Inflammation is an expression of your body’s protective mechanism meeting a challenge in your body. Inflammation has been found to be associated with atherosclerotic heart disease, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, periodontal disease, asthma, diabetic complications, obesity, osteoporosis, gastric cancer and osteoarthritis.
So what simple changes in our lifestyle can we make to reduce the risks of inflammation? This article explains the characteristics of inflammation, the role of genetics plays in your health, the causes of inflammation and what we can do about it!
Inflammation can be characterized by: redness, swollen joint that are warm to the touch, joint pain, and joint stiffness.
Inflammation may also be associated with general “flu-like" symptoms, fever, chills, fatigue/loss of energy, headaches, loss of appetite, mild depression, and muscle stiffness.
Inflammation of the heart may cause shortness of breath or leg swelling, the small tubes that transport air to the lungs may cause an asthma attack, kidneys may cause high blood pressure or kidney failure, and the large intestine may cause cramps and diarrhea.
Pain may not be a primary symptom of the inflammatory disease.
Individuals with certain IL-1 variations appear to develop some chronic disease earlier than those without the variations. The IL-1 gene can now be tested for and results can alert someone to the possibility of early onset to associated risks of inflammation.
Individuals who test positive on the IL-1 Genetic Test have probably inherited a lifelong tendency to accelerate the effects of "bad" cholesterol, which may result in an increased risk for heart attack at a younger age.Knowing your IL-1 genetic predisposition can help you develop a health plan that will help address your risk for cardiovascular disease.The IL-1 gene test can identify an individual's predisposition to over expression of inflammation and increased risk for cardiovascular disease and acute cardiac events. Gene testing is done through saliva testing.
The IL-1 genotypes can be affected through lifestyle changes, exercise, and diet.
Junk foods, high-fat meats, sugar and fast foods will increase inflammation in your body. Processed meats such as lunch meats, hot dogs and sausages contain chemicals such as nitrites that are associated with increased inflammation and chronic disease.
On the other hand, omega-3 fats exert anti-inflammatory effects. The best omega-3 sources are fish such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring and tuna as well as fish-oil supplements. Other omega-3 contributors include ground flax, flaxseed oil, walnuts and, to a limited degree, green leafy vegetables. Dietary monounsaturated fats (olive oil and canola oil) also dampen inflammation.
A diet full of colorful fruits, vegetables and whole grains supply an array of antioxidants. These antioxidant-rich carbohydrates reduce free radicals that may contribute to chronic inflammation.
Begin to eliminate high sugar foods such as sodas, soft drinks, pastries, pre-sweetened cereals and candy from your diet. Begin to look at a good daily vitamin regimen as well as increasing the greens in your diet, omega-3 rich foods, as well as fruits and whole grains.
Planning meals and snacks rather than the spur of the moment eating will create a healthy eating regimen. So what can simple changes in our life style can we make to reduce the risks of inflammation?
