Discovering Inflamation: What is it? Causes it? and How to Prevent it?

I Read an article last night that I thought I would share with you. As dancers we may often experience inflammation. So have a read to find out what you can do to naturally help this problem without having to pop the pain killers.

The Definition of inflammation, according to About.com is:
An immune response to injury or infection causing pain, redness, heat, and swelling in the affected area. Heat from inflammation is produced because of increased circulation as white blood cells and chemicals are rushed to protect us from foreign invaders, allergens, toxins or infections. Common allergens that produce inflammation are pollens, gluten in wheat, cow milk, and yeast from baked goods, beer and wine. Inflammation can also result from injury. It may create unpleasant sensations such as swollen joints that feel warm, pain, stiffness, fever, chills, fatigue, headaches and muscle stiffness.

Many times we cannot feel inflammation in our system. Though we may not be aware of a low grade inflammation present in our bodies, it may be taking a serious toll on our well being. An over abundance of inflammation in our body can lead to Alzheimer’s, arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and prostatitis. One of the most common diseases associated with inflammation is irritable bowel syndrome. Another prevalent disease is asthma.

The most important area of our body to keep inflammation in check is our digestive track. Our gut is most often where we first make contact with foreign invaders. Our stomach and intestine lining is what protects us from foreign toxins and bad bacteria. When the lining is weakened, toxins and germs seep through the lining into the body and the immune system must kick into high gear. Your immune system screams for help, thus producing inflammation. As germs and toxins leak into our body from a failed digestive lining, illnesses may develop at other places throughout the body.

There are many things we can do to stop inflammation. Eat foods high in fiber. Refrain from refined sugars and grains. Eliminate foods that are high in arachidonic acid such as red meats, egg yolks and shellfish. Get plenty of omega-3 fatty acids. Avoid drugs and antibiotics if possible. Exercise. Rest. Eat anti-inflammatory foods such as ginger, garlic, onions, parsley, cayenne and citrus fruits. The spice turmeric helps to fight inflammation. Curcumin is derived from turmeric. Because fresh turmeric only contains 4% curcumin, the best way to receive the anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric is to take a curcumin supplement. Please read the information in this newsletter concerning the brand new Hallelujah Acres New Generation Bio-Curcumin.

There are healthy alternatives to Advil and Aleve. Choose a healthy lifestyle so you can calm the heat of inflammation.

Information from the Cleveland Clinic Center for Consumer Health information and Ultra-Prevention by Mark Hyman and Mark Liponis.