What do a mattress, toothbrush, salmon, and sneakers have in common?
They may all be able to help you fight against chronic inflammation – a persistent state of immune system activity that’s linked to several health problems and risks. The more healthy habits you have, the better chance you’ll have at limiting inflammation and disease risk.
Advertisement
Inflammation is the body’s natural way of keeping you healthy. If you get injured or become infected by a microbe, your body sends out cells to attack, isolate, and repair. But sometimes lifestyle habits keep the immune response going, and it can impair healthy tissue.
On the other hand, certain lifestyle habits can counter inflammation. A healthful diet, regular exercise, sound sleep, good oral health, and relaxation can all help keep inflammation in check.
Eat Fatty Fish Twice Per Week: Two servings of fatty fish per week is linked with better long-term health and lower levels of inflammation. Salmon, anchovies, halibut, sardines, and tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids that disrupt the production of chemicals that cause inflammation.
Get a Comfy Mattress: Is your mattress making you toss and turn through the night? Even one night of disturbed sleep can increase inflammation. Further, regularly missing sleep can contribute to obesity, which is also linked to inflammation.
Even if your mattress is good, look at other ways to improve sleep, like minimizing food intake in the evening, relaxing before bed, and setting a sleep schedule.
Advertisement
Brush Your Teeth Regularly: Brushing twice daily and flossing once a day can help eliminate bacteria that lead to infection and causes inflammation elsewhere in the body.
Go for a Walk: Aerobic exercise – things like walking, jogging, cycling, dancing, etc. – that get the heart and lungs working is a great way to fight inflammation. It may also help produce hormones that keep inflammation in check.
De-Stress: Chronic stress promotes inflammation and is linked to several chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and more. Deep breathing, yoga, or simply enjoying some more downtime can help.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
