Inflammation is a vital part of the immune system’s response to injury and infection. It is the body’s way of signaling the immune system to heal and repair damaged tissue, as well as defend itself against foreign invaders, such as viruses and bacteria. 
Without inflammation as a physiological response, wounds would fester, and infections could become deadly. 

There are different types of inflammation, ranging from acute to chronic. However, if the inflammatory process goes on for too long or if the inflammatory response occurs in places where it is not needed, it can become problematic. Chronic inflammation has been linked to certain diseases such as heart disease or stroke, and may also lead to autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

Acute inflammation occurs after a cut or injury, a sprained ankle or a sore throat. It’s a short-term response with localized effects, meaning it works at the precise place where a problem exists. 

Unlike acute inflammation, chronic inflammation can have long-term and whole-body effects. Chronic inflammation is also called persistent, low-grade inflammation because it produces a steady, low-level of inflammation throughout the body. This type of systemic inflammation can contribute to the development of diseases such as Heart Disease, High blood pressure, strokes, mood disorders, brain degeneration, obesity, diabetes, cancer and many more.
All disease in the body is caused by just two things: Deficiency or Toxicity, or both. Examples of factors that cause inflammation are a poor diet, stress, food allergies, sedentary lifestyle, obesity and more. A deficiency in the ratio of essential fatty acids (Omega 6:Omega3) leads to a chronic low level inflammatory state.

Over the last 50-100 years, we have seen the healthy 1:1 ratio of these two fatty acids increase to as much as 20:1!! This massive increase in Omega 6 fatty acid intake and decrease in Omega 3 fatty acid intake has led to an unprecedented increase in chronic disease. So you’re asking: “What do I do about it?”

First and foremost is to ensure that your nervous system is functioning at the highest possible level. Subluxation and the resultant nerve interference is one of the most common and dangerous causes of inflammation, so getting your spine adjusted regularly is priority number one.

Next we need to address the lifestyle behaviors that lead to toxicity and deficiency.
To combat chronic low grade inflammation, we need to decrease the pro-inflammatory foods and increase the intake of anti-inflammatory foods.

Let’s take a look at specific foods and beverages that are wise choices while following an anti-inflammatory diet:

Vegetables: 4 to 5 servings per day of beets, carrots, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and kale), dark, leafy greens (collard greens, kale, spinach), onions, peas, salad greens, sea vegetables and squashes.
Fruits: 3 to 4 servings per day of healthy fruits like apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, nectarines, oranges, pears, grapefruit, pineapple, plums, pomegranates, or strawberries.
Water: Choose spring water over purified water. Half your body weight in ounces per day.
Healthy Fats: 5 to 7 servings per day of healthy fats like avocados, extra virgin olive oil, flaxseeds and hemp seeds.
Herbs and Spices: Unlimited amounts of antioxidant-rich herbs and spices like basil, chili peppers, cinnamon, curry powder, garlic, ginger, rosemary, turmeric and thyme.
Protein: Think organic eggs, grass-fed meats, healthy cheeses, organic poultry and cultured/raw dairy.

As far as anti-inflammatory supplements, choose Omega 3 fatty acids, Turmeric, Willow Bark and Bromelain.

Anti-inflammatory lifestyle practices play a crucial role as well. My favorites are regular exercise and regular prayer or meditation.