By Dr. Jessica Monteleone, PT MS PhD
I don’t remember her name, only her frail slender body and the hopeless watch of her husband, whose protective presence now supervised our every move. It appeared hopeless. The chronic diabetic ulcer on her shin and her lack of sensation to both of her legs concerned me. Because she couldn’t feel her feet, she often fell, until it finally stopped her from walking. We started red light therapy 3X per week directly over her chronic wound. During her reassessment, a month later, we found that her wound dramatically improved and so did her sensation in her feet. We had reduced her chronic inflammation using red light therapy and exercise. It healed her wound and changed her life.
Acute inflammation combats infection and stimulates tissue repair and regeneration and may last for a few days. That is good. Inflammation is important to fight disease. When it fails to improve quickly, it can turn chronic and change the quality of your life.
Chronic inflammation lasts several months to years. Chronic inflammatory diseases are the most significant cause of death in the world. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks chronic diseases as the greatest threat to human health.
These diseases include Diabetes, Cardiovascular disease, Arthritis and joint disease, allergies, COPD. In fact cardiovascular disease accounts for one in three deaths in the U.S.
Risk factors associated with chronic inflammation include increased age, obesity, standard American Diet (SAD), smoking, low sex hormones, stress and sleep disorders.
Many dietary and lifestyle changes may be helpful in reducing chronic inflammation. The most effective is weight loss. So, how do we do that?
• Limit the consumption of inflammation-promoting foods like sodas, refined carbohydrates and fructose corn syrup in a diet.
• Reduce intake of total, saturated fat and trans fats such as processed seed and vegetable oils, baked goods (like soybean and corn oil) from the diet.
• Eat fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, apples, brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower.
• Add a higher intake of dietary soluble and insoluble fiber.
Nuts such as almonds are helpful.
Green and black tea are a good dietary addition.
Herbal supplements like cloves, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, garlic, oregano, basil and ginseng add flavor and nutrition.
Fish oil is the richest source of the omega-3 fatty acids associated with lowering levels of inflammation.
Mung bean and sesame oil is a great addition.
Magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin E and zinc in specific amounts are helpful as well.
Essential oils enjoyed through a diffuser or with a carrier oil can be helpful. I enjoy Frankincense and lavender.
It is shown that energy expenditure through exercise lowers multiple pro-inflammatory molecules independently of weight loss.
Red light therapy also helps to reduce inflammation in the body.
Drinking enough water for your physical needs can be a simple, yet imperative, answer to your chronic inflammation challenge.
Are you battling a chronic disease? Incorporate gentle exercise, red light and better food choices. Try new recipes that incorporate some of the foods listed above. I like bouncing on a stabilized, firm, therapeutic ball for a good 20 minutes. It is an easy inside exercise that promotes circulation, joint heath, and can aid in weight loss. Eat foods that promote health, not destroy it. Of course always check with your health professional before starting a lifestyle change. And remember to live each day, living for the health of it! Need Help? Call me. I’m here for you!
