“Basically, you are being poisoned.”
These are the words declared to radio host Glenn Beck after struggling with health problems for years. However, it’s not letters laced with anthrax or ricin (for you Breaking Bad fans) – it was food. The very thing we rely on to sustain life was leading to massive amounts of inflammation and pain for the outspoken host.
Where was it coming from? In Mr. Beck’s case, the source was gluten. An estimated 1 in 133 Americans are also afflicted by this condition. Food that do not cause a problem for some, can lead to major health problems for others. In the short-term these foods may cause gastrointestinal discomfort and other pain, but in the long term the impact is far, far worse. Heart disease, metabolic syndrome, memory loss, cancers, decreased muscle mass, and decreased immune function are all potential long-term effects of these toxins entering the body.
What is the REAL Deal with Food?
The underlying factor in all these disorders is inflammation and we don’t talk about it nearly enough. Every day you are exposing your body to environmental elements and toxins. This can be through food, products, or just breathing the air around you. When your body feels threatened, one way it responds it through inflammation. This is a way the body is trying to heal itself.
Inflammation happens in an acute sense. Maybe you are playing a pick-up game of basketball and twist your knee – you are probably going to see some inflammation. Your body is telling you “Whoa! No more, settle in for a few days of March Madness!”
There is also the case for chronic inflammation lasting for several months or even years. This type of inflammation tends to show itself in the form of a diagnosable condition such as what Glen Beck faced.
Am I At Risk, Too?
Everyone is impacted by inflammation, whether you have a diagnosable condition or not. This is one time it is best to err on the side of extreme caution and start taking action. If any of the following apply to you, inflammation is happening in your body:
- Inadequate sleep
- Overweight or obesity: Those will excess body fat – especially visceral fat around the mid-section – have much higher levels C-reactive protein, which indicate there’s inflammation present
- Unhealthy diet – Food such as sugar, gluten, and even dairy can cause an inflammatory response in some individuals
Put Up a Fight
While Glen Beck may be able to hire a personal chef to make him the food he needs, you may not have the luxury. So what do you do?
First, get rid of the toxins! A 21 Day Cleanse will do the trick. Second, lose the weight! Your cleanse will get you started but no matter what positive changes you make in your lifestyle, if you are still holding on to excess weight you are fighting a constant uphill battle.
Making simple changes such as incorporating omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and tons of produce into your diet will help promote weight loss while also arming the body to fight inflammation.
Don’t let inflammation get the best of you, start your 21 Day Body Makeover now!