Inflammation and Its Affects on Aging

by Lorna Sophocleous

My clients hungrily seek advice on how they can delay the aging process, or more optimistically, “age gracefully.” While trying endless “fountain of youth” products brings discouragement, it also opens up many possibilities and allows for a far more receptive approach to the lifestyle changes that are proven to decrease the risk of disease and inflammation. This can lead to a more vibrant and active life. My clients are extremely happy to learn that the assumption that with age comes disease is actually untrue. In fact, the reverse can be true.

Chronic disease actually accelerates the aging process—and the underlying cause of most disease is inflammation. This is relatively new and exciting information, as it gives you the opportunity to be in the driver’s seat in regards to your health. Cancer, diabetes, arthritis and other diseases don’t have to “just happen” due to age. This new phenomenon is known as “inflammaging.”

While modern medicine traditionally treats the symptoms with medications that can only temporarily relieve joint pain or lower cholesterol, preventative medicine focuses on identifying the root cause of the problem. Reducing the inflammation in the body can ward off debilitating diseases like arthritis, which is inflammation of the joints, or heart disease, which is inflammation of the arteries. Dr. Tanya Edwards, Director of the Center for Integrative Medicine, writes that inflammation is now recognized as the “underlying basis of a significant number of diseases.” Although inflammation has long been linked to allergic diseases like asthma, arthritis and Crohn’s disease, Edwards points out that Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and even Parkinson’s disease may all be related to chronic inflammation in the body. Digestive disorders, stress, severe unexplained fatigue, and headaches all have their roots in inflammation.

WHAT IS INFLAMMATION?
We recognize it on the surface as swelling, local redness, and pain. But inflammation also helps the body to heal by bringing nourishment to the affected area and stimulating immune activity. The problem arises when the inflammation persists. Researchers believe than an overactive immune system floods the body with defense cells and hormones that can damage the tissues. Dietary and environmental toxins may build up in the body and activate the immune system, also keeping it highly reactive. On the bright side, addressing the issue of toxins in our body can alleviate multiple symptoms and allow you to feel well quickly and permanently. This involves making small lifestyle changes, which include eating foods that are anti-inflammatory.

FOODS TO AVOID THAT PROMOTE INFLAMMATION
• Processed foods: We live in an industrialized society where many foods are mass produced and highly processed, which means they lack the nutrients that the foods had in their natural form. The nutrients to sustain good health, and avoid inflammation that will ultimately lead to premature aging and disease are missing. Simply put, “If it’s made in a plant, don’t eat it, if it is a plant, eat it!” Processed foods are toxic; this is compounded by the growth hormones given to animals and the pesticides sprayed on our fruits and vegetables. No wonder we are inflamed!
• Sugar: Sugar is also toxic, especially in large doses. It creates a gooey, sticky mess inside the body and clogs up hormone receptors. Over time, excess sugar in the body links up with proteins, causing tissue to harden. This can lead to arthritis and even contribute to premature wrinkling. Sugar can make you look and feel old. It gives you brain fog; your pancreas releases insulin to stabilize your sugar. The adrenals are overtaxed, which can cause insulin resistance or better known as Metabolic Syndrome, leading to Diabetes II.
• Certain oils: Olive oil does not have a high smoke point and is unstable under high heat, which causes inflammation. You also lose its health benefits. When cooking, it is best to use coconut oil, ghee, peanut oil, and toasted sesame oil. Be mindful that a majority of prepared foods, including restaurant food, uses canola, soy, corn, safflower, and vegetable oil, which are all highly processed oils and toxic. Fried foods in these oils create inflammation.

TIPS FOR AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY LIFE, NATURALLY
• Avoid sugar. Eat things that have natural sugar in moderation. Sweeten things naturally with honey, molasses, Stevia, and date or coconut sugar.
• Avoid fried foods, refined carbohydrates and foods cooked in high temperatures.
• Use olive oil, hemp seed oil, sesame oil on salads and things without cooking them.
• Eat avocados, nuts and seeds for healthy fats.
• Omega 3’s are a must! Supplement from a high quality brand and eat wild salmon, sardines, which will also give you Vitamin D. Vitamin D should also be supplemented.
• If you smoke, quit now! It’s highly inflammatory.
• Eat organic fruits and vegetables.
• Maintain a healthy digestive system by incorporating fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, kimchi.
• Drink plenty of filtered water
• Get plenty of exercise.

Healthy living is fun! You can empower yourself by treating food as a powerful “drug” and controlling what you consume. This will be conducive to a healing, glowing body inside and out. We all want to live healthy lives and avoid being on medication and going to the doctor. It absolutely can be done. Follow these guidelines, a step at a time. Your life will reflect back on your efforts in the way of increased energy and improved focus, mood and immune system. You will have a positive impact on your family, friends, and whoever you come in contact with. You are well worth the effort!

Source: Peak Pilates News