I was talking to Dr. Laura the other day and we discussed the fact that in general, the public has gotten a wrong idea of what inflammation is and what it can do.
You see inflammation is the process your body uses to heal damage. Yes HEAL! The inflammation itself is NOT (usually) the problem. Whatever is causing the inflammation is the real problem.
It goes like this:
- damage occurs in the tissues, caused by physical trauma, pathogens (germs), or toxins (poisons),
- When cells are damages they release chemical signals into surrounding tissues letting the body know that they are damaged,
- This causes the inflammatory response
- blood vessels become hyper-permeable letting immune cells, clotting agents and lymph into the area,
- Immune cells flood the area to fight infection,
- Clotting agents stop bleeding,
- Lymph flow takes away broken pieces of cells and foreign matter (dirt, toxins, germs, etc)
- The body begins to rebuild cells in the area and make scar tissue
Then there is systemic inflammation. We have seen a rise in the last two decades in food allergies and sensitivities. This and the high carb, high Stress lifestyle of your average American has led to lots of inflammation throughout the body.
This means that we are doing damage to tissues (cells) all over our bodies! It is not the inflammation that is the issue as much as what we are doing to cause the inflammation. The damage we are causing...everyday....all over our bodies....OMG! The link below goes to the University of Iowa website and defines the inflammatory response a little more in depth.
http://www.siumed.edu/~dking2/intro/inflam.htm
According to Time Magazine these are the signs of chronic inflammation:
http://scdlifestyle.com/2012/10/chronic-inflammation-signs-symptoms-and-testing/
- Ongoing, irritating pain in the body (like the joints or muscles)
- Allergies or asthma (especially when they keep getting worse)
- High blood pressure or blood sugar problems
- Ulcers and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (constipation or diarrhea)
- Constant fatigue or lethargy
- Skin problems or red, bloodshot eyes
So I ask you...Do you get headaches?
Do your muscles and/or joints hurt?
Are your eyes red? How's your digestion?
Are your allergies getting worse?
Hmmm....How's your inflammation..
If you suspect that inflammation may be a problem. Please see your healthcare professional! She/He will probably work with you to change your diet and exercise.
Tomatican
Recipe By :
Moosewood
Serving Size : 6
Preparation Time :0:00
Amount
Measure Ingredient --
Preparation Method
-------- ------------
--------------------------------
2 cans lima beans -- drained
28
ounces tomatoes, canned
1
medium onion
3
ounces spinach leaves -- chopped
2
medium avocado -- cubed
1
tablespoon Grape seed oil
Saute onions with
oil
add all but
avacados and simmer on low
garnish with
avacado cubes
Description:
"Moosewood"
Per Serving
(excluding unknown items): 362 Calories; 13g Fat (31.0% calories from fat); 16g
Protein; 50g Carbohydrate; 15g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 222mg
Sodium. Exchanges: 2 1/2 Grain(Starch);
1/2 Lean Meat; 1 1/2 Vegetable; 1/2 Fruit; 2 Fat.
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