.svg)
Inflammation. Crucial understanding.
Common misconceptions about inflammation in chronic diseases. Necessary diet changes, mindful eating, fasting, and learning to listen to your body
Inflammation. Crucial understanding.
If you're reading this right now, it means you're willing to see things from a different perspective. That's the first step in any journey, the willingness to open your mind to new ways of thinking and understanding. Today, I want to talk about a very personal and important topic to me and anyone suffering from chronic illnesses like Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis: inflammation.
Most people think inflammation is an on/off button - one is either inflamed or not. But it's more complicated than that. Inflammation doesn't appear out of nowhere, nor does it vanish with a magic pill. It's like a sculptor crafting a masterpiece, slowly, steadily, one chisel strike at a time.
Understand this; every little thing you do, the state of your mental health, your sleep, your feelings, your overall health, diet, all play a factor. They all add to or subtract from the image the sculptor - that is, your body - is trying to craft.
Inflammation Isn't An ON/OFF Button
I know you want a magical pill or a shot to fix the problems. I was looking for one as well. I'm sorry to break this to you, but there is no magical recipe anyone can give you to solve all your problems. Sure, your doctor might prescribe Humira, Remicade, or other immunosuppressive drugs. And if you want, take them. But also, take my advice.
Firstly, try to see your diagnosis from a positive point of view. I know this might seem strange, but bear with me. Seeing your diagnosis as the wake-up call you need to change your life can profoundly affect your outlook and, in turn, your health.
Read more about it in this blog post.
Diet matters
Secondly, let's debunk a myth: your diet matters. Of course, it matters. OF COURSE IT MATTERS!
Many doctors will tell you diet doesn't significantly impact Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis. They are wrong. I usually live after Socrates, "The Only Thing I Know For Sure Is That I Know Nothing At All, For Sure."
But I can tell you with great belief, DIET MATTERS. I know because I've lived it. I have blood and stool samples going back five years showing how my lifestyle and dietary habits affect my inflammation levels. Thanks to Andrew Huberman, Dr. Rhonda Patrick, and many other health experts, science now proves diet matters.
There is no magical diet either.
Now, I don't claim to have a magical diet that will fix everything. What works for me might not work for you. But certain foods are scientifically proven to help reduce inflammation. Foods like kimchi, fermented foods, green smoothies, and overnight oats have been part of my diet and have helped me manage my symptoms. Fasting and probiotics such as VSL3 have also been beneficial for me.
Everything matters
Moreover, mindful eating is crucial. Eat slowly. Chew thoroughly. Don't just mindlessly stuff food into your mouth. Appreciate the taste, the texture, the smell. Don't drink while you're eating or for an hour afterward. Prepare your body for the meal and focus on eating without distractions like TV or phone. More about mindful eating here.
Fasting
Remember, for most of our history as a species, we had to work hard to obtain food. Food was scarce. Our ancestors would go long periods without food, constantly on the move, hunting, gathering, and running from predators. Compare that with today's convenience of food delivery at a click of a button, and it's easy to see how we've lost our connection to food and the act of eating. Read more about fasting here.
In conclusion, pay attention to what your body tells you. Take note of how different foods make you feel. Be mindful of how you eat, when you eat, and what you eat. See your diagnosis not as a life sentence but as an opportunity to make positive changes to your lifestyle. And most importantly, remember that inflammation isn't an ON/OFF button.
.jpg)
