Inflammation is an increasingly common problem these days. It’s so prevalent that almost everyone suffers from some type of condition that either stems from or causes inflammation. These issues affect people of all ages and genders, though some are able to tolerate it more readily than others. While it’s impossible to avoid inflammation altogether, understanding it is the key to reducing and managing all the problems it can cause.
Exploring the Intricacies of Inflammation
A long and growing list of issues revolves around inflammation. Some of the more common are arthritis, asthma, IBD, ulcers, and skin rashes, but these are only a few among many. In most cases, inflammation causes pain, redness, and swelling, heat in the affected areas, and fever as well as other problems.
Furthermore, it can be either external or internal and affect various areas of the body. During an IBD flare-up caused by inflammation in the intestines, the irritation might also cause a person to experience stomach pain and blurred vision. Inflammation in the gums or roots of the teeth can affect your sense of smell and bring about stuffiness and severe headaches. Inflammation in or around the kidneys may cause hip and back pain.
Treating Inflammation
Inflammation can be treated in several ways. Some of the more common include antibiotics, steroids, and prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers. For skin irritation, wounds, joint pain, and certain other inflammatory issues, cbd topicals and anti-inflammatory creams can go a long way toward reducing pain, stiffness, redness, and swelling as well as other symptoms. Additional measures can also aid in reducing inflammation.
- Exercise More: As painful as it may be in some instances, many experts insist that physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce and prevent certain types of inflammation. Exercise reduces fat and improves muscle mass while promoting the body’s natural production of anti-inflammatory agents. It also helps with weight loss, which is yet another way to reduce inflammation in the body.
- Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Many foods and spices have been found to reduce inflammation. Olive oil, turmeric, rosemary, ginger, walnuts, soybeans, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables are among the most effective options in this regard. Foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and tuna, are helpful as well. Lean meats and foods that are high in fiber are also good choices.
- Avoid Inflammatory Foods: While some foods reduce inflammation, others contribute to it. Inflammation-causing foods include white rice, bread made with bleached flour, sugars, and unhealthy fats. Highly processed snacks and pre-packaged meals fall into this category as well. Avoiding foods that are high in cholesterol is also recommended for reducing inflammation and its many symptoms.
Reducing stress is likewise effective for combating inflammation. While exercise and eating the right foods lower physical stress levels, they may not be enough to treat inflammatory conditions on their own. Mental and emotional stress are known to increase inflammation, so meditation and other forms of stress management are key components of the treatment process as well. When combined, all these measures can help decrease not only internal and external inflammation but their related symptoms.
