We often hear that we want to take actions and adopt practices that are anti-inflammatory.  While there may be some level of inflammation that is normally occurring, it makes sense that we would not want to induce inflammation in the body and that we want to avoid increasing it.  Let’s take a step back and do a quick overview of what behaviors and factors contribute to a pro-inflammatory lifestyle.  As you’ll see, much of this is common sense and likely information that you already know because your mom or grandmother told you. 

Common pro-inflammatory lifestyle contributors include:

• High sugar foods may increase blood sugar levels and can lead to insulin resistance 
• Excess fat foods, especially those containing poor quality fats and lower omega 3-fatty acids and higher omega-6 fatty acids
• Food allergens, which can activate the immune system and lead to inflammation
• Refined carbohydrates, such as white flour and potatoes that promote bacterial overgrowth and also lead to insulin resistance
• Fiber insufficiency since fiber functions by pulling toxins out of the GI tract and sweeps them out
• Insufficient phytonutrients from fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts that function as antioxidants and lower inflammation in the body
• Vitamin D deficiency contributes to inflammation, promotes autoimmunity and expedites progression of osteoarthritis
• Insufficient exercise which may contribute to accumulation of adipose tissue (i.e., fat), which is pro-inflammatory 
• Vitamin and mineral deficiency, especially magnesium which is one of the most common deficiencies
• Toxin exposures and bioaccumulation from the environment around us, which includes, water, soil, air, plastics and heavy metals
• Emotional stress and toxic relationships can promote inflammation and  stress is harmful to our physiology

Stay tuned for the next blog post where we will address ways to mitigate a pro-inflammatory lifestyle with anti-inflammatory interventions.  If you would like to discuss strategies to help guide you in improving your lifestyle, please reach out!