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20 Signs Of Inflammation And 20 Ways To Fight Back Naturally!
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You hear a great deal about inflammation lately — and with good reason. Although inflammation is a natural part of the body’s healing process, it can get out of control. Your body naturally makes new cells to replace old cells, but when cell growth is out of control, it causes cancer. The same is true with inflammation.
In and of itself, inflammation is not the bad guy it is often made out to be. Inflammation alerts the body that there has been damage done to a certain area, which allows the immune system to send out its natural repair system. The problem is that inflammation is meant to be a temporary thing. When inflammation becomes chronic, it causes even more damage.
Chronic inflammation is linked to just about every health problem you can imagine, including Alzheimer’s, cancer, heart disease, arthritis, Crohn’s disease, hay fever, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and asthma.
Sometimes chronic inflammation is very low key and doesn’t make itself really known for years. We have compiled a list of 20 signs of inflammation that you might not be aware of.
Keep reading and find out if you suffer from some of these symptoms and, if you do, what you can do about it — no drugs, no NSAIDS, no strange and expensive supplements, just good old Mother Nature.
1. Water Retention Or Edema
If you tend to get those swollen, puffy extremities, you might have low grade, chronic inflammation. If you suffer from edema (fluid retention in a specific area) and have been unable to find relief from typical methods, you might also have inflammation in the area. Try drinking some electrolyzed water for a few weeks to relieve this problem.
2. Bloat And Excessive Gas
Is there anything more uncomfortable (not to mention embarrassing) than feeling bloated or having gas pains? Although this can be due to many different things, such as that Mexican lunch you had, it could be inflammation. Try taking a zinc supplement or eat more foods that contain zinc, such as Brazil nuts. Just one or two large Brazil nuts will give you all the zinc you need each day.
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3. Headaches
This symptom is so vague it can apply to many different diseases; however, it is also a symptom of low grade, chronic inflammation. Try eating more antioxidant rich foods or foods that have been enriched with additional antioxidants. Focus on eating plenty of green vegetables, purple sweet potatoes, and enriched sources of antioxidants, such as coffee or tea.
4. Excessive Belching
Like excessive gas, this one can be quite embarrassing and annoying as well. Although this symptom is also indicative of various stomach ailments, many times it is simply due to inflammation of the digestive system. Consuming more omega-3’s can often help stop inflammation in the stomach and intestines. Eat at least two servings of fresh fish each day. Fatty, cold water species such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines are the good fish to eat, because they are the terrific sources of omega-3s. Alternately, you can consume an omega-3 fish or krill oil supplement, but please check with your doctor for the proper dosage for your situation.
5. Chills Or Unexplained Fevers
Most people think that unexplained fevers, usually of short duration, or frequent chills are a sign of an oncoming cold or flu virus. Sometimes this is the case, but more often than not, it is a sign of inflammation. If you suffer from frequent bouts of unexplained fevers or fever-like symptoms, such as chills, try removing all sources of refined sugar, especially high fructose corn syrup, from your diet.
6. Burning Skin
This is a symptom to which you should pay attention. If you feel a burning sensation on your skin, or a prickling feeling like pins and needles, especially on the feet, this could be a sign of diabetes. If you are experiencing these feelings, please see your doctor immediately. However, if your doctor says that you are not diabetic, then you are most likely feeling the effects of inflammation. For this symptom, try getting more vitamin D. This is difficult to get through food sources, but eating more fish can help you get the vitamin D you need. The best source of natural vitamin D, however, is plain old sunshine. Our bodies convert sunshine into vitamin D. Get 20 to 30 minutes of natural sunlight each day. If you cannot do this for whatever reason, ask your doctor about a vitamin D supplement.
7. Lack Of Appetite
If you have a sudden loss of appetite, you should see your doctor to be certain that you do not have another type of health problem. If you doctor does not find any real cause for this symptom, you can stop the inflammation that is probably the root cause by adding more anti-inflammatory spices to your diet. The best anti-inflammatory spices are rosemary, oregano, garlic, ginger, and the king of anti-inflammatories: turmeric.
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8. Dark Circles And Bags Under The Eyes
If you are getting plenty of sleep but find that you are suffering from those ugly dark under eye bags or circles, this could be due to low level, chronic inflammation. Reduce your inflammation level by consuming more probiotics. You can get these healthy, inflammation fighting, good bacteria through fermented foods, such as sauerkraut, pickles, and miso, or through yogurt that contains live, active cultures.
9. Constant Nasal Problems
If you don’t have allergies, but find that you constantly have a stuffy nose or a runny nose, this is most likely due to inflammation. This is another inflammation problem that can be solved through omega-3 consumption. Eat fatty fish at least twice a week (try trout or halibut for a change from salmon) or consume a good quality fish oil or krill oil supplement after speaking with your doctor about the proper dosage.
10. Itchy Eyes Or Ears
If you feel as through your ears or eyes have a constant itchy feeling that won’t go away, it could be due to allergies. However, if you and your doctor have ruled out allergies, it could very well be due to inflammation. Be absolutely certain that you have removed all GMO and non-organic foods from your diet. This includes high fructose corn syrup, soy beans, and most vegetable oils such as corn oil, cottonseed oil, canola oil, or soybean oil. All of these are GMO products, well-known for causing inflammation.
11. Cough And/or Sore Throat
The most obvious source of most nagging coughs or sore throats is due to a virus of some sort or a bacterial infection. If you have neither of these and most home remedies you have tried do not give you relief, try eating more leafy green vegetables and drinking at least one green juice each day. Try alfalfa or wheatgrass green juices for super anti-inflammatory power and tons of nutrition in one healthy glass.
12. Frequent Diarrhea
All sorts of digestive problems can cause diarrhea. This symptom is also common with other digestive disease such as Crohn’s disease or IBD, but this is also a sign of chronic inflammation. Give an allergen-free diet a chance and see if this solves the problem. Avoid common allergens such as gluten, dairy, nightshade vegetables, and peanuts.
13. Skin Issues
IF you suffer from rough, scaly, or itchy skin, you could have psoriasis or eczema. Alternatively, you could also have chronic inflammation. One method that is known to increase inflammation in the body is by cooking foods in a microwave. You should avoid reheating foods or cooking foods in this manner. If your skin problem persists, please see a dermatologist.
14. Constipation
Just as annoying as diarrhea can be, constipation can be just as irritating. If you have tried all the usual methods, like drinking more water, avoiding the foods that cause constipation, eating more fruits and vegetables, doing more exercises, but still suffer from frequent constipation, you could be suffering from inflammation. Cut out all inflammation causing cooking oils that are filled with trans-fats and GMO products such as corn oil, soy bean oil, and canola oil. Use only virgin olive oil, palm oil, or coconut oil to fight inflammation throughout the body.
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15. Acne, Hives, or Unexplained Rashes
All of the above symptoms can have numerous causes, but most times they are based in inflammation. One of the best ways to improve circulation in the body, get the lymph system moving to fight inflammation and remove toxins, as well as improve overall skin issues, is to get regular, deep tissue massages. Most people believe that massages are something for the rich or for the indulgent, but they are actually extremely healthy for everyone.
16. Cramps
Ladies, sometimes cramps come from the menstrual cycle, but if you find that you are getting fairly regular abdominal cramps that are not related to your cycle, it is most likely due to inflammation. Gentleman, the same is true for you. If you experience regular bouts of abdominal cramps that you cannot explain, you might be suffering from inflammation. Be certain that you are eliminating trans-fats from your diet. The most common sources of trans-fats are fast food, junk foods (such as potato chips), and GMO vegetable oil or margarines made from vegetable oils.
17. Memory Issues
Most people associate memory problems or brain fog with old age, but what happens when you are well below 65 and you are experiencing these problems? It is almost certain that you have chronic inflammation. You might find a biofeedback session to be helpful. Also, be certain that you have removed all trans-fats and GMO foods from your diet.
18. Joint Pain
This is one of the most common signs of inflammation. Left untreated, it can turn into painful arthritis of the joints. To stop joint pain, eat more omega-3s through fresh fish consumption or omega-3 supplements. You should also be certain that you are getting a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate exercise at least five days each week. Be sure to target the areas where you are experiencing joint pain.
RELATED: 12 Foods That Prevent Inflammation And Help You To Heal
19. Fatigue
This is a common symptom in so many diseases, including chronic fatigue syndrome. However, if your doctor is unable to find the source of your ongoing fatigue, you could have chronic inflammation. In addition to many of the steps above, you should try regular sessions of meditation and deep breathing.
20. Muscle Spasms Or Twitching
Most people overlook this symptom as something they just need to learn to live with, like hiccups, but this should be a warning sign. An occasional twitch of the eye is normal, but if you suffer from regular muscle spasms, such as restless leg syndrome, or other types of twitching, you are probably suffering from chronic inflammation. Take steps to improve your diet, and practice yoga at least three days each week.
Of course, this list is not all-inclusive, but it is one important step towards safeguarding your health and avoiding the health problems chronic inflammation will cause you if not addressed.
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