What is Inflammation, really?

Inflammation:

Inflammation is the body’s attempt to protect itself by stimulating an immune response to stop injury and initiate recovery. Although infections can cause inflammation, inflammation does not always mean there is an infection. Infection is caused by a bacterium, virus or fungus, while inflammation is the body's response to it. Inflammation is the first stage to occur in the healing process. Whether the injured tissue is a result from infection, bacteria, overuse or physical trauma, inflammation helps repair and prevent additional injury.

The Worst Type Of Inflammation:

The most damaging type of inflammation is chronic-systemic inflammation. Chronic inflammation means that it is a long term type of inflammation which weakens the rebuilding process of normal tissues and causes major health issues. Cells that run mostly on sugar causes a release of inflammatory chemicals that help repair any damaged tissue. Systemic inflammation is detrimental to ones health because it affects the whole body and bloodstream. Have you ever heard the saying, “Too much of a good thing, can be a bad thing.” This is exactly why chronic inflammation can be a huge factor in causing serious health issues. 

Inflammation In Your Body:

When fat cells are damaged, an immune response is triggered to help repair the cells. These immune cells secrete additional immune-reactive substances that not only increase inflammation in those fat cells but can also cause inflammation to the rest of the body. The more body fat one has, the more likely inflammation will occur. Most people store fat in their thighs, buttocks and belly which is where inflammation is most active. 

Food And Inflammation:

Foods that are high in sugar and saturated fat can cause an inflammatory response in the gut. The foods that you are choosing can overload your immune system and prevent it from working correctly. For example, when most americans consume dairy, inflammation occurs in the small intestine, preventing good nutrients from passing through the intestinal wall, preventing you from getting the "good stuff" from even the healthy foods you eat. 

There are many types of foods that create immune chaos in your body, which can also prevent weight loss. The most common (also the ones I have focused my Life Reset program around), are added sugar, alcohol, dairy, grains, legumes. The sixth most known is eggs, but that tends to be to a much less degree than the others. 

I think, the first step for anyone that is looking to achieve a healthier lifestyle, is to test run these foods through a simple elimination diet in order to gauge the level of inflammatory response they have on your body. From headaches to extreme diarrhea, if inflammation is occurring when these foods are brought back into your diet, they are preventing you from operating at a level of optimal health. 

To learn more about Todd Bauer's Life Reset program, click here >>>

Remember, everyone has different lifestyles, genetics, and internal wiring. The diet that works for your best friend may not work for you. But if you can understand what foods are causing inflammation for your body, you will have figured out the baseline for your personal nutrition plan going forward.