Stacy just stepped out of her doctor’s office. After a long battle with digestive issues, pain, and fatigue, her doctor had finally told her that her chronic inflammation was the root cause of her symptoms.

Great, she thought. She finally had an answer – or did she? What did chronic inflammation even mean? Was that something she could just fix?

Stacy wasn’t sure. Her doctor explained to her that chronic inflammation could have been caused by a number of things, so how was she supposed to make the right changes to correct her issues?

WHAT IS INFLAMMATION?

Inflammation is defined in the dictionary as, “a localized physical condition in which part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful, especially as a reaction to injury or infection.”

Chronic inflammation is characterized primarily by its persistence. It occurs when tissues are unable to overcome the effects of the injuring agent, thus making it a chronic issue.

Like Stacy, many people are told they have chronic inflammation, and it has been linked to a number of diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies, asthma, IBS, Crohn’s disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even depression.

Fortunately, there are many contributing factors to chronic inflammation that you have the power to change.

6 COMMON CAUSES OF CHRONIC INFLAMMATION

1. PESTICIDES USED ON FOOD CROPS

These toxins feed cancer not only through increased inflammation but also by negatively impacting DNA and hormonal balance.

One easy way to avoid consuming pesticides is to purchase organic produce.

2. INFLAMMATORY DIETS

Western society has 24/7 access to fast food high in trans-fat. Even those who maintain a “healthier” diet tend to have an imbalance of inflammatory Omega-6 fatty acids to anti-inflammatory Omega-3s at a ratio of 20:1!

Historically, it’s believed that our ancestors had a 1:1 ratio and many of the world’s leading health experts still feel that’s the optimal balance. Others encourage no lower than a ratio of 4:1. Either way, you can see how 20:1 is way out of alignment with these recommendations.

Inflammatory diets often include refined sugars, hydrogenated oils, fried foods, refined flour, artificial sweeteners, artificial additives, and processed meats.

Make a point to cut these disease-causing foods out of your diet and opt for anti-inflammatory foods such as tomatoes, olive oil, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, fresh organic fruit, herbs, and spices.

3. SMOKING

Not only does smoking put people in direct contact with carcinogenic agents, but it also leads to cancer-causing chronic inflammation. In short, smoking is a double whammy when it comes to negative health impacts.

If you are a non-smoker, don’t start, and avoid secondhand smoke whenever possible.

If you do smoke, there’s no time like the present to quit! Look for a Certified Transformational Nutrition Coach (CTNC) who can help you with habit change and establishing new, healthier habits instead.

4. A SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE

We move less than our ancestors did. In our industrialized civilization, many people find themselves spending the majority of their time sitting at a desk. Maybe you do too?

As physical activity is linked with a reduction in inflammation, it’s no surprise that a lack of physical activity results in higher levels of inflammation.

If you do sit at a desk all day, try to make yourself stand up, stretch, or walk around your office once an hour.

Also, make sure you aren’t sitting down once you get home! Get outside and play with the kids, exercise, work in your garden, or do something around the house to stay active.

5. CHRONIC STRESS

Stress can cause a buildup of inflammation in the body, and chronic stress can lead to chronic inflammation. Stress releases cortisol, the stress hormone, throughout the body. This hormone is also known as our “fight or flight” hormone.

When released because of stress, cortisol has nowhere to go, and thus manifests as inflammation.

Try this morning breathing technique or meditation to help you control your stress in just minutes a day!

6. SLEEP DEPRIVATION

Sleep disorders and deprivation lead to numerous issues at a cellular level, including inflammation, metabolic delays, and hormonal imbalances.

Make it a point to get enough sleep by going to bed at the same time each night and waking up at the same time each morning. Creating this kind of routine will help your body get used to resting during those hours and lead to more restful sleep which, in turn, can lead to less inflammation.

CONCLUSION

Chronic inflammation is all too common, but it doesn’t have to control your health. Make note of these 6 common causes, and actively work towards eliminating them from your life.

You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel!

Want to learn more about the relationship between chronic inflammation and mental, physical, and spiritual health – especially when it comes to stress, trauma, immune health, digestive health, autoimmune conditions, and chronic disease? Consider enrolling in our Certified Transformational Nutrition Coach Course, where we share the latest science-backed information about chronic inflammation.