What is inflammation?
Inflammation is a systemic reaction our body expresses in a form of pain and swelling. Over a period of time, inflammation builds up in the body to become generalized. Usually, inflammation starts in one area of the body then travels through the body until it becomes generalized impacting its physiology. When we experience inflammation, the body reacts via inflammatory response to heal and build a defense mechanism which is considered to be a friendly reaction until it becomes evil and harmful by breaking down healthy cells.
How can we protect ourselves from the evil form of inflammation?
· Limit red meat intake to two times a week, especially if it is not 100% grass-fed.
1. C- Reactive protein indication:
Red meat triggers the C-Reactive protein which is an indicator of systemic inflammation. It does not pinpoint the inflammation location, yet it is not a friendly response and shows an increase in oxidative stress in the body which in turn increases cortisol level. There are many factors that will elevate C-RP which means red meat consumption alone is not the only cause, yet it is a factor.
2. Insulin Resistance:
The science is digging deeper and deeper on insulin resistance and everyday there is a new discovery on it and how it impacts human systemic and mental health. Simply, insulin resistance developed by your body resisting to respond to insulin production and storing nutrients in a timely manner. Do not be surprised when I say that all food we eat increases insulin response yet the quality, quantity and the frequency of food consumption has the upper hand in developing insulin resistance. When the body does not respond to insulin, the body turns on the siren by increasing cholesterol and sugar level in blood stream which triggers the inflammatory response.
3. Grass-fed meat:
We are what our meat eats. Unfortunately, the consumer market has found its way to play with product labels. Not all meat that is labeled as grass-fed is grass-fed. A label that does not show “100% grass-fed” tag, means the cows were fed grass for a certain period of its lifetime and the rest of its life been fed GMO soy, GMO grain, and their own body waste, and that is when loading it with antibiotics happens.
Our ancestors lived mostly on meat, yet they did not live on toxic meat and their lifestyle was extremely active while we are not. They did not place their chickens in dark cages and had no access to sun light where they have no energy to move and prevent them from losing weight. The chicken cage environment has 5% death rate before kill time. If the meat we are eating is inflamed then we are building inflammation and developing insulin resistance and that is why most of our population is struggling with high cancer rate, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity.
When we limit meat consumption to the recommended rate of twice a week or less, massive production is not necessary, GMO products are not necessary and everyone will have access to an affordable 100% grass-fed meat.
4. Fat consumption.
How much fat do we need?
Fat consumption varies by the diet that works for your body and your lifestyle. You might be on a low-fat diet or high-fat diet. You also can be on moderate-fat diet. Fat is considered one of the most important macronutrients that human needs. Our brain is made of fat; therefore, we always need to support it with healthy fat for healthy functionality.
Healthy fat:
Omega 3 is one the most important type of fat. According to Dr. Mark Hymen, pure Omega 3 supplements speed up brain recovery from any form of concussion or brain cell damage!! Omega 3 comes from a plant or animal source. For example, Salmon is rich in Omega 3, yet you really need to dig into the source of that fish. The fish must be wild caught, not too big where it spent most of its lifetime in the bottom of the ocean where most of ocean’s waste rests. Median age Alaskan fish is your best option, or you can look for a plant-based omega 3 when animal-based is not available.
Plant based Omega 3 is concentrated in Non-GMO coconut oil in a form of MCT oil, Hemp seeds, or Chia seeds and its oil as well. The most important part is look for the organic sign in addition to the Non-GMO sign.
The subject of inflammation is very lengthy and extensive; therefore, I will be back with more information on it in future blogs. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a coaching session about your health and lifestyle, please send a request through my website or email me at Halwaniwellnesscoach@hotmail.com
Reem Halwani. NBC-HWC
Integrative Health and Wellness Coach