Though we live in a world where inflammatory practices are abundant, there are actually a lot of habits we can implement to help us keep inflammation at a minimum.
We will never be completely rid of it, and it is an important response for our body to produce (so that when we are exposed to a real pathogen or contusion, our body can fight it off/heal), but keeping our daily inflammation low is at the heart of healthy living and longevity.
We have heard a lot about the anti-inflammatory diet, and it’s important to incorporate anti-inflammatory foods (berries, greens, nuts, seeds, teas, real food, real food, real food, etc.), but it’s so much more than that.
You can eat all the blueberries and green tea you want, but if you are skimping on daily healthy practices, your body will stay inflamed.
If you can prioritize these BEFORE a chronic condition pops up, you will be setting yourself up with the long, pain-free life you deserve.
Your health starts and ends with sleep. There’s no way around prioritizing & getting good sleep to reach optimal health.
While we sleep, our major organs are getting a rest. Our brain, intestines, liver, and other organs get a break from the stimulation of the day and have time to detox. This detox is imperative for bringing down inflammation.
Think of sleep as inflammation’s custodian. It is most effective when the kids are away (we are sleeping), able to mop (detox) everything up and prep for the next day. If this cleaning doesn’t happen, the gunk (inflammation) will pile up and be harder and harder for learning (healthy living) to happen.
Getting 7-9 hours of quality of sleep every night, depending on your body’s needs, is crucial.
People often ask me for healthy products and brands to look into for different health goals. So rarely do I have something to share because, usually, health is more about the daily thoughts and small actions we take, more than implementing a supplement or using an eye mask.
However, my HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket is one exception.
This has been a magical little tool I’ve been using for about 6 months and I can whole heartedly tout its benefits, most importantly it’s ability to minimize inflammation.
Saunas have become increasingly popular over the last handful of years, which is a wonderful thing. They are great for detoxification, blood circulation, skin health, improving heart health, reducing oxidative stress, and reducing muscle aches and pains. They are also known to help improve your sleep, which I’ve definitely personally experienced. Additionally, the heat is good for helping your muscles relax and heal faster. Adding all of these benefits up leads to a body that is less inflamed.
Not only has it up-leveled my sleep, it’s also really helped my aching joints heal faster, and helps when I’m having period cramping. My husband has probably used it even more than I have, helping him calm down after a stressful day and also improving his sleep.
Higher Dose has plenty of other products you can check out here! You can use KELSEY15 to get 15% off any purchase.
You know, you know… you don’t need me to tell you stress is dangerous. Nearly every health issue seems to stem from stress, and a big piece of that is because stress is inflammatory.
When we have chronic, low-grade stress from a relationship that is difficult, a full schedule, or a job that keeps us anxious, our body is constantly feeling like it’s under attack. When we are really under attack (ie. you have a virus or are being physically assaulted) our body goes into fight or flight, and prepares for inflammation. It gets ready to heal the wounds or fight the virus for us, bumping up it’s immune response.
If we aren’t really physically under attack but rather are pumping out that stress hormone because of a text that made you mad, our brain still sends that signal to our body that we are going to battle. Our body sends the inflammatory response to help us recover, even though there is no contusion or virus to heal from.
When our body is constantly going through that process, inflammation becomes the norm, leading to health issues.
For some, letting out your stress by confronting the issue head is most effective. Sometimes, changing your lifestyle is enough. For others it might be changing your stress story, as I cover here. At times it might mean going inward and making meditation consistent or at other times it might be taking your aggression out in a kickboxing class.
Whatever way feels best to you to help you manage your stress, prioritize it each day.
These are practices that are the base of my work with clients. Helping them create a plan and then holding them accountable is all it takes for most of them.
I currently have three 1:1 spots available for the rest of the spring so apply here if you are interested!
XO,
Kelsey