As mentioned in my previous post am trying to learn more about inflammation (causes fluid retention), since it may be a contributing factor to my unexplained weight gains and very slow weight loss. Here is what I found so far.

Inflammation is the body’s response to a perceived threat– whether it’s a splinter in our finger, sunburn at the beach or a sprained ankle. So inflammation is actually part of the body’s natural healing process. But when the body becomes imbalanced, it loses its ability to produce anti-inflammatory chemicals to counteract that inflammation.Chronic inflammation is usually seen in people who have diets with a high ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids, lead lives with high stress levels, have excess body fat, exercise too intensely and eat high carbohydrate content meals.

Inflammation has been labeled “The Silent Killer”. When chronic inflammation is maintained over a period of time, it can get very serious- it’s a component of every major degenerative disease including diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer’s and heart disease.

The new research adds more data to the accumulating research showing the benefits of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, omega-3 fats and healthy eating. Research has suggested that higher intakes of vitamin C could cut the level of markers for inflammation by an astonishing 45 percent. Also helpful is consuming foods and supplements that change the body to more alkaline (i.e. adding lemon juice to your water, fruits and vegetables, green juices).

Inflammation can also be caused or worsened by reactions to foods. One third of those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis have a reaction to the nightshade family (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, peppers, and tobacco). Other common food allergens are wheat, corn, meat, peanuts, and dairy products.

Sources: Natural Arthritis Remedy To Reduce Inflammation and Natural Remedies for Arthritis and Joint Pain .

Here is a good link to learn some basics about body pH:

How Body pH Can Affect Your Energy Levels
(note: to much acidity can cause inflammation, this site has some good tips for reducing it)

Along with keeping my sodium intake down very low (to prevent water retention as well as to keep my blood pressure lower as recommended by my cardiologist), I am going to start taking more Vit. C. I am already taking a good multi-vitamin and a fish oil supplement. I also want to get some pH Hydrion test strips to test my salvia and see if I have problem with too much acid. I will also check out the health food store for a “green” drink which is the quickest way to create more alkaline to your body (also adding lemon to water helps too).

All healthy steps to take, whether or not I have a problem with inflammation and pH balance.

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