I talk about inflammation with new patients and established patients but what does it really mean?
Inflammation is a major contributor do dis-ease, in fact, chronic inflammation is a direct contributor to chronic dis-ease. Research is also showing that inflammation plays a role in immune health and mood.
HOW DO WE MEASURE INFLAMMATION?
Running a simple blood test such as C-reactive protein (CRP), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).
DOES TESTING TELL US WHERE INFLAMMATION IS?
The answer is unfortunately no for ESR or CRP. These inflammation tests are non-specific. However, some tests for the digestive tract do show inflammation specifically in the gut.
HOW CAN YOU DECREASE INFLAMMATION?
The easiest way is through diet and lifestyle.
- Following the anti-inflammatory diet can do wonders for decreasing inflammation.
- Avoiding sugar, wheat/ gluten, dairy, alcohol, tomatoes, and potatoes.
- Get regular exercise or movement. Walking can do wonders.
- Decrease stress – employ breathing exercises, quiet reflexion, down time, time in nature, exercise, decrease watching news or stressful programming.
Supplements and herbs can further support decreasing inflammation.
- Curcumin – can have a systemic and local effect in the digestive tract
- Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) – have a systemic effect
- Probiotics – help to rebalance the microbiome and in turn help decrease inflammation in the digestive tract.
- Mushrooms – support the immune system, increase the immune function activity
Employing these recommendations can go a long way in supporting your immune health, your longevity, and your general health. It’s why decreasing inflammation is one of my primary focuses in treatment plans.
