John Arts Abundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz

Last week I talked about how inflammation is an important part of our healing system. Inflammation is basically a process where immune, white blood cells respond to infection or injury by releasing a cocktail of chemicals via increased bloodflow.

This is why inflamed areas are red and swollen. The process is very complex and has several components. The inflammatory response involves specialised cells to destroy invading germs or damaged tissue.

When working well it is like a well conducted symphony orchestra. Like any complex biological system it can malfunction. Excessive or inappropriate inflammation can worsen problems or even cause new problems. This can be anything from a slightly raised general level of inflammation which can lead to blocked heart arteries to autoimmune disease, which then creates an inflammatory response that can damage tissue.

Most health problems involve some form of inflammation and diet hugely impacts these processes. An anti-inflammatory eating programme combined with anti-inflammatory supplements can make an enormous difference. We may not be able to solve the underlying health problem but just reducing inflammation can make the world of difference.

Most foods affect the inflammatory process. Our immune system is especially influenced by fats in our diet. Some fats tend to promote inflammation while others do the opposite. In general, we actively increase plant and fish Omega 3, and decrease Omega 6 from oils, spreads and other sources. We also increase oils found in almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds and olives. In doing so, we give our bodies the ability to shut down unwanted inflammation.

It's difficult to give general diet advice and I prefer to give advice specific to each person. Feel free to contact me if you want to discuss this. Give me a call or email john@abundant.co.nz if you need more information. Join my full weekly newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz

John Arts is a qualified nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on 0800 423 559. To read more go to www.sunlive.co.nz