Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/571399
Abby's Magazine - September/October 2015 | Page 47 the main staples of our diets. When the metabolism and GI tract are overworked; chronic inflammation often results. Insulin Levels The medical community has also linked insulin and glucose levels to chronic inflammation. For instance, obese individuals who are prone to developing type 2 diabetes often have issues with chronic inflammation. Food Allergies Specific food allergy triggers— such as casein (found in dairy) and gluten (found in wheat) will cause an inflammatory response in the digestive tract for sensitive individuals. The only way inflammation can be soothed is by cutting allergens out of the diet completely (via an elimination diet) or by taking probiotic supplements to increase the levels of "good" bacteria and support healthy digestion. Hormones Inflammation has also been linked to unbalanced levels of certain hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. That's why chronic inflammation often inflicts menopausal women, causing conditions like osteoporosis, weight gain, and adult acne. Synthetics Certain individuals may experience an inflammatory response to particular synthetic fibers found in products like latex, adhesives, and plastics. Often times these synthetic triggers exist in our workplaces or homes and cause turmoil in our bodies without us even knowing. Chemicals Chemical cleaning products, cosmetics, or air fresheners are another common source of inflammation—particularly if chemicals are airborne or irritants that are absorbed directly by the skin. Even low chemical exposure can exist at home, at work, in the air we breathe and the water we drink prompting chronic inflammation. Trigger Foods Simple trigger foods aren't neces- sarily bad for you; however, they may prompt your body to become inflamed. Oils—such as safflower, sunflower, corn, soy, and peanut— that contain high levels of linoleic acid often cause an inflammatory response. For others, diets that are high in carbohydrates may fuel inflammation so it's up to you to pay attention to what you eat and how it affects your body.