Inflammation can be a silent killer
Science has proven that chronic, low-grade inflammation can turn into a silent killer that contributes to cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes and other conditions.
The fact that three out of five people around the world die from a disease linked to inflammation raises serious red flags.
This article is a direct take from the Harvard Medical School. MediKane receives a weekly feed to help us keep on top of things as we develop Food as Medicine products. To be clear, we are not directly associated with the Harvard Medical School but value the feed.
Step #1: Eat to beat inflammation. Harvard experts warn that many “anti-inflammatory diets” are not grounded in science.
Step #2: Get moving! Their full report reveals how much aerobic exercise (surprisingly little!)it takes to lower inflammation levels—and how too much exercise may actually provoke an inflammatory response.
Step #3: Manage your weight. We need simple strategies to help us zero in on reducing abdominal fat—the kind that produces pro-inflammatory chemicals.
Step #4: Get enough sleep. Inadequate sleep not only robs you of energy and productivity it also elevates inflammation—which is especially hazardous to heart health.
Recommended by LinkedIn
Step #5: Stop smoking. Kicking the habit can result in a dramatic reduction in inflammation levels within just a few weeks, experts say.
Step #6: Limit alcohol use. When it comes to inflammation, alcohol can be either your friend or foe. Apparently a little alcohol may be helpful and too much is not with inflammation.
Step #7: Conquer chronic stress. Chronic stress can spark the development of inflammation and cause flare-ups of problems like rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, depression and inflammatory bowel disease.
Whether you’re aiming to prevent cancer, heart disease, diabetes, dementia, or other conditions connected to chronic inflammation, the sooner you incorporate these seven steps into your life, the better!
Note that you have to subscribe to Harvard to see their full report or purchase specific publications but they are easy to read and appear to be of great value.