We all know that inflammation can heal. Do you remember the time you had an injury or infection caused by a virus or bacteria? Swelling, fever, pain, and redness would have been some of the acute inflammatory signs. These are caused by white blood cells that move rapidly towards the affected area to protect the tissues from pathogens and damage. The process lasts for a few weeks while the body copes with the trauma and then everything returns to normal. Therefore, acute inflammation is a pretty good mechanism to have in our healing toolbox.

However, there is another inflammatory scenario, one in which chronic inflammation sets in and begins to burn our bodies. This type of inflammation does not heal since it usually occurs in the absence of pathogens or injuries. In this case, the immune system mistakenly activates a destructive type of blood cell and begins to eat tissues and organs. Importantly, chronic inflammation does not produce acute symptoms, so we can get used to it as our body gradually burns and burns.

Now, how would you know you might have chronic inflammation? Well, almost any chronic disease or ailment can be traced back to it. Fatigue, weight gain, swelling, muscle pain, joint pain, numbness, headaches, mental confusion, acne, eczema, psoriasis, premenstrual syndrome, polycystic ovaries, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, asthma, allergies, cancer, lupus, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s … As you can see, the list is practically endless. In short, if you suffer from something chronically, your body is most likely experiencing chronic inflammation.

Fortunately, chronic inflammation can be managed very successfully with lifestyle changes. Here, you just have to follow 2 rules. First, eliminate substances and habits that cause inflammation. Second, add substances and habits that are anti-inflammatory. In that order! For example, knowing that smoking is pro-inflammatory while meditation is anti-inflammatory, you cannot expect to reduce inflammation by meditating among smokers. You must first stop smoking, and that will account for 80% of your results. You can then start meditating to add the final 20%.

Now, let’s look at the main factors that trigger inflammation:

• Sugar, grains, starch, soybeans, seed oils, processed foods, alcohol, and cigarettes.

• Overweight

• Some cosmetics and environmental chemicals.

• Stress, anger, worry, aggravated relationships

• Late dinners and late nights

Rather, here is a list of things that reduce inflammation:

• Turmeric, ginger, garlic

• Vitamins and other antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, Boswellia

• Meditation and other practices to reduce stress.

• Skipping dinner, going to bed early, exercising properly

In short, if you want to tackle chronic inflammation, start at the top of the list first and work your way down. Get started with your diet! Adding garlic to your takeout plate and washing up your sugary dessert with a multivitamin shake just isn’t enough. Roll up your sleeves and take out the garbage in your life. Make room first and then start adding anti-inflammatory treats. Of course, the process may seem difficult at first. But the more you do it, the more you want to do it, as you will be charging your body with strength, vitality, and life force.