Do you feel like there may be an underlying issue that makes weight loss more difficult for you? There are numerous health issues that can affect weight loss, but today we will discuss chronic inflammation- what it is, what can cause it, and how it can affect your weight loss efforts.
What Is Chronic Inflammation?
Inflammation is not necessarily a bad thing. Our bodies being called to signal inflammation is a necessary function. It’s your body’s natural reaction to healing an injury or fighting an infection. It is only an issue when our bodies prolong the state of inflammation after the danger or threat has passed, or if the threat isn’t fully minimized. Symptoms of chronic inflammation can show up in many ways, such as digestive issues, skin issues, joint pain, brain fog, fatigue, mood disorders, or as a disease that is caused by chronic inflammation. There are certainly many symptoms that can be caused by the body being in a state of prolonged inflammation, none of which are fun to experience.
Causes of Chronic Inflammation
There are many possible causes of chronic inflammation. Some of these include eating a diet high in inflammatory foods, gastrointestinal issues, food intolerances, nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, and lifestyle factors, amongst others. Some common inflammatory foods include refined carbohydrates, conventional dairy products, food or drink with added sugar, and greasy or fried foods. For many people, gluten can be quite inflammatory. There is certainly a level of individuality when it comes to foods that trigger inflammation. Certain types of food can cause inflammation to one person, but not to another, which is why it’s important to detect which types of food may be leading to an inflammatory state within your body.
Chronic Inflammation and Weight Loss
Chronic inflammation can affect multiple systems of the body, including your hormones and metabolism, which is one way that it can make weight loss more difficult. Chronic inflammation can also lead to insulin resistance, which is what causes type II diabetes. When your body is resistant to insulin, this can lead to fat storage and make weight loss challenging. Inflammation also causes a cascade of hormonal changes within the body which can lead to increased hunger and food cravings. Being overweight can increase a person’s overall inflammatation levels, and chronic inflammation can make weight loss harder, so it can be a viscious cycle.
How To Combat Chronic Inflammation
- Detect inflammatory triggers and remove them from your diet
- Focus on eating a diet of whole foods that are rich in a variety of micronutrients and antioxidants (such as fruits and vegetables)
- Eat a balance of macronutrients at each meal, and choose carb sources that are high in fiber to help keep your blood sugar levels balanced
- Improve your gut health
- Utilize culinary herbs and spices in your cooking that have anti-inflammatory properties, such as turmeric, ginger, and cinnamon
- Work on healing any other root causes of inflammation
- Manage your stress levels, make time for exercise, and prioritize sleep!