Many people think of inflammation as something that happens when you get a sprain, bump or bruise and it swells up. However, that is not the only type of inflammation. The much more deadly kind of inflammation is chronic inflammation, which has been shown to lead to chronic illness. The reality of it is, many of these conditions can be prevented.
An article on inflammation quoted one doctor as saying, “One in two of us have a chronic illness, and seven out of 10 deaths are caused by chronic disease, which means we have chronic inflammation.” These diseases start with a poor diet, which in turn, leads to inflammation.
A poor diet can lead to obesity. The body then causes inflammation. Chronic inflammation leads to diabetes, heart disease, stroke and major depressive disorders. It is a chain that can and must be broken. Unfortunately, this isn’t just an adult problem. Kids who eat three or more fast food type meals a week have increased risk for asthma and allergies. There are many of these kids are also diagnosed with Type II Diabetes.
It is not surprising that fast food and processed food is a big culprit. This habit can be hard to break since we live in a busy, get-it-now, society. It’s not just the fast-paced life, but the habit of eating these foods can is like a chemical addiction as well. Here is what happens in the body in response to eating a high fat, high carb, processed meal.
Dopamine is released which causes the pleasure centers in the brain to make you feel good. Next the body produces insulin in response to the processed carbohydrates in the food. Insulin then causes fat in the food and extra calories to be stored as fat. This increases the number of fat cells, which then release cortisol. Another body response is an increase in blood pressure. When these factors all come together it causes inflammation. The only thing that makes you feel better then is the next meal. All the sugar, fat and salt is designed to cause the body to become addicted. It is no secret that the fast-food industry has “food scientists” whose job it is to make food more appealing and find just the right ingredients to make the body crave the food. So what can a person do?
It doesn’t take major changes to improve your health. What it does take is consistent, small choices that will help make a healthy life. Dr. Stork, quoted earlier, noted, “We are in control of our health. In so doing, we become role models for others. We make subtle, seemingly inconsequential decisions every day that affect our health.” Some of those decisions are eating a healthy breakfast every day, brushing and flossing our teeth, regularly exercising, and of course, making wise decisions about the foods we eat. Research estimates that about 80% of Type II diabetes comes from lifestyle choices. If that is the case, then improving health shouldn’t start at the doctor it should start in the kitchen!
The ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates, said, “Let food be thy medicine.” It seems that he may have been onto something centuries before his time. If food is to be your medicine, maybe doctors should write prescriptions for the grocery store instead of the drug store.
If you are in this situation and tired of all the medication, maybe it is time to talk to someone about a “diet prescription”. If you want guidance in making healthy decisions about your diet, stop into the Canton Fitness Center and ask about scheduling a nutrition consultation. The initial consultation is FREE.