As the holidays are approaching, there is much to be thankful for. Being grateful will keep you healthy. So will movement.
Movement will keep this very important health issue at bay...INFLAMMATION.
While many are focused on food, fun, gifts, and libations, please put exercise on your to-do list. According to a comprehensive article in the AARP Bulletin, inflammation has been linked to every major disease of aging. Reducing it will help us all live longer, happier, and better.
All the major health issues: cancer, heart disease, dementia and diabetes--all of them--can be linked to chronic low-grade inflammation that can sneak up on you. A study of 10,000 patients by cardiologists in Boston have documented that they may have proof.
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According to the article, inflammation does the body good when we need to deal with issues like the flu or a swollen joint because it releases healing chemicals and nutrients to repair damage to cells. It's when inflammation becomes chronic that problems occur. It's like keeping the furnace on high all the time, firing up white blood cells that in turn fire up other damage fighters that can blow up the bad cells as well as the good.
Wow. There is so much to cite...I just want folks to read up on the dangers of inflammation to our brains, lungs, digestive system, weight, and joints. Stress is also a big factor that keeps the inflammation fires burning. Y'all know I'm all about reducing stress!
So I'm just going to keep things simple. Lifestyle changes are the best and fastest antidote to inflammation. You know the drill: exercise, watching what and how much food you eat, getting enough sleep, and stress relief are key.
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Fruit and vegetables have powerful antioxidants to keep inflammation at bay. As we age, inflammation can be even more of an issue, but getting enough protein is important too. So, going vegan is not what the study says is mandatory--just increase the green and colorful plant-based foods in your diet and don't overdo animal proteins.
For me, getting my sleeping patterns under control is a challenge. Hot flashes can interrupt the most pleasant night's rest! So I'm looking into non-addictive sleep aids like melatonin. I also don't drink a lot of fluids close to bedtime! Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day does seem to help, too, as does not having my smartphone near me at night. I know that's hard for some...but stop scrolling and start sleeping instead!
Listen, I can only share what seems to work for me and what the latest research says is important. I've switched to Planet Fitness for my workouts, and really like the simplicity of the gym and the up-to-date equipment. They have a 30 Minute Express workout that uses machines and cardio step sessions that is GREAT. Hit it and Quit it. Be sure to stretch afterward, and BOOM. Done, and I feel like I'm doing something substantive to protect the temple God gave me.
What's on your Healthy Holiday shopping list?
Sizzlers, let's savor the flavors of the holidays and fit in healthy food, sleep, and movement. Tell stress to take a hike and enjoy more of life.
Sending Hugs,
Amy
Amy S. Hilliard is an award-winning entrepreneur, corporate marketing executive, health and wellness advocate, lifestyle blogger and author. A Harvard MBA, Howard graduate and community contributor, she is the single mother of two young professionals proudly making their way in the world. Connect with Amy on Instagram at @amyshilliard and @sizzlingafter60
