Did you know? The word “inflammation” traces back to the Latin for “set afire.” In some conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis, you feel heat, pain, redness, and swelling. But in other cases like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes - it’s not so obvious. Inflammation in the body isn’t all bad; it’s part of your immune system’s natural response to heal an injury or fight an infection. But that’s where it should stop. But if it becomes a long-lasting habit for your body to become inflamed, diseases and conditions start to develop.
Inflammation & Your Gut
Chronic inflammation is tied to ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, which are types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It happens when your body's immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy bacteria in your gut, and causes inflammation that sticks around. You could have symptoms such as belly pain, cramping, and diarrhea.
IBD symptoms come and go in episodes or flares. Because of the inflammation in your digestive system from IBD, your body cannot absorb all of the nutrients it needs.
Signs of Chronic Gut Inflammation can include
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Skin rash
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and cramping.
- Blood in your stool
- Reduced appetite
- Unintended weight loss
- Mood swings
- Insomnia
IBD Triggers
The immune system responds incorrectly to environmental triggers, such as a virus or bacteria, which causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. There also appears to be a genetic component. Someone with a family history of IBD is more likely to develop this inappropriate immune response.
Research-backed Drinks that can help Fight Inflammation
- Baking soda & water
- Parsley & ginger green juice
- Lemon & turmeric tonic
- Bone broth
- Functional food smoothie
Follow these 7 Tips for Reducing Inflammation in Your Body
Probiotics may be able to help decrease the inflammation associated with increased intestinal permeability. They help keep the intestinal barrier strong and the immune system in a top fighting condition. Depending on how sensitive you are, many people feel a difference after taking probiotics for a few days. More fundamental effects of the probiotics such as improvements to mood, weight loss, immunity or a reduction in inflammation of your gut barrier might set in after 4-8 weeks.
Prebiotics can influence the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in less inflammation. Prebiotics are fiber supplementsc that serve as food for the trillions of tiny bacteria living in the gut. When taken, they can stimulate the growth of good bacteria. Researchers at Michigan State University have shown that a prebiotics may help the body's natural killer cells fight bacterial infection and reduce inflammation, greatly decreasing the risk of disease.
Shop Klean+ Prebiotic Powder here
Working towards fighting inflammation in your gut is vital because a healthy micobiome contains bacteria and immune cells that ward off infectious agents like bacteria, viruses and fungi. A healthy gut also communicates with the brain through nerves and hormones, which helps maintain general health and well-being. And, there’s no better way to achieving this than with Klean’s natural range of Gut Health Supplements.