Where there is smoke, there may be fire

Do you struggle with any of these symptoms?

• achy or swollen joints
• constipation and/or diarrhea
• overweight
• frequent colds, viruses and/or infections
• itchy or rashy skin
• canker sores or cold sores
• asthma or chronic bronchitis
• trouble with memory or focus

These are the smoke.

You may pass off your symptoms as getting older, or think it's temporary and will go away soon. Did you know that these may all be symptoms of chronic inflammation?

Your chronic inflammation is the fire.  But, it may mean something unexpected, poor gut health. I might sound like a broken record, but I'll never stop repeating it, your gut has an enormous impact on your overall wellbeing.

Your gut is filled with trillions of living bacteria and yeast which is called your microbiome. In fact, your gut houses eighty percent of your immune system and is often called the body's second brain. Everything from moods to hormones to weight to genetics falls under the gut's control.

 We all know what we eat impacts our health, but many vastly underestimate the connection between diet and inflammation. Whether you've cut your finger or manage an autoimmune disease, no matter what form it takes, inflammation is your body trying to heal itself.

Inflammation in overdrive

However, while it's your body's natural response to injury or disease, inflammation can go into overdrive and become chronic when fighting an ongoing imbalance or deficient lifestyle. There are many changes you can make to start cultivating better gut health.

Heal a leaky gut

One possible cause of excess inflammation can be damaged intestinal lining. When your gut starts leaking, undigested food particles can pass through and lead to inflammation throughout the body. Eating clean and cutting out some foods we know to be inflammatory for many people like gluten, sugar, and alcohol may be a good place to start. If that doesn't work, an elimination diet could be the next step toward figuring out what’s triggering your system.

Manage stress

No matter how exemplary your eating habits are, the healthiest diet cannot overcome excess stress. Chronic stress sabotages your immune system and hampers your body's ability to heal itself. To combat everyday stressors try taking up practices like yoga, meditation, nature walks, or mindfulness.

Choose foods that decrease inflammation

Above all, focus on eating as many whole foods as possible. Real, nutrient-packed food is powerful medicine. Cut out processed junk and fast food, and add more plants, healthy fats, nuts, seeds, and fermented foods into your daily meals. You are what you eat, so make sure you’re eating things that enrich your body.

If you need help figuring out the right diet for you to eliminate your symptoms and end inflammation, schedule a call.