Inflammation is a buzz word in the health community this year, and for good reason. It is something many of us face, without even realizing it. And worst yet is its connection to dozens of other health concerns.

What exactly does this mean? And why do we keep seeing turmeric pop up in the media?

Let’s review how we can prevent the effects of inflammation in our own lives, and why we should be paying tribute to the bright orange spice.

Photo by: Osha Key

Wellness Roundup: Fight Inflammation + Turmeric Love

Causes

First, it is important to understand there are two main types of inflammation: acute and chronic.

Acute inflammation is what happens when you cut your finger. Your body’s natural response is to rush blood to the area and aid in the healing process. Acute is a short-term response and one that quickly goes away.

Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is a long-term ongoing form, that manifests in everything from arthritis to autoimmune diseases. This type can be caused by a number of environmental factors such as a diet high in sugar, processed and fried foods, excess alcohol, poor exercise habits, stress, smoking, pollution, and even long-term use of over the counter medications.

Another avenue gaining attention is the connection between our gut health and inflammation. With an imbalanced gut microbiome, our immune system goes on the defensive and is continuously trying to fight off the inflammatory response.

All of this information points to the fact that if we care for our bodies, we can avoid the dangers of inflammation.

Effects

If you are suffering from chronic inflammation, your body is constantly in fight or flight mode. This consistent stress puts you at risk for dozens of diseases.

This in-depth article about How Inflammation Affects Every Aspect of Your Health lists 30 different diseases and autoimmune conditions and their relation to inflammation, as well as key factors to addressing these conditions.

Before inflammation shows up as a disease, you will likely begin to see other signs of the underlying condition. These could include:

Allergies
Skin conditions (acne, rashes, eczema, etc.)
Digestive distress
Depression
Sleep disturbances
Fatigue
Weight gain
Achy joints or muscles

It is important to watch out for and address these warning signs before they develop into a deeper problem.

Prevention & Treatment

There are of course prescription drugs to help suppress the immune response. Which may help the symptoms of autoimmune or other serious conditions. They do not, however, address the root cause.

Instead, it may be more beneficial to locate and treat what is causing the inflammation in the first place. This is when it is very important to work with an educated professional who can identify the underlying issues, and treat you properly.

In the meantime, there are a number of simple changes you can make at home.

The Power of Food

One of the simplest ways to prevent and treat inflammation is to make dietary changes. Specifically, removing inflammation-causing foods, and incorporating more inflammation-fighting foods into your diet.

The Arthritis Foundation shares top foods that cause inflammation. Recognize what foods contain these ingredients, even the less obvious hidden dangers.

Equally important as removing the offenders, add in nutritional powerhouses to fight existing inflammation.

One of the most well known and documented inflammation fighters is turmeric. Used for thousands of years as a natural treatment for dozens of diseases and conditions, this powerhouse is full of benefits.

Anti-Inflammatory Turmeric Recipes

This outline from McKel Hill at Nutrition Stripped gives a few great suggestions. You can easily incorporate turmeric into many dishes, including breakfast, dressings, main courses, and even ice cream.

One of my favorite ways to get my daily turmeric is to drink Golden Milk. A simple tea can be enjoyed in the morning, or even before bed, imparting healthy digestion and a nice calming effect. In a pinch, or when traveling, you can also find Turmeric Ginger packaged tea at health food stores.

What do you think, is inflammation on your radar? Have you experienced any of these issues?

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For more at home inflammation treatments, check out these great turmeric products from our friends at Thrive Market.