Am I Inflamed?

When we discuss  disease states, health providers often refer to inflammation in the body. In fact, chronic inflammation is at the root of many diseases. Inflammation is the body's natural response to illness and infection as a way to protect itself. However, when the body becomes chronically inflamed, the body's immune system may start attacking its own cells causing diseases, such as heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer. A blood test called C-reactive protein can be used to diagnoses chronic inflammation. Ideally, we would like the CRP to be below one. Levels above 1 mg/L can indicate increased health problems.Food intake and stress can impact inflammation. It is important to fill your diet with anti-inflammatory foods, such as organic fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and bone broth. Specifically,  foods high in anti-oxidants are bok choy, green leafy vegetables, celery, beets, broccoli, salmon, chia seeds, flax seeds, blueberries, pineapple, turmeric, and ginger. Exercise is also key to  reducing inflammation.The Standard American Diet often causes inflammation. Foods that should be decreased include alcohol, fried foods, processed foods, refined carbohydrates, sugar, artificial sweeteners, vegetable oil and canola oil.  Additionally, when possible choose organic fruits and vegetables and grass fed meats.