“If genetic damage is the match that lights the fire, inflammation may provide the fuel that feeds the flames.” (Balkwill and Mantovani, 2001)

Chronic, persistent inflammation can be blamed for a myriad of diseases. Current research indicates that it is at least partially to blame for some forms of heart disease, arthritis, type 2 diabetes, fibromyalgia, inflammatory bowel disease, and has long been associated with the risk of developing cancer.   If chronic inflammation is so incredibly detrimental to our health, how do we turn down the heat?

The answer to this question is complex, but where to start is simple. There are 4 things you can do immediately to tamp down chronic inflammation in your body.

  1. If you are overweight, lose weight. Obesity is the number one cause of inflammation.
  2. If you smoke, stop. There is too much evidence that smoking leads to cancer and a host of other horrible diseases. If you need help quitting, get help!
  3. Be active. You don’t have to run a marathon, but it is vital that you move more. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes a day. No excuses!
  4. Get smart about the foods you need to include in your diet and those you need to eliminate. Make it a goal to eat more bright colored veggies and less sugar!

At JTA Wellness we have created an anti-inflammatory lifestyle program to help you sort through the science to find solutions on how to minimize chronic inflammation. Join us on May 6 at The Club at Sonterra to hear more. Click here to register.

Today’s recipe, Mexican Quinoa, is a delicious, healthy way to usher in Fiesta. It is loaded with anti-inflammatory foods and a featured recipes in my upcoming cookbook, Eat Well to BE Well.