Cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death worldwide, often stems from inflammation. Although cholesterol, blood pressure, and body weight are usually the focus of media attention, inflammation is a key player in the development of cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. Poor air quality and our Western lifestyles contribute to a modern inflammation epidemic.
The Impact of Inflammatory Lifestyles
Our body’s functions often mirror our daily habits and culture. Fast-paced Western lifestyles, combined with poor diets, lead to excessive internal heat, particularly when we don’t rest or take time to slow down and regroup. As a result, many of us suffer from chronic, systemic inflammation.
Inflammation and the oxidative stress it causes are markers of every chronic disease, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infections. Regulating inflammation can bring immense benefits, not just for your heart, but for overall health.
Circulation Complications
When inflammation intensifies, it can disrupt circulation, making it difficult for your body to nourish organs and remove waste. When blood becomes thicker, issues such as circulatory blockages and cancer can develop.
Chronic Inflammation and the Immune System
Inflammation and blood viscosity can have negative effects on every system in your body, including immunity. A healthy immune system should engage in appropriate inflammatory responses when necessary. An imbalance in inflammation reactions can lead to allergies, autoimmune diseases, and other degenerative conditions. By supporting the intricate relationship between circulation, inflammation, and immune response, you can restore heart health and protect your organs.
Reducing Inflammation Through Stress Management
Practicing stress relief through lifestyle adjustments can proactively reduce inflammation. Research shows that regular yoga and Tai Chi practice can dramatically reduce stress levels. The poses in yoga and the breathing techniques used in both yoga and Tai Chi increase energy levels while keeping the mind, body, and spirit focused and grounded. Integrating short meditation sessions into your daily routine can also have a positive impact on inflammation.
Find a Heart-healthy Diet
Along with lifestyle practices, the most significant health benefits come from following a healthy diet. Drink lots of water and choose unprocessed, natural whole foods such as fruits and vegetables high in antioxidant content which promotes healthy inflammation response. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish, flax seeds, canola oil, and pumpkin seeds, can support a decrease in inflammation and improved brain function.
Natural Remedies to Reverse Chronic Inflammation
New research shows that elevated levels of galectin-3 in the body contribute to chronic inflammation throughout the body, leading to diseases such as fibrosis, heart disease, kidney disease, and cancer. A new FDA-approved blood test measures circulating galectin-3 levels.
Thankfully, certain natural supplements combined with lifestyle modifications can improve cardiovascular difficulties and other diseases by blocking the action of galectin-3. Modified citrus pectin (MCP), a nutrient from citrus fruit peels, blocks excess galectin-3 molecules throughout the body, preventing chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer within the heart and other organs.
The Power of Supplements
Other powerful supplements can play an important role in the fight against inflammation, particularly those offering antioxidant-rich nutritional support. These include nutrients such as alpha lipoic acid, glutathione, acetyl l-carnitine, vitamin C, and botanicals like curcumin, quercetin, and honokiol from magnolia officinalis. Some botanical formulas also provide critical circulatory and antioxidant support, such as Padma Basic.
Integrative medicine can be used to achieve healthy circulation and arteries, naturally. Combining the appropriate supplementation with positive lifestyle modifications, a heart-healthy diet, and regular exercise can provide support to actively protect your heart, combat inflammation, and boost circulation, helping to ensure a longer, healthier life.
