# Inflammation is a Silent But Deadly Threat

**By Paula Gallagher** · 2018-07-11

![thinking](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0319/0960/9603/files/thinking-300x225.jpg)Inflammation is the body’s natural defense mechanism against infection, irritation, toxins and other foreign substances. It is a critical process that keeps one healthy. However, sometimes the immune system can become disrupted and can shift into a chronic state of inflammation without you even knowing it. Inflammation is believed to be a major cause of degenerative diseases, such as heart disease, dementia, diabetes and cancer. The most common causes of inflammation are diet (sugar, animal fat, processed foods, high-glycemic intake). Fat cells, especially around the mid section, are major players in promoting inflammation. They produce hormones as well as inflammatory messengers. Other causes of inflammation include food sensitivities/allergies, lack of exercise, environmental allergens, infections, stress and toxin load. **Are you inflamed?** • At your next doctor’s appointment, talk to your physician about testing your C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. It is a major marker of inflammation. **What foods cause inflammation?** • Foods that you are sensitive to (often dairy, wheat, gluten, eggs, corn, soy) – consider keeping a diet diary to track symptoms or try an elimination diet. You can also determine possible food sensitivities via a blood test, such as the [this one](https://www.myvillagegreen.com/lab/tests/food-sensitivity-serum.html). • Sugar • Refined carbohydrates (baked goods made with white flour) • Processed foods • “Bad fat” - trans fats and hydrogenated oils **What foods fight inflammation?** • A [great study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC535974/?tool=pubmed) shows that eating a “polymeal” of 4 ounces of wild fish, 5 ounces of red wine, 3.5 ounces of dark chocolate, 2.5 ounces of almonds, 400 grams of fruits and vegetables (about 2 2/3 apples), and 2 cloves of garlic a day could reduce heart disease by 75% and increase life expectancy by 7 years. **Other ways to reduce inflammation:** • Increase your exercise • Reduce your stress • Limit toxin exposure **Supplements that can support healthy inflammatory response:** • [Turmeric](https://www.myvillagegreen.com/pathway-turmeric.html) • [Green tea](https://www.myvillagegreen.com/pathway-green-tea-extract.html) • [Grape Seed extract](https://www.myvillagegreen.com/pathwaygrape-seed-extract.html) • [Quercetin](https://www.myvillagegreen.com/life-extension-optimized-quercetin.html) • [Probiotics](https://www.myvillagegreen.com/pathway-suprema-dophilus.html) • [Enzymes](https://www.myvillagegreen.com/pathwaysuperzymes.html) • [Omega-3 fatty acids](https://www.myvillagegreen.com/category/essential-fatty-acids.html/) • [Antioxidant nutrients](https://www.myvillagegreen.com/iqyou-antioxidant-cell-synergy.html) All of the above nutrients are part of our [BIG SUMMER SALE!](https://www.myvillagegreen.com/) So it is a good time to try these products. _Photo from [here](https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwssoutheast/4116092898/in/photolist-7gJ41W-kPBhD-6xgVQy-2avD9D-4vrxi-auH1Nr-8BDpkV-2PbEmu-4PJKmC-5f6xG-aUr3mn-DyymZ-9v658s-gnNks-87zKQt-Gct6V-6zE11E-6YQzni-9F8Y3P-7a9U5u-8rpS5j-5pK7gg-4Siy8H-SicVvL-a71kQk-cshxBd-abH2uT-3odqq-NNF674-4CdCDa-xdibY-6pDkRv-QQiPq-8wz3UZ-tPwxg-8p3ZjH-bqWU6a-7KvvPG-2aHg7K-tJ654-LcU4N-3gLGZQ-6Aaeag-p6tCe1-yaE8-eAsbDJ-61Syhx-6TDxLq-dynoo-bCFrgn), with thanks._

**Tags:** antioxdant, Category_Health Concerns, Category_Nutritional Supplements, cox 2 support, Inflammation

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> Source: [Village Green Apothecary](https://myvillagegreen.com/blogs/post/inflammation-is-a-silent-but-deadly-threat)