There is a common denominator for most common chronic illnesses: inflammation.
Low grade, chronic inflammation to be precise.
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This type of inflammation is always there, running in the background. It makes your body less efficient by mounting an attack against itself. It can be very harmful and contribute to serious illness.
For example, chronic illness is almost inseparable from heart disease conditions, diabetes, arthritis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. Chronic inflammation can also leave you susceptible to other forms of illness, and it limits immune strength.
So, how do you get your body to stop attacking itself? Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. However, some significant steps to reduce inflammation include weight loss, increased activity, and a healthy diet.
Antioxidant intake can help too. Antioxidants are compounds that help cells stay strong. They fight oxidative stress and inflammation and are associated with a host of health benefits. These benefits are generally related to lowering the risk of chronic inflammation.
You get antioxidants from the food you eat. There are several you may have heard of, like vitamin C and vitamin E, that have daily recommended intake. Others, like polyphenols, don’t have the same recommendations.
But that doesn’t mean they aren’t healthful.
There are a number of plant-based antioxidants that contribute to lower inflammation and healthier cells. Even though limited data is looking at all of them, there is evidence that antioxidants of any variety can have health benefits.
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You can generally find these antioxidants in high amounts in colorful fruits and vegetables that are easily added to your diet. Berries, leafy greens, apples, carrots, and green tea can all offer these healthful compounds.
Some powerful antioxidants are even found in meat like beef and chicken.
If you’re working on getting the inflammation under control to promote and improve overall health, don’t overlook these valuable nutrients. Try to include as many as possible to encourage cellular health and stable immune function.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
