Inflammation in the Body and How It Ages You

Inflammation is not something most think about. We don’t notice it from the outside like an injury or other skin ailment. It occurs in the body from stress, the type of lifestyle we live, and the foods we consume. This kind of inflammation ages us faster and chronic internal inflammation can surface to our skin. Those of us may appear older than we are.

• Stress
• Hormones
• Certain Foods
• Disease

Symptoms of Underlying Ailments

Inflammation is a normal and occurring process of the human body. It is a way the body protects itself from harmful internal and environmental causes. Infections, allergies, dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema are all symptoms of inflammation.

Hormones

Our endocrine system plays a role in our hormone regulation. Hormones are something difficult to manage because it isn’t something you can see. They are a bodily function that requires testing to know what is happening. A doctor can check your hormones and even then, finding the right balance of treatment can be a challenge.

Everyone understands that stress is damaging to the body. Our challenges are regulating stress. When the body is under any kind of stress, it releases the hormone cortisol from the adrenal glands in response. Stress strains our adrenal glands which can cause us to feel troubled, tired, anxious, depressed, etc. However, stress that causes inflammation also inhibits the body from regulating other hormones in the body.

For example, if a woman remains too stressed for a long time the adrenal glands cannot do their job of regulating hormones. Certain hormones, such as testosterone and progesterone, are not produced at optimal levels. This drives the body to become estrogen dominant. This creates a situation in the body that is hormonal aging and stress plays a huge role.

When a person does not produce enough testosterone, muscle loss occurs. There is also difficulty in muscle development. We need adequate muscle mass in our bodies to burn fat and calories and remain healthy. Estrogen dominance creates a vicious cycle for anyone trying to lose weight and gain more muscle.

Foods the Cause Inflammation

Aside from the obvious causes of inflammation such as stress, an allergic reaction or injury, the other culprits of skin inflammation that occur within the body we can’t see and most know about make up two factors; Lifestyle and stress. If you are lucky enough to have steered clear of any major diseases and you feel that your overall health and appearance could use better care, then there are ways that a person can reduce inflammation. A few changes in diet and lifestyle will contribute to over all health and your skin will thank you for it.

Foods for an Anti-inflammatory Lifestyle

• Tomatoes
• Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards
• Nuts like almonds and walnuts
• Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines
• Fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges
• Coffee
• Coconut Oil
• Olive Oil
• Grapes
• Celery
• Blueberries
• Garlic
• Tea
• Some spices (ginger, rosemary and turmeric).

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The Mediterranean Diet

Keeping up with the different foods that fight inflammation may be difficult to remember; however, for simplicity, following the Mediterranean diet is easy to remember. The number of foods in the diet is anti inflammatory and a good way to keep your body at a healthy weight.

• Fruit
• Vegetables
• nuts
• whole grains
• fish
• Healthy oils

Although most fish are good for us to eat, salmon have the most benefit in relieving the body of inflammation. Take, for example, Dr. Perricone, he is a plastic surgeon who specializes in countering skin inflammation with food versus plastic surgery. Dr. Perricone says, “Eating salmon twice a day allows for the benefits of the DMAE, astaxanthin and essential fatty acids in the salmon to take effect.” He has his own skin care line, his practice and several books on the subject and would be worthwhile to read. It may be easy for a person to burn out from eating a lot of fish and if so, there are many salmon supplements, however coming straight from the source is best.

Just because fruit is on the list, this isn’t carte blanche to fill up on fruit. Remember, fruit is full of natural sugar that can elevate insulin and result in more inflammation in the body. Eat fruit and avoid pasteurized juice.

Healthy oils are ones like coconut and olive oils. Again, despite that these oils contain good fats, it is best to use them, and they are the best alternative to vegetable oil and butter.

A great meal would have:
• Baked or grilled salmon
• Side of vegetables such as red or green peppers
• A salad with tomatoes and a serving of spinach
• A handful of nuts like almonds

Do you have a sweet tooth? Try Mediterranean inspired chocolate chip cookies or brownies. There is also a Greek chocolate mousse. You can substitute the butter with olive oil, and you may forget they are healthy for you.

Look Better & Feel Better

Eating right for the body not only brings vitality into your life, a healthy weight, it also shows in your skin. The right foods and self-care help slow down the aging process by reducing the invisible inflammation that is occurring inside the body. The likelihood of the body developing diseases is reduced by an overall healthy lifestyle.