In recent years, more and more evidence has been found linking inflammation to almost every major disease including cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, stroke, ADHD, Autism, and mood disorders like anxiety and depression. So what exactly is inflammation? Inflammation is the body’s response to injury. It is an immune response to harmful toxins, environmental pathogens, injury, and foreign invaders like viruses and bacteria. For example, when you twist your ankle, your tissue becomes swollen or inflamed. This is the body trying to heal itself. Unfortunately, most people today are living in a chronic state of inflammation due to an excess of toxins in the environment and the diet that we eat. This includes inflammation in the brain tissue which is causing a major decline in mental health. Our digestive system is our immune systems first line of defense. The gastrointestinal tract is designed to remove harmful pathogens like toxins, bacteria, and viruses before it can enter the rest of the body. However, with the Modern American Diet (MAD), our digestive systems are overworked and overwhelmed.

​​Dr. Allen R. Gaby said it best: “Big Mac + Zantac = Prozac” .

Poor nutrition, medication, stress, and environmental toxins lead to chronic inflammation and mental health disorders. 

So how do we reduce inflammation in our body? 

1. Exercise Exercise stimulates the body’s anti-inflammatory response. Even 30 minutes of walking per day can get the blood flowing better and reduce inflammation. I highly recommend pilates and yoga! Dallasites find my favorite studios here: 

•  Body Bar Fitness
•  Uptown Yoga

2. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet  -Avoiding refined sugars, processed foods, unhealthy oils like safflower, sunflower, corn, and mixed vegetable oils.  -Eat more vegetables, chia or flax seeds, and foods high in Omega 3’s like avocado, nuts, and oily fish. I eat chia seeds almost daily and love them!! Great for removing toxins in the digestive system and getting Omega 3’s to reduce inflammation. 

3. Supplements  My favorite supplements for reducing inflammation are: 

• Turmeric (with black pepper) 
• Digestive enzymes Bromelain (from pineapple) and Papain (from papaya)
• Free Form Amino Acids
• Fish oil  I take these supplements daily! I have linked my favorite brands! 
  • Turmeric by Gaia Herbs
  • Omega 3 Fish Oil by Nordic Naturals
  • Free Form Amino Acid with Digestive Enzyme 

4. Therapy

• Cryotherapy or ice baths reduce inflammation in the body
• Massage therapy
• Counseling to reduce stress causing inflammation

You can get the best Cryotherapy experience at CryoZone! I highly recommend Julie Lumos Wellness for massage therapy! And of course, call or email me for any questions on nutritional therapy or coaching needs!