In the previous parts of this series, we’ve discussed the role of inflammation in both protecting us and contributing to many common ailments, as well as the causes of inflammation. It is important to note that the best way to begin treating inflammation is to identify its causes and remove them from your life entirely, if possible. However, if you’re one of the many people who is already suffering from chronic inflammation, know that there are ways to turn this process back into a beneficial defense mechanism. Read on to discover how to take control of your health once again!

Recognize Changes in Your Body

While testing for and recognizing symptoms are ways to definitively diagnose inflammation, true progress in treatment comes with knowing how to listen to your body. Chronic inflammation is one of many conditions that sends indicators firing throughout your body. However, it is easy to miss these signs when we prioritize everything else in our day before our own health. Taking even just five minutes to meditate and connect with our bodies can give us incredible insight into imbalances and disorders before they become problematic. Tuning into our inner voice and inviting quiet helps us recognize areas that need particular attention. Instead of turning on the television or checking social media, pay attention to the news feed from within. Ask yourself important questions, including the following:

• How is my body feeling at this moment?
• Do I know when I’m tired? Or hungry? Or in need of movement?
• Am I content?
• Am I living up to my full potential?
• Is there anything causing me worry at this moment?

Pay attention to the answers and make necessary changes.

Look Within (and Without)

Having faith is also an important aspect of our health that is often neglected. For those of us who struggle with treating inflammation, it is even more important to connect to the core of our beings and know that this experience has a greater purpose. There are times in life where we cannot or do not take the necessary time to heal. These traumas, whether physical or mental, often manifest in our health later on in life. If you feel like you’ve been struggling with a chronic condition, take the time to examine your relationship with the world around you and your inner spirit. Is there an unresolved situation that is negatively impacting you in some way? As you ease this burden on your mind, you will also feel your health dramatically improve!

Balance Your Immune System

A balanced immune system is the foundation of health. In our overly stressful lives, achieving this balance can be problematic. Acupuncture is one way to ensure that your energy is flowing properly throughout your system, which increases your energy and immunity. It has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. Modern science has also recognized that acupuncture causes an increase in white blood cells, which help protect the body from foreign substances. Other ways to help balance your immune system include the following:

•   A daily practice of breathing/movement that allows your body to release pent up energy such as qi gong, gentle yoga, or tai chi
• Meditation
• A healthy immune-supportive diet low in sugar.

If you’re dealing with inflammation, bringing the immune response back down to a reasonable level is also crucial in restoring your body to its natural, healthy state.

Anti-Inflammatory Supplements

Rely on the natural healing substances that are all around you. One of the interesting things about anti-inflammatory herbs is that most of them also help fight infections, which is one of the causes of inflammation. Below is a partial list of herbs with anti-inflammatory properties, including:

• Black Pepper
• Basil
• Boswellia (also known as frankincense)
• Cardamom
• Chamomile
• Celery Seed
• Cilantro
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Fennel Seeds
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Parsley
• Nutmeg
• Rosemary
• Turmeric

High-quality Omega-3 Fatty Acid supplements also have anti-inflammatory properties. For more information on finding the best supplements for you, be sure to join me in examining the Top 20 Supplements for Healthy Living.

If you find that you are struggling with inflammation, take the first step by checking in with your health mentally, physically, and spiritually. If you feel you are in need of assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out. By balancing your immune system and treating inflammation, your chronic symptoms and pain will also start to shift, and your quality of life will improve.