Anti-inflammatory diets are all the buzz around the wellness scene, but an anti-inflammatory approach to eating is much more than just a new fad diet. With inflammation being at the root of nearly every single disease seen today, it’s our job to do everything we can to stop any underlying inflammation. Lowering your total inflammatory load is one of the best things you can do to promote better health. 

So, what is inflammation in the body? Inflammation is a vital part of the immune system’s response to injury and infection. It is the body’s way of signaling the immune system to heal and repair damaged tissue, as well as defend itself against foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. Chronic inflammation has been linked to certain diseases such as heart disease or stroke, and may also lead to autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. A healthy diet and lifestyle can help keep inflammation under control. 

Not sure if you have inflammation in the body? Here are the top 5 signs that you might have chronic inflammation.

#1 Chronic Fatigue
If you find yourself at work and the caffeine rush never kicks in, it may be time to look at the root cause and if chronic inflammation is playing a role. Fatigue is closely associated with inflammatory conditions like arthritis, chronic pain and even depression, which have all recently been linked to inflammation. 

#2 Digestive Distress
Does upset stomach, indigestion, nausea or constipation all sound too familiar? Chronic inflammation may be the culprit. With some inflammatory digestive conditions like, inflammatory bowel disease, colitis and gastritis, these have all been associated with serious inflammation occurring in your GI tract. 

#3 Weight Gain
If you feel like you have been putting in the extra work but not shedding those last few pesky pounds, inflammation might be hindering your hard work. How does this affect weight loss? Consuming inflammatory foods like, sugar or fried fast food feeds inflammation to go haywire. Chronic inflammation can lead to weight gain and worse, chronic disease. Not only unhealthy foods can cause inflammation. Some healthy foods can trigger an immune response and a firestorm of inflammation in your body. It is important to uncover any foods that your body is sensitive to. 

#4 Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a big sign of an underlying chronic inflammation. Any sign of chronic pain is a reason to practice daily self-care, enjoy more anti-inflammatory foods and cut out the inflammatory mainstream nonsense. 

#5 Poor Immune Health
If you find yourself constantly getting sickness that goes around chronic inflammation may be to blame again. When your body is in an inflammatory state, your immune system suffers. 

With lower inflammation, comes improved health. If you have any sign of chronic inflammation, there is no better time than now to get your body in check. Try reducing stress, focus on healthy food choices, cut out damaged fats (like trans and hydrogenated fats), and always reducing your sugar intake! Start your anti-inflammatory health journey today. Your health is counting on it!