Inflammation Reducing Blended Smoothie.

Inflammation, from my point of view is the constant hot, burning, often tingling, horrible sickening, stiffness pain experienced in my joints, feet, knees and hands as a result of inflammatory conditions of Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Mixed Tissue Disorder and Raynaud's.

In a normally functioning body, the inflammation response of the immune system is a natural response of the body. its function is to fight off infection and protect injured parts of the body from further damage. Inflammation is a innate bodily function which is necessary for the healing process.

When the body is fighting off an illness like virus or a cold, or repairing an injury like a broken bone, then this would be an acute inflammation.

However, chronic inflammation can happen if we have a medical inflammatory condition which often results in a faulty inflammatory response by the immune system. This is where the immune system releases white blood cells to fight foreign invaders in the body where there are none, causing chronic inflammation. Our body is literally attacking itself.

Chronic inflammation is extremely dangerous and can cause damage to organs, cells, tissue and eventually tissue death. Long term inflammation can cause serious illness as well as Cancer, which is what happened to me, so it is important to reduce inflammation levels. It is important to be aware of the foods that cause inflammation for you and to eat inflammation busting foods that nourish and heal.

Be aware that slowly, smouldering, chronic inflammation damages organs and can be fatal. It is extremely important that your inflammatory levels are checked regularly and that you take care of yourself by adapting eating habits to include non inflammatory foods.

Experiencing inflammation is a distressing condition to deal with. It takes energy to manage being in constant pain. Here are some symptoms of inflammation in the body.

Burning pain and stiffness in the joints, especially at night.

Widespread pain all over the body including hands, fingers, wrists and feet.

Pain and sometimes swelling in muscles, joints and tendons.

Fatigue and feeling constantly exhausted.

Flu like symptoms that leave you feeling totally drained.

Feeling hot and cold.

Shivering and shaking.

Sleep disturbances or insomnia.

There are usually five signs that doctors know characterise inflammation. Evidence of inflammation include: pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function of affected limb.

The most common way a doctor would diagnose inflammation is through a blood test which identifies C-reactive proteins (CRP). These proteins are produced by the liver as a response to inflammation Raised CRP levels are a marker for inflammation within the body.

With chronic inflammation it is important for further tests to check for inflammatory conditions such as Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis and other conditions that can cause chronic inflammation.

The Non Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) known as anti-inflammatory drugs, are prescribed to help reduce inflammation and the pain caused by inflammation.

Over the counter NSAID's are Ibuprofen, Asprin and Narproxen.

Anti-inflammatory medicine have side effects that need to be considered. Anyone with history of stomach ulcers or stomach pain, in response to taking NSAID's, prescribed or bought over the counter should find an alternative. These reaction to the medication could be fatal.

Seek help if you are having a bad reaction after taking prescribed or over the counter medication.

My reaction to NSAID's was extreme burning pain in my solar plexus that lasted twenty four hours. I had that reaction many times before I realised what anti-inflammatory drugs were doing to my body. Now I do not take any prescribed drugs for inflammation. I manage inflammation by being aware of what I eat and drink.

An anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce inflammation and reduce the amount of flares. An anti-inflammatory diet can also significantly reduce the risk of some cancers, especially stomach cancers.

Add Turmeric to your food or take as a supplement. Turmeric has been found to be a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

Multi-vitamins with fish oil can help with inflammation

An anti-inflammatory diet should include the following foods:

• green leafy vegetables, such as kale, spinach, green cabbage, chard

• tomatoes

• nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts and walnuts and almonds

• fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines

• fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, oranges, pineapple, avocado, dark grapes
• extra virgin olive oil
• olive oil
• fermented sauerkraut
• garlic

If you are experiencing a inflammatory condition then it is better to avoid the following foods.

• red meat
• processed meats like bacon, sausage, hot-dogs, salami, beef jerky
• sugar or sugary drinks
• trans fats, found in fried foods
• carbohydrates, white bread
• white pasta
• gluten
• soybean oil and vegetable oil
• processed snack foods, such as chips and crackers
• desserts, such as cookies, candy, and ice cream
• excess alcohol
• carbohydrates

• Processed food products are suspected to increase inflammation in the body and can cause cancer. These foods include ready made pasta sauces and industrially produced foods like pies and sausage rolls.

  
  

  
  

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