause destruction.  As a person with a wacky immune system, believe me I have my battles with inflammation.  Since systemic inflammation can cause us so many aches, pains, and serious health problems, we will spend a few posts discussing it.  One thing to remember is this quote from Christopher P. Cannon, M.D., a professor at Harvard Medical School and author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Anti-Inflammatory Diet; "Eating well is a really powerful tool against inflammation.  An anti-inflammatory diet is actually not a terribly complicated diet."  Start by cutting back on unhealthy things such as saturated fat, sugar, refined carbs, and processed foods.  Then ramp up the healthy foods in your diet.  Dr. Cannon says to start by adding more foods to your diet that help alleviate and prevent inflammation, such as foods high in omega-3s, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Note: I have spent a few days posting about inflammation and ways to help combat it. If you missed them, go back a few days and check them out.

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