The immune system is one of the wonders of the human body. When anything breaches its boundaries from the flu to a virus, parasite or wound, the body launches its internal defense systems, including inflammation, which is part of the healing process. But when the immune system overreaches or poor diet and other lifestyle habits crimp the body’s healing, there’s an opportunity for inflammation to become chronic and possibly even trigger an autoimmune condition. Whether it’s heart disease, diabetes, obesity, allergies or issues like Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease or rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation is a sneaky contributor. This special issue on how to beat anti-inflammation will explain how this simmering fire gets a foothold in the body and how some easy shifts can help douse it. Articles include how to identify markers for inflammation, surprising immune system triggers and signs of hidden inflammation that contributes to nagging health issues such as eczema, headaches, fatigue, obesity and more. There will be stories on how poor gut health is a driver of inflammation and the best ways to feed your belly and body the healthiest anti-inflammatory foods and supplements. Finally, the issue will cover how sleep, stress and other lifestyle choices fan the flames of inflammation and how to cool them down to optimize health and feel your best. For almost every symptom you’ve wanted to address and never knew the answer, there’s a chance inflammation was the culprit and we help you overcome it.
THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO ANTI-INFLAMMATION • CENTENNIAL HEALTH®
All Fired Up • Chronic inflammation may start small—increased joint pain, elevated blood pressure—but it can cause long-term damage throughout your body.
Inflammation 101 • Recent research has shown that chronic inflammation is one of the most pressing health threats we face, underlying such serious conditions as heart disease and dementia. Learn more about how to recognize the risk.
A CONTROLLED BURN • When a certain amount of inflammation can be a good thing.
MEET THE FIRST RESPONDERS • Get to know your body’s immune-system cells—what they do and how they help.
TERMS TO KNOW
MAPPING YOUR BODY’S IMMUNE SYSTEM • You were built to fight inflammation. Here are some of the ways.
The COVID Connection • What science knows now about how the virus can create an inflammation double whammy.
NO IFS, ANDS OR BUTTS • Smoking rates increased during the pandemic. Now, more than ever, is the time to snuff out the habit.
6 Sneaky Sources of Inflammation • Can flossing help? Yes! Dental plaque is just one strange-but-true link with chronic inflammation. Here are five more—and strategies for solving them.
Eat to Beat It • Ready to start fighting the fire? Then let’s get cooking!
Why DIET Is Your #1 Tool • Inflammation puts a lot on your plate. But filling that plate with healthy food is one of the best ways to fight back.
WEIGHING THE OPTIONS • Keto, paleo, low-fat and more: what to know about different popular diets and their effects on inflammation.
DIETARY DEVILS OR JUST MISUNDERSTOOD? • Many people are avoiding gluten and dairy these days. Here’s how to know if you should, too.
Eat More of These… • Build your diet around this A-to-Z guide of 25 inflammation-fighting foods, every single one of which you can find at your local grocery store.
SUBSTITUTION SMARTS: MAKING BEANS COUNT • Aside from all the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants they contain, beans also help lower inflammation in two ways: through lower saturated fat and higher fiber. See how the numbers add up when comparing roughly equal portions of bean-based foods against their traditional counterparts.
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