Eat To Reduce Inflammation

Firstly, it’s important to clarify that inflammation is an important part of your body to heal and repair damage. Without inflammation, your body would not heal itself properly after an injury or sickness. Inflammation is also a normal part of exercise: when you train your muscle fibres, they tear… and inflammation is part of growing and repairing muscle cells. The problem with inflammation is when it occurs long-term; this is called chronic inflammation. It can result in many unwanted consequences, one of which is a reduced quality of life with increased stress in your body and mind as well as being a barrier to a healthy weight. So, what can you do to manage inflammation?

- Ashleigh Feltham

1 Get enough sleep

This varies from individual to individual, but generally the minimum is set at 6-8 hours per night. Getting enough sleep sets your body and hormones back in balance, which you need to function at your best and manage everyday stresses of life. Try having a set routine when you go to bed at night. Removing electronics (such as your phone) around an hour before bed will help your body wind down. Waking up at a similar time each day also helps set your body into a healthy hormone rhythm.

2 Find your chi

Stress causes havoc to your body over the long term and influences many things including hormones. When your cortisol or stress hormone is elevated over a long time, it can make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight as cortisol is a fat-storing hormone. Managing stress by practising mindfulness throughout the day and when you eat may help to reduce your stress levels.