In Part 1 we covered inflammation as a result of wheat and gluten, which is becoming more and more prevalent. But there are plenty of other things that can cause inflammation.
Inflammation is the bodies response to what it sees as a foreign invader, a defense against threats to your health. It is a vital part of the healing process. When you get an injury or an infection, this is how your body heals. However inflammation, particularly when it’s more broad throughout the body, can cause aches and pains and stiff joints. So for those who have Fibromyalgia and inflammation problems too, it can be a real double whammy.
Also, chronic inflammation can cause plaque build up in the arteries which can then set the stage for heart attacks, strokes, peripheral artery disease and other complications.
Some of the most common causes of inflammation are a result of TOXINS entering the body, whether as water, food or air. Smoking is a good example. Living near a concrete factory or other factory that puts a lot of pollutants into the air is another. Excessive alcohol consumption will definitely cause inflammation, especially when it is continued for longer periods of time. Drinking poor quality water is another possible source of toxic overload. Water high in chemicals such as flouride and chlorine, chemicals from pesticides and fertilizer runoffs, lead and copper and let’s not forget germs, could be a source of problems. Some areas are better than others so you may want to check out what’s in your water.
There are certain foods that are also major culprits of inflammatory reactions. Some of the worst ones are highly refined carbohydrates like sugar, white bread, white rice, French fries, sugar-laden soda, etc. These increase levels of inflammatory messengers called cytokines and can give you that puffed out achy feeling, and that’s not to mention the fatigue that results when your blood sugar crashes shortly after the short lived high you get from eating these.
Saturated and trans fats also increase inflammation. Switch to olive oil, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties, and lose the greasy french fries. Coconut oil and avocado oil are additional healthy options.
Lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle result in more inflammation. Your blood needs to circulate and your muscles need to be worked.
Eating a lot more veggies and low sugar fruits along with some whole grains, healthy oils and lean proteins will ease the inflammation back down. Drinking a lot more water, although you would think the opposite, will help lower inflammation considerably. Just make sure that it’s not overloaded with toxins. Clean, purified water is best.
Addressing inflammation is important as it can be greatly exacerbating your Fibromyalgia symptoms and making matters far worse than they already are.
You can read more about this and how to recover from Fibromyalgia here.
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