Let’s quickly review the primary causes of inflammation in order to understand the significance
of a balanced diet. As we have already discussed several of the most common types of
inflammation including: infection, allergies, environmental toxins, injury, emotional trauma,
nutritional deficiencies and excesses.
Infection: When an infection occurs in the system, it is because a fungus, bacterium, y east,
virus, or another ty pe of parasite assaults the sy stem. The immune sy stem prepares for battle and
reacts with an inflammation that is specifically designed to attack the infection.
Allergy: As previously discussed, an allergic reaction occurs when the sy stem over responds
to any substance (either harmful or harmless) that may potentially be a threat to the body. This
could be any thing from a specific food to an insect bite. The body responds with inflammation as
a way to defend the body . Reactions may range from mild to severe.
Toxicity and Injury: Inflammation may occur when cells are exposed to chemical or
phy sical irritants. Many toxins (pesticides, tobacco, drugs, asbestos, etc.) may potentially cause
injury to bodily tissue. Continual exposure frequently results in inflammation as a way to protect
and heal the affected areas. Inflammation is a natural way for the body to heal and repair cells
and tissues that have been injured.
Emotional Trauma: Stress and anxiety can have an adverse effect on the body. Mental
distress has a direct link with a person’s phy siology. When an individual undergoes emotional
stress elevated levels of cortisone and adrenaline are released and can result in an imbalance and
inflammation. Aging has a tendency to make the situation worse. The overload is often more than
the body is prepared to handle. When a person is in good health, toxins are more readily flushed
from the sy stem.
Nutritional Deficiency and Nutritional Excess: Hormone imbalances, taxed immune sy stem,
and inflammation are frequently tied to imbalances in nutrition. Nutritional deficiencies such as a
lack of the proper protein fats, carbohy drates, vitamins and minerals may leave the system
lacking in the nutrients necessary for cell and tissue repair. Conversely, excessive amounts of
certain foods can lead to a nutritional imbalance that can stress the bodily tissues and organs.
As you can see, many factors come into play : mental health, exercise, environmental
conditions, lifestyle factors, along with a genetic predisposition and diet. When we make a point of
reducing our family ’s exposure to toxins, become more aware of how we treat our body, and watch what we eat, we give ourselves an increased ability to handle potentially threatening
conditions.
