Balance between healthy and harmful inflammation

Balance between healthy and harmful inflammation
Hopefully you do not write me off after just reading the title. For most of us just the thought that any inflammation could be healthy is laughable. Even if that is the case this week I am going to give some simple examples of cheap ways, mostly free, of keeping your inflammation to a manageable level.
Getting some rays. Our bodies make vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, a common known fact for most. However, this is many times counter cultural and in being so it has contributed to thousands of American deaths per year. Not only is vitamin D associated with less inflammation and lower pain levels, it is also linked to lower risk of diabetes, MS, and many types of cancer. Simply put, avoid sun burn, get sunshine.

 

Walk. Regular exercise has been shown to decrease inflammation in many studies. It may seem somewhat counter intuitive but is very necessary. Kill two birds with one stone, walk during the sun lighten hours of the day, now especially since the beautiful fall weather is coming.
Increase your omega-3’s. Fish oil boasts great omega-3 dose, also in the readily useable forms of DHA and EPA. This is best in the food forms of cold water fish like salmon. Since this isn’t so easily acquired in the Midwest a supplement might be the way. It’s good to aim for a total of 1,000 mg of DHA and EPA combined per day.
Decrease white sugar and flour. So many foods are made of white, highly processed flours and sugar. It is cheap and usually tastes great together. However, it has been used so frequently that the imbalance is causing an imbalance in our inflammatory levels. So simply put, the more “raw” it is the better it is. If you’re going to use grains use the least processed. Basmati or wild rice instead of white rice. Replace white sugar for alternatives like stevia.
Eat chocolate, in moderation. The best for last. We probably have all heard it by now but dark chocolate in moderation is actually good for you. An excuse to indulge has been proven. Those eating a small square of dark chocolate everyday are 25% less likely to develop heart disease.
Remember this article is for information only. Do not make any changes in your diet or lifestyle without first consulting with your preventive health care provider. We always pray for your prosperity and health, 3 John 2, blessings, Donna.

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