Chronic inflammation can be a very subtle, but challenging condition to manage.
While we have a good idea about some of the causes of it, not every case can be easily linked to a direct cause.
This is because we all react differently to different physical triggers, and it ultimately depends on your body’s immune response.
But we’re going to find out more about this down below.
If you’re a registered holistic nutritionist, you might end up dealing with inflammation in a number of your clients.
While our diploma in holistic nutrition program will certainly give you good insights, you may want to consider a holistic practitioner continuing education program to give you a deeper knowledge.
Now, let’s take a closer look at inflammation.
What Is Chronic Inflammation?
Inflammation is part of your body’s method of combating anything that has harmed it.
Some examples of things that harm your body include infections, injuries, and exposure to toxins.
Of course, this process is also accompanied by an immune system response which includes the release of antibodies and proteins, plus an increased blood flow to the injured area.
Chronic inflammation occurs when this response lingers, and your body is in a constant state of alertness.
Acute Inflammation Vs. Chronic Inflammation
Now, acute inflammation is when the above process lasts for a few hours to a few days.
This is typical especially when there is an injury or infection.
Classic signs of acute (short term) inflammation include redness, pain, heat, and swelling.
Chronic inflammation is when this response lingers past a few days, well beyond the lifespan of that which triggered your body’s immune system response, and over time can have a negative impact on your tissues and organs.
Chronic inflammation often occurs within your body without any noticeable symptoms and can drive illnesses like heart disease, fatty liver disease, cancer, and diabetes.
Chronic Inflammation Symptoms
Common symptoms of chronic inflammation include:
- Mouth sores
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain
- Rashes
Prolonged chronic inflammation can eventually start damaging your body’s healthy cells, tissues, and organs.
This can lead to tissue death, internal scarring, and DNA damage, which is what drive diseases like asthma, obesity, Alzheimer’s, and rheumatoid arthritis.
What Causes Chronic Inflammation?
There are a few things that can cause chronic inflammation.
These include:
- Autoimmune disorders
- Long-term exposure to irritants
- Untreated causes of acute inflammation
Not every case of chronic inflammation has a clear underlying cause and not everyone reacts with chronic inflammation when exposed to some of the above causes.
Some other factors that may contribute to chronic inflammation include:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Chronic stress
- Alcohol consumption
Using Registered Holistic Nutrition To Fight Chronic Inflammation
There are a number of ways you can use holistic nutrition to fight chronic inflammation.
This is a great service you can offer to your clients if they are facing the challenge of chronic inflammation.
Now, let’s find out more.
1. Eat These Foods
There are a variety of foods which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Specifically, the recommendation is foods that are high in antioxidants and polyphenols which include:
- Tomatoes
- Fatty fish, like salmon, mackerel and sardines
- Fruits, like cherries, blueberries, and oranges
- Olive oil
- Leafy greens
- Nuts
These are all great additions to your diet that can help to reduce the inflammation in your body.
2. Avoid These Foods
Some foods reduce inflammation, while others can increase inflammation in certain people.
Specifically, you should try avoiding foods like:
- Fried foods
- Processed meats
- Red meat
- Refined sugars
- Refined carbohydrates
These are all known to trigger inflammation if you have a sensitivity towards them, and should be reduced, if not removed from your diet entirely.
3. Supplement With Curcumin
Curcumin is a compound that makes up part of the spice turmeric.
Turmeric may provide several health benefits all because of its inflammatory properties, which may also help to improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
The challenge with turmeric, and by extension curcumin, is that it is poorly absorbed into your bloodstream because your body can only absorb so much of it at one time.
Taking it with black pepper can help to boost your body’s absorption of it, especially when you cook with it.
4. Supplement With Omega 3 Oils
Omega3 fatty acids, commonly found in fatty fish or fish oil supplements can be a great benefit to your overall health.
Omega 3 fatty acids may help to decrease chronic inflammation by reducing cytokine levels in your body while promoting good gut health.
It may also help your muscles post-exercise.
Omega 3 has also been shown to help with maintaining eye health, boosting your brain power, staving off depression, and even managing seasonal allergies.
All in all, omega‑3 fatty acids provide a lot of natural benefits for your body.
5. Supplement With Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a big role in immune health overall.
It also may be a powerful anti-inflammatory because some studies have noticed a link between low vitamin D and the presence of inflammation.
Your skin produces it naturally when exposed to sunlight, and it is available in supplement form.
6. Drink Green Tea
Green tea has a long history of being used in traditional medicine.
It is rich in several compounds that may provide benefits, including being extremely anti-inflammatory.
It is currently thought that the anti-inflammatory benefits of green tea come from the compound EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate), which acts as an antioxidant by preventing oxidative damage to your cells caused by free radicals.
This valuable compound can be found in green tea or in supplement form.
Green tea can also help with flattening your stomach, has potential anti cancer effects, and can even help manage fear.
7. Get Enough Vitamin C
There are many benefits to getting enough vitamin C.
But, a lesser known one is that vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, like vitamin D, that plays an important role in immunity and inflammation.
It also plays a role in optimizing your immune system, which helps to regulate inflammation since it is an immune response.
You can get vitamin C both naturally in many fruits, as well as in supplement form.
Contact The Edison Institute Of Nutrition Today
As you can see, there are a variety of ways to use nutrition to help manage chronic inflammation.
Our course offerings on this topic are just one of the many programs we offer that can be of great benefit to you and your future clients.
Contact the Edison Institute Of Nutrition today and take your first step toward building your holistic nutrition practice.
