Living "Un-flamed"

Inflammation is one of the worse stumbling blocks that I've endured in my life. It is also so hard to control! While I experienced it in my scalp, others encounter it in their joints. So when I say inflammation is lit, it's lit like fire because that is what it literally feels like! I can't promise that you will never experience inflammation, but through experience I have ways that have improved it.

What is inflammation?

Think of your body as the protector of your home. Just like you don't want any trespassers breaking into your home, your body has the same reaction. Your body can sense an intruder coming in and naturally wants to protect itself. When your body is trying to protect itself from harm, it goes through a natural response called inflammation. Inflammation can be acute or short-term, which can be caused by an injury or infection. It usually only last a few days or weeks. However, it can become very severe or chronic which leads to autoimmune disorders, and contributes to so many diseases. It can usually last from a few months to years. Autoimmune disorders including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, diabetes, psoriasis, lichen planus, all deal with chronic inflammation.

Holistic Ways to Decrease Inflammation:

There are many ways doctors treat inflammation. With acute inflammation people are often prescribed with antibiotics, antifungals, etc. With chronic inflammation, it depends on the disease that the person has. During my treatment with LPP, I was prescribed a numerous amount of drugs that didn't work for me. The holistic route worked way better for my situation. Here are ways that helped me eliminate inflammation.

Eliminate Stress

Stress will kill you! I had to eliminate people, places and things (all the nouns for my teacher friends) that was bringing extra stress in my life. I had to ultimately chose myself, calm my nerves, and let God do the rest. Take time to yourself, meditate, journal, listen to music, or whatever it is that helps you feel centered. Self-care is so important to maintain a stress free life, especially in these hectic times.

Exercise

You don't have to be an Olympic track star, but a little movement a day goes a long way. It's good to get the circulation going in your body, get your adrenalin going, and naturally release the toxins out of your body. Get in a 30 minute walk, twerk, kick box, or whatever you're interested in, so that you will get the best workout experience. I probably sound like a broken record, but it's true. When I don't exercise, I don't feel right.

Anti-Inflammatory Food

Say it with me, eat more plants! You don't have to be plant-based, but get some fruits and vegetables in your body. If you're not pooping on the regular, that's a concern. God created this beautiful Earth for us to live off of. Along with fruits and vegetables, foods high in Omegas are awesome. Part of my hair retention came from eating more flax, chia seeds, wild caught fatty fish, avocados, seeds and nuts.

Wellness Tea

In the beginning of my journey, I drank a lot of tea that had healing properties. These teas contained anti-inflammatory ingredients including turmeric with ginger, ashwagandha, garlic, rosemary, and burdock root. Green tea, chamomile, and black tea are also great sources for inflammation. Check out these wellness tea brands that I've enjoyed in my journey. Support black owned businesses!

• Just Add Honey Tea Company

• Jayida Che Herbal Tea Spot

• Tea With Gwen

• Fresh from Earth Tea Bar

Eliminate Inflammatory Food

I've mentioned this before in previous post, but one of the biggest parts of the process was eliminated dairy, gluten, and added sugar. Honestly, I struggle with sugar now but I definitely don't miss dairy and I try to stay away from gluten. Once you've eliminated those things from your diet for at least 21 days, you can gradually consume them again to see how your body reacts. Check out my post No Dairy, Less Problems to learn why dairy can be an issue in your diet, along with great substitutions.

Along with dairy, gluten and added sugars there are other foods that could worsen inflammation. They include processed meat/food, fried foods, soda and refined carbs. I'm not going to tell you to eliminate all of those completely (because I need a french fry or two every now and then), but watch your intake and see what happens when you don't consume it for awhile.

Is it this Simple?

Lauryn Hill said it best in the song Ex-Factor, "It could all be so simple, but you rather make it hard." But no seriously, it all depends on you! I've met a lot of great people during this process, with a series of autoimmune disorders. All bodies are not created the same, so I can't guarantee that what healed me, will heal you. However, many people that I've met that experienced the holistic route had amazing results. Plant-based eating has saved so many lives. I truly believe that a healthy, active, lifestyle with gut healing goes a long way. Regardless if you take small steps or go cold turkey, a lot of these suggestions can take you a long way. If you're ready for a different route, check out a doctor that specializes in holistic medicine to put you on a proper regimen.

Comment below about ways you've dealt with inflammation! Don't forget to take care of yourself. It is ok to be selfish sometimes :)

Greatly & Blossomly,

Gia

“Have a vision, be demanding”

-Colin Powell

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