Curbing Chronic Inflammation

Of the 10 leading causes of death in the US, chronic low level inflammation contributes to at least 7! This includes heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and kidney failure (Center for Disease Control and Prevention 2011). It is now widely believed that chronic inflammation that goes undetected for years is the underlying cause of these illnesses along with autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases as well as diseases with unknown causes such as allergies, fibromyalgia, and migraines.

We all know inflammation on the surface of the body (redness, heat, and swelling) but inside our bodies is a different story because we simply can’t see it! When inflammation persists or serves no purpose, it damages the body and causes illness. While there are many other outside factors that can lead to diseases, your diet plays a HUGE role in helping our bodies heal.

Quick list of food to avoid/consume less frequently if you want to reduce inflammation inside the body are: refined sugar and grains, trans fat, dairy products, commercially produced red meat and processed meat, alcohol, and artificial food additives. CLEAN EATING is the ultimate goal!

Here at Atlantic Spine Clinic in Mount Pleasant SC, we offer ALCAT testing. It is designed to test for intolerances, which have a delayed reaction. The test identifies cellular reactions to over 350 foods, chemicals, and herbs.

Results are based on your own unique genetic and bio-chemical make up. The foods you eat, the chemicals you are exposed to influence how your genetic information expresses itself. This either promotes health and well being or promotes inflammatory processes and disease. These inflammatory reactions are linked to chronic health problems like obesity and diabetes, as well as skin, heart, joint, and digestive disorders.