Most of us are familiar with inflammation, however, the inflammation that is most familiar to us is the type when we twist an ankle or bang our knee. This type of inflammation is called acute inflammation and it’s visible and painful. There is another type of inflammation that we are less familiar with that lurks behind the scenes and wreaks havoc on our body: this is chronic inflammation.
Chronic inflammation is involved with just about all degenerative conditions including Alzheimer’s, diabetes, obesity, arthritis, cancer, influenza and pneumonia, liver disease, and especially heart disease. Acute inflammation hurts, but chronic inflammation kills.
About Cholesterol
Cholesterol has a bad reputation when it comes to heart disease, however, when it comes to cholesterol, your body can’t live without it. Cholesterol is found in literally every single cell throughout our entire body and it plays a very important role in how our body makes vitamin D; sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone; and the bile acids needed for digestion.
Also, the amount of cholesterol that you eat in your diet has a minimal effect on your total cholesterol levels since your liver will either make more or make less depending on your needs. Even more, the Framingham Heart Study found that there was virtually no difference in the amount of cholesterol consumed on a daily basis by those that went on to develop cardiovascular disease and those that did not.
So what is the biggest dietary contributor to heart disease? Sugar contributes to inflammation in the artery walls and is the missing link among diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and heart disease.
Diets that are low in processed carbs and sugar will reduce the amount of inflammation throughout your body. It will also reduce your blood sugar levels, insulin, insulin resistance, and also triglycerides.
A Natural Way
Interested in the natural way to avoid chronic inflammation and heart disease? A Harvard study published in the New England Journal of Medicine identifies five factors that significantly decreased the risk for heart disease:
- Don’t smoke.
- Drink alcohol in moderation.
- Engage in moderate-to-vigorous exercise for at least 30 minutes per day.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat a wholesome, low-glycemic (LOW SUGAR) diet with high amounts of omega-3 fats and fiber.
Dr. Joe understands the importance of decreasing inflammation throughout the body and the benefits of a healthy diet. We guide you through a healthy lifestyle that focuses on a whole-body approach to health and wellness. Give us a call today to find out how we can help you achieve your and your family’s health goals.
