Steps to Reducing Chronic Inflammation

 

Inflammation is one of those words that seems to have become more commonplace in our society -- now, more than ever. Yes, Inflammation definitely exists and there are definite reasons why we have it -- when necessary. You know -- like when you get hurt, such as a serious scraped knee -- the hallmark signs of inflammation include redness, swelling, soreness and warmth. Usually these signs stay localized to the affected area of injury and in fact, inflammation indicates that our body is in process of healing. That is all good, right? But, serious issues occur when inflammation goes on for too long.

There are no two ways about it -- long-term inflammation definitely can take a serious toll on our health. This is why we need prevention more than ever. Even if we are "functioning" on a day to day basis and feeling...somewhat well -- prevention can literally prevent a whole lot of health issues that can easily "crop up" on us. Long-term low-level inflammation can go on for years after all. Such diseases like Cancer and Alzheimer's Disease don't just happen over night, but instead they happen over time. Hence, Inflammation is one of the main causes that contribute to chronic lifestyle diseases.

We can definitely play a strong role in our own health and well-being by doing what we can to prevent many of today's chronic lifestyle diseases. We can start out by:

• Eating an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
• Testing for Silent Inflammation (If we believe we are at high risk for diabetes as an example).
• Eat More Berries
• Eat More Fiber
• Eat More Plant-Based Proteins and Fish Proteins
• Keep a healthy weight (By checking our BMI)
• Regular Exercise

In knowing that we have the option to "opt in" to our own health and well-being can be such a relief! We may not be able to choose whether we get seriously sick or not, but we can stave off disease and infection from happening more times than not. 

The Profound Psychological Benefits of a Purposeful Life

 What does make a purposeful life? Why is that important to us? At times, we can go around and around in our own heads trying to figure out why we may feel listless or unmotivated -- even when we are working a regular job. The challenge may be in finding positive ways of thinking, rather than negative ways, which is much easier unfortunately. Working on a healthy mindset takes diligence and constant care. But, isn't anything worth having in life worth working on to increase our own path to better living?

"When we possess a strong sense of life purpose, that gives us reason to weather setbacks and sustain extraordinary efforts. In describing the grit underlying resilience, Hanson draws upon the ideas of “resolve”, “patience”, “persistence”, “fierceness”, and physical “vitality”. It may well be that it is purpose that enables us to access the hidden energy reserves of sisu and weather the risk and uncertainty that are intrinsic to navigating financial markets. From this perspective, the ability to sustain extraordinary performance is not merely a function of talent and skill, but also the embodied fortitude derived from a meaningful sense of purpose".

Dementia linked to trans fats

 "A new study of older adults in a Japanese town has found that those whose blood contained higher levels of trans fats were more likely to develop dementia than those with lower levels".

Check out the reasons why Artificial trans fats, or trans fatty acids, are the primary source of trans fats in the diet . These fats come from an industrial process that is unwarranted and frankly dangerous to our health.

According to the American Heart Association, consumption of trans fats can raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and has links to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.

Trans fats banned in United States

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. bannedTrusted Source artificial trans fats in 2018, declaring that removing partially hydrogenated oils from processed foods could "prevent thousands of heart attacks and deaths every year."

Sweet pastries accounted for most trans fats

This information all circles back to the statement of "you are what you eat". We need to value the health of our bodies and overall well-being enough to be made aware of these types of foods. After all, would you give poison to your baby if you knew it was damaging? We need to be wary of the foods we eat because they clearly can have a tragic affect, wouldn't you agree? 

Mindfulness Matters

 

Imagine what your brain can do with enough mindfulness?

We've all heard that statement, "Enjoy every moment; life is short". Yes, it really is. But, how can we make our day to day "drudgery" of the 9 to 5 more meaningful, and well, less robotic and meaningless?

There really are health benefits to what we can to lead a more mindful life. It is about living in the moment - in the NOW -- and not looking ahead to Friday night happy hour, an exam, or even traffic school. While it is exciting at times to look forward to an event we've been waiting for, by living in the moment, we can be more present and effective in whatever we are doing. Then, in looking back -- once happy hour on Friday night happens with friends -- you can honestly say you did your best and now you can reap the benefits with less stress and more enjoyment in the moment.

To learn more about Mindfulness and its many benefits, check out the article here.

 

Determinants of Health

 Human lives are strong, yet frail at the same time. Yes, if one sets their mindset on achieving something big and important -- there is no doubt that it can be accomplished, right? Well...there are many factors that can determine what makes some people more susceptible to illness than another. It is not just diet and exercise.

In learning more about what makes up determinants of health, we can find out so much. There is a collection of factors, namely personal, social, economic, and environmental factors that greatly influence our health. Questions can be about whether there have been policies regarding better safety regulations in public places and more specifically around one's own neighborhood. Social determinants can include such things as public safety and good schools and physical determinants could include your local housing and development.

Poor health can be made even worse if there are not enough safeguards available. Health services, an individuals' health and even genetics can all play a role in the determinants of health. To learn more about them, check out this link here. 

Focusing on a Great Life 50 and beyond

 Something happens to us when we reach a big number like 50. Things like reflection, awareness, curiosity and even fear can become that much more visible to us and our loved ones. It takes real courage to face the good, bad and the ugly. But, focusing on getting older can be a great time to adding a new skill to our toolbox like an art class, karate, learning Spanish or improv.

Taking a deep breath (literally) and doing what we can to positively reflect on what we have done and still can do could be the best thing for us. Especially in a time where there is much kaos in the world, we need to "dig deep" and find what empowers us to be better human beings. What do we still want to do with our lives? Can we be grateful for the things we have? Can we be courageous and pay it forward in ways that give us hope for a brighter future for future generations? How can we change embedded behaviors that have been part of us for so long?

By working on those things that can bring us joy (like art class, karate, learning Spanish or improv) we have the opportunity to grow a healthier state of mind too. This can also lead us to creating healthier habits that can become lasting like making a healthy breakfast, taking the stairs more often than not and even counting to 10 when we get upset on our drive to work. Life is short, it's up to us to make our 50s and beyond as meaningful as ever.

How do we get back to the Joys of Eating and Learning about Real Food?