Understanding Inflammation: The Hidden Factor Affecting Your Body Weight
Description:
Inflammation can cause pain and weight gain. If we don’t identify the root causes, it can be destructive to our organs, joints, brain and bodily systems. Let’s look at the dangers and how we can reduce inflammation.
Hello, everybody!
I'm Shoshanna Richek, your functional nutrition and lifestyle counselor. Now, let's dive in and see how our body weight is impacted by causes of inflammation.
What is Inflammation?
At its very core, inflammation represents the body's response to irritants. It is exclaiming, in other words, "Hey, something's wrong here!" Inflammation is our body’s way of protecting itself against invaders or irritants.
Irritants may take the form of toxins from our surroundings, allergens, or even those that arise inside from stress. While inflammation is a protective response, prolonged chronic inflammation can bring a myriad of health complications, including weight gain.
Many things can indeed trigger inflammation:
- Some toxins are known as Obesogens. These are chemicals found in plastic, personal care and in cleaning products. They mimic estrogen and can cause weight gain by either expanding existing fat cells or creating new fat cells.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet
- Similarly, some allergens-the substances that cause allergic reactions-can also trigger irritation.
- Microbiome Imbalances: Gut health is one of the significant factors concerning inflammation. An imbalance in gut microbiota might enhance inflammatory responses.
- Infections of any sort initiate an inflammatory response in the body.
- Stress: Chronic stress is the main source of inflammation resulting in numerous diseases.
- Nutritional deficiencies impair our body's ability to control inflammation due to insufficient essential nutrients.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Did you know that our bodies produce 62 hormones? Hormonal imbalances can contribute to inflammation levels.
- When compromised, air and water can lead to systemic inflammation.
- Lack of Movement: A sedentary lifestyle promotes inflammation.
- Emotions: Overemotionalism can result in inflammation, further illustrating the relationship between mind and body.
Inflammation can cause a variety of negative influences on body weight:
- Increased Appetite: Inflammation may result in increased hunger pangs.
- Chronic inflammation: commonly related to gut diseases such as IBS.
- Visceral Fat: Visceral fat is the fat that surrounds your organs. Someone with a lot of visceral fat, may develop an inflammatory response. The reverse is also true, someone with an inflammatory response could develop more visceral fat.
- Fatigue and Pain: Inflammation often causes fatigue and pain, further reducing mobility and discouraging physical activity, which can further exacerbate weight gain.
Strategies to Minimize Inflammation
Having understood the effect of inflammation on body weight, let's discuss its reduction methods:
- Eliminate Household Toxins: Reducing exposure to household toxins is crucial. Avoid cleaning products containing ammonia, chlorine, and other harmful chemicals.
- Eliminate Obesogens: Some common ones that are easy to find on a label are: paba, parabens, phthalates, BPA
- Identify Inflammatory Foods: Certain foods can trigger inflammation in the body. Common culprits include:
- Dairy
- Gluten
- Sugar
- Nightshade vegetables: Such as tomatoes and eggplants.
It’s essential to identify which foods work for you. For example, one of my clients discovered that cutting out gluten significantly improved her well-being.
- Supplement with Probiotics: Since around 70% of our immune system resides in our gut, incorporating prebiotics and probiotics into your diet can help maintain gut health and combat inflammation.
- Manage Stress: Stress increases cortisol levels, contributing to inflammation. Techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and affirmations can be beneficial.
- Incorporate Antioxidants: Antioxidants fight free radicals which promote inflammation. Include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet to boost your antioxidant intake.
- Choose Fresh Foods: Aim to consume fresh, whole foods most of the time. Limit pre-packaged and processed foods that often contain additives and preservatives.
- Stay Hydrated: Water quality is essential for overall health. I recommend using filtered or spring water. Staying hydrated helps flush out toxins and supports metabolic functions.
- Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Choose activities that make you sweat, such as walking, biking, or weightlifting. Physical activity is a powerful way to reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
- Manage Emotions: Emotional health plays a significant role in inflammation. Engage in activities that promote mental well-being and seek support from non-judgmental communities.
Building a Supportive Community
Surround yourself with people who promote positive and healthy lifestyles. Such bonds motivate you as well as to provide a secure space to share your life experiences and go through challenges.
Enjoying a healthy lifestyle is easier when you have a like-minded and strong support system.
Summary
Inflammation plays a profound role in regulating body weight and ensuring overall health. Grasping its origins and adopting methods to alleviate it brings about improvement in your quality of life. Remember that each body is unique-so pay attention to your own signals and discover what suits you best.
As one who has established a system to encourage a healthy lifestyle, I am here to guide you through these changes. If you are interested in knowing how my program could serve you, I offer a complimentary discovery call.
I hope that this blog has provided you with insight as you continue on your health journey and find your nutritional rhythm.
Want to improve your mindfulness around food and reduce inflammation?
A simple way to improve your relationship with food and feel better!
Shoshanna Richek, CFNC
If you have any questions or need encouragement in your weight loss journey, feel free to reach out. I love being the spark that helps women feel better and find a healthy rhythm that works for them.
Welcome!
Thank you for visiting! I'm your guide, Shoshanna Richek and I'd love to be the spark that assists you on your journey.
Click on ShoRichek to learn more about me.
Meanwhile, I want to learn more about you!
If you're looking for more information about emotional eating and want to know how
I can help you, just click here!
Join Me and Stay Informed
Sho Richek Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Counselor copyright 2023-25 All Rights Reserved.