Immune Health

Chronic Inflammation – Diagnosis and Treatment

You have been exhausted for months. There may be new aches and pains in your muscles or joints that never go away. Even though you haven’t changed your diet, your scale is showing a higher number, and your clothes aren’t fitting so well anymore. That sinus infection keeps coming back. What’s happening? These could all be signs of chronic Inflammation.  

What is Chronic Inflammation?  

Inflammation is a natural response to injury or allergens. It is the body’s natural defense mechanism. When exposed to something that could cause harm, our bodies have a way of dealing with it naturally. For instance, if you bump your head, the brain sends a signal to cause Inflammation at the trauma site to protect the area as it heals. Chronic Inflammation is when this response gets a bit confused, and your immune system thinks it needs to keep sending that signal out.   

So many things can cause an inflammatory response in the body—for example, allergens like dust or ragweed, injury, exposure to certain chemicals, etc. Inflammation is a normal response. But when it lasts for an extended period, this is chronic Inflammation.  

As I’m sure you already know, Chronic Inflammation is not a good thing and can lead to serious health issues such as cancer, diabetes, and other diseases.   

Chronic Inflammation Symptoms  

It is not easy to diagnose chronic Inflammation. A long list of symptoms accompanies this disease, and each could be part of other underlying health conditions. The most common symptoms of chronic Inflammation include the following:  

• Fatigue  
• Anxiety  
• Joint pain  
• GI issues
• Depression   
• Weight gain  
• Muscle aches  
• Skin problems  
• Recurring Infections  

Since other medical issues could also cause any of the above, identifying the cause of any symptoms you may be experiencing is an important first step. Once we have a diagnosis, then treatment can begin.  

How to treat Chronic Inflammation

Obviously, reducing Inflammation is the goal, and there are several ways to do this. Medications are usually the first step since they bring fast relief.   

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

NSAIDs are readily available and do not require a prescription. However, they do carry side effects, especially when taken continually. Side effects include indigestion, drowsiness, dizziness, and even headaches, which they should treat. In rare cases, NSAIDs can cause damage to the kidney, liver, heart, and circulatory system. This is why it is important to seek guidance from a medical professional.  

2. Corticosteroids

Drugs such as prednisone and cortisone are often prescribed when other medications cannot manage Inflammation.  

3. DMARDs

Disease-modifying antirheumatics can help control Inflammation in autoimmune conditions. The following drugs are popular forms of DMARDs:  

• Methotrexate  
• Sulfasalazine  
• Hydroxychloroquine  
• Leflunomide  
• Azathioprine  

4. Exercise

Getting your body moving is important if you have a chronic issue or not. It may sound counterproductive if you are feeling fatigued, but exercise will make you feel better and, believe it or not, reduce Inflammation.   

5. Eat Healthy

Make sure that your diet has a healthy balance of fruit, veggies, and protein. Fad diets are the worst thing you can try when trying to bring down Inflammation.  

Now that you know some of the ways to treat chronic inflammation. Let’s look at what to avoid. Some things can wreak havoc on chronic Inflammation.  

6. Don’t eat white foods!

What are white foods? Sugar, flour, white rice, bread. This is particularly true when dealing with chronic Inflammation.   

7. Trans Fats

this is another no-brainer; they’re just the bad boys of food additives.  

8. Omega-6 fatty acids

You thought they were healthy, didn’t you? Not if you have Inflammation!  

9. MSG

You’re not surprised this is on the list of things to avoid, are you?  

10. Gluten

See my comment about MSG  

Specific foods to avoid  

Any of the following oils - 

• vegetable oil  
• soybean oil
• corn oil  
• sunflower oil   
• French fries  
• Alcohol  
• Processed meats like hot dogs, bacon, sausage, and pepperoni  
• Pizza (Yeah, I know, I’m bummed out by this one too!) 
• Mayonnaise  

Fight The Good Fight  

If you are diagnosed with chronic Inflammation, there are some things that you can do to get your body back on track.   

1. First of all, if you smoke, stop! It’s a bad idea anyway, so this will be the perfect excuse to quit!  
2. Limit alcohol   
3. Relieve stress. Try meditation or deep breathing techniques. Take a walk, listen to music, draw, get a massage...any of these things will do wonders for your body and mind.   
4. Eat foods that reduce Inflammation. Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are great additions to your diet. Other things to include are berries, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, turmeric, ginger, and green tea.   
5. Avoid processed foods, sugar, and foods high in trans fats or refined carbohydrates.  
6. Maintain a healthy weight. The more body fat you carry around, the more Inflammation it can cause.   

Products That May Help You!

Before starting anything new, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional. You only get one body. Listen to what it tells you and give it the care and attention it deserves. 

 

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