Inflammation and Obesity

Inflammation and Obesity

Have you heard of chronic systemic inflammation? Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury and infection. In medical terminology, the suffix “-itis” means inflammation. Sinusitis, for example, is the inflammation of the sinuses and it occurs as a result of allergies or an infection by a virus or bacteria. Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons.

Inflammation can be acute and the process is meant to protect surrounding tissue and the rest of the body from further damage or infection. It sort of creates a protective area. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is an out of control response that needs evaluation and treatment.

Chronic systemic inflammation affects the entire body. More and more research is revealing that chronic systemic inflammation is behind a number of disease processes as well as aging. It is a vicious cycle that begins with excessive abdominal fat. Fat is actually an organ rather than merely a tissue. It produces hormones and cytokines that are meant to control the amount of fat we carry. The hormones signal hunger or suppress appetite, encourage fat storage or facilitate fat burning.

Unfortunately, we tend to override this system and when too much fat is accumulated in the abdominal region, the immune system begins to attack the fat. This causes an excessive release of cytokines and hormones that encourage more inflammation and reduce the ability of appetite suppressing hormones and fat burning hormones. The end result? More weight gain, more inflammation, more weight gain… getting the picture?

As obesity is a major cause and/or contributor to lower back pain and other joint related problems, your Oak Lawn, IL chiropractor can share advice on weight loss. Chiropractic care involves treating the patient as a whole, not just the symptoms. Let’s look at some foods or nutrients that can help you reduce inflammation and begin down a lighter path, sooner!

--Omega 3 fatty acids found in supplements such as fish oil or of course, fish. Consuming fish 2-3 times per week can help you reduce inflammation

--Phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables have anti-inflammatory properties. By consuming a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, you can help reduce inflammation as well as work towards balancing the hormones that are keeping you overweight.

As well, remember to limit your consumption of inflammatory foods such as excessive animal protein, overly processed refined carbohydrates and foods or beverages with artificial sweeteners, flavors and colorants.