Inflammation-Belly Fat Connection
We often think of inflammation as the red swollen area around a skin scrape or a twisted ankle. This is correct thinking, although it is not the full story.
Red swollen areas are acute inflammation whereas chronic inflammation shows up in a number of different ways.
If you have fatigue, body pain, depression, weight gain or loss, can’t digest your food, constipation, diarrhea, have headaches and are irritable you may have chronic inflammation.
The red swollen raised areas that are considered acute happen because the body is trying to fight against something that is a detriment, like an infection, toxin or injury. Chronic inflammation is happening for the same reasons, yet whereas an acute inflammatory response will resolve within 2 hours to a few days, chronic inflammation stays around because the body isn’t getting the message the threat has been cleared.
As we move through time we are realizing there are more toxins in our water, air and the products we consume than ever. We are also realizing the soils our food is being grown in is very depleted of nutrients therefore our food is depleted. We are not getting the level of nutrients in our food as we once were. This is a set up for utter systemic breakdown and with that the assault never really does clear. There is constant “attack” on the body and the body responds with an inflammatory response.
I wish I could tell patients “eat more vegetables and you’ll be fine!” But that is the furthest from the truth. In today’s world we are in a constant battle to protect ourselves from these harmful assaults, take action to reduce inflammation and to optimize our bodies for peak performance as we age.
Chronic inflammation is often systemic which means includes your GI system. Imagine, if you could look inside your colon and saw thick, red, mucousy, irritated lining. This inflammation would cause holding of water, swelling, gaseous production, and a nervous system that is on high alert.
The water and gas that gets trapped in your belly might be the biggest cause of your muffin top. I often find that when I get patients off their personal and unique inflammatory food combinations within a few weeks they notice belly swelling going down as well as the pounds on the scale!
You may not know your personalized inflammatory food combinations yet, but for now here is the next step in reducing belly bloat. Last week we discussed Intermittent Fasting in regards to belly bloat, and this week your next step is to begin reducing systemic inflammation.
There are many things you can do to begin winning the battle of belly bloat.For starters, infrared sauna and intermittent fasting are a few lifestyle choices you can make for yourself.
The other biggie relates to your food choices. Without knowing your personalized inflammatory food combinations you can’t be sure if these foods fit your list, but I have seen in practice throughout the years that often many, if not all, of the “inflammatory foods” on the list can help reduce systemic inflammation.
Typical Inflammatory Foods:
White Sugar
White Flour
Pasteurized Dairy
Gluten
Corn
Soy
Refined Carbohydrates
Artificial Sweeteners
MSG
Grain-fed Meats
Processed Meats
Soda & Sports Drinks
Hydrogenated Oils
Trans Fats
Preservatives
Food Colorings
Artificial Flavors
Conventional Foods/Pesticides/Herbicides
If you’re new at this stuff, pick 1–2 things to work on from this list. You don’t have to do it all at once! Set a goal that is attainable and track your progress on your calendar. This helps keep you accountable to yourself and to make progress as you go. It really feels good to take care of yourself and your family in this way.
If you’d like to know your personalized inflammatory foods list schedule a complimentary consultation and we will let you know exactly what test you need to get the most comprehensive list.
Happy New Year to You and May You Love Your Belly More Than Ever This Year!
Sincerely,
Dr. Brandy Victory, D.C.
303–619–7766
