HT City

Reduce inflammati­on ,the natural way

- Anjali Mukerjee

Inflammati­on is the body’s natural response to protecting itself against any infection. When you have an infection or injury, your body sends White Blood Cells (WBC), to get rid of the harmful intruders and to repair damaged cells. However, long term exposure to unwanted substances such as toxins from the environmen­t, cigarette smoke or an excess of fat tissues (particular­ly around the belly — visceral fat) can lead to chronic inflammati­on. As the inflammati­on progresses, it begins to damage your arteries and organs, and when left unchecked, it can contribute to heart disease, blood vessel damage, diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, among other conditions.

REDUCTION TACTICS

Healthy lifestyle choices decreases bad cholestero­l, lower blood pressure and also reduces high blood sugar. Anti-inflammato­ry diet: Your food choices are just as important as the medication­s against inflammati­on. Eat more fruits and vegetables and food containing omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, walnuts, flax seeds, and chia seeds.

Eliminate inflammato­ry foods: Reduce consumptio­n of red meat, food items that are high in trans fat, too many grains, and most processed and fast food.

Increase physical activity: Engage in a moderate workout, such as brisk walking for as little as 30 minutes a day.

Quit Smoking: Smoking promotes atheroscle­rosis by damaging your blood vessels. Quitting smoking may cut your heart disease risk by half.

Manage stress: Chronic stress contribute­s majorly to inflammati­on and can be tackled by managing stress through meditation.

 ?? PHOTO: ISTOCK; FOR REPRESENTA­TIONAL PURPOSES ONLY ??
PHOTO: ISTOCK; FOR REPRESENTA­TIONAL PURPOSES ONLY

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