Ease Celiac Disease

Inflammation – not such a ‘swell’ experience!

Noun: a localized physical condition in which, part of the body becomes reddened, swollen, hot, and often painful, especially as a reaction to injury or infection

Well, most of us have heard this term and that’s the dictionary meaning of the word. 

Science explains the process as the release of chemicals and messengers in the body that create irritation and swelling. 

But does inflammation in the body have any purpose? 

Normally this is considered beneficial as it helps the body respond to a foreign microbe or to an injury. But imagine a situation where the inflammatory messengers communicate with the fat cells and convince them to hold on to the fat. This is obviously going to make it extremely hard for the person to shed pounds. Besides, these inflammatory messengers can ruin the walls of the blood vessels, leading to an increase in plaque, atherosclerosis, hypertension and heart ailments. This in turn can stimulate the immune system prodding the immune cells to release more and more chemicals! 

Then what would happen if this process went on for long? It would lead to a condition known as ‘systemic inflammation’ – meaning ‘all around one’s system’, affecting the entire body. Systemic inflammation can lie undetected for years, interfere with the normal functioning of the body’s cells and cause tissue damage. In extreme cases this can lead to chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, or any other, from the long list of autoimmune diseases. 

And why does all this happen in the first place? 

Research has indicated that some of the foods that are not suited to one’s biochemistry can cause inflammation. And that is why it is so critical to ensure that what one is eating is not causing the inflammation. This can then strengthen the immune system. Lesser inflammation means lesser joint pain, lesser gastric problems. In other words, a far healthier life. 

So then, what should one avoid eating if one is susceptible to inflammation?

There are a number of foods that can cause inflammation in the body. Refined carbohydrates, fried foods, soda, red meat and processed meat, margarine should be either avoided or limited to combat inflammation. The foods that fight inflammation are tomatoes, fruits, nuts, olive oil, leafy greens and fatty fish. Do try and include these in your diet. A typical Mediterranean diet is strongly recommended as it includes eating more fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, a moderate amount of nuts, very little red meat and drinking red wine in moderation. Anti-inflammatory food components such as omega-3 fats, protect the body against the possible damage caused by inflammation. 

Some of the known food categories that lead to inflammation are gluten, dairy, corn, and soya. Among these, ‘Gluten’ has been picked as one of the main culprits for autoimmune diseases. 

Why not then begin the journey to a healthier You? 

‘Goglutenfree’!