Inflammation is a natural process to protect the body from foreign substances, shock, infections, viruses, etc. In some cases the immune system creates inflammation even when no external attack. In an autoimmune disease, the body secretes some substances in the blood that cause swelling in tissues and organs.

There is a type of inflammation that responds to injury or external attack. He feels the increase in local temperature, redness and pain and body shape to carry more nutrients and immune activity to sites where it is needed.

But the inflammation does not always benefit us, can have destructive power. Another type, which is chronic inflammation, where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, as in cases of type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, etc..

Chronic inflammation accelerates aging and all diseases associated with old age, playing an important role in diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, heart disease, age-related diseases, obesity, hypotension, diabetes, arthritis, dementia, depression, low testosterone and even some cancers such as prostate or breast, and so on.

What can we do to counteract inflammation?

Low Carb Diet. All carbohydrates act in the inflammatory process. In the body produces a chemical reaction between sugars and proteins giving as a result compounds called AGEs (advanced glycation end products, from English).

Exercise is anti-inflammatories. Exercise is a panacea, reducing inflammation and lowers CRP levels. Has a profound effect throughout the body, each party benefits, especially to smokers.

Lose Weight. Maintain a healthy weight is the best thing you can do to reduce inflammation. It also reduces the levels of CRP

Sleep. Lack of sleep causes chronic swelling. Increasing sleep debt increases the amount of inflammation in the body. Even small mistakes dream shoot a cellular mechanism involved in inflammation in response as if it happened to an injury or illness.

Take the vitamin D. Even small amounts of vitamin D may help reduce inflammation and risk of degenerative diseases. Why not take free of the sun instead of synthetic? If you have the opportunity to be outside 20 minutes a day can maintain acceptable levels of vitamin D.

Take fish oil with Omega 3. Fish oil is highly desinflamatorio. The recommended minimum dose of 3,000 mg fish oil daily, about 900 mg of total omega-3 fats (EPA + DHA, the label of the bottle), if you are in good health and your ideal weight. If you are overweight or hypertension, high triglycerides, diabetes, arthritis or other degenerative disease, please start taking 6,000 milligrams daily.

Take Aspirin to reduce CRP levels. Consult your doctor before you start taking it.

Stop Smoking. Smoking is the most important preventable cause of illness and premature death. It is well known that smoking triggers an immune response in the body that produces vascular injury, which is associated with increased levels of inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein and others.

Several studies show that these markers predict cardiovascular events or accidents. High CRP levels are also associated with the development of atherosclerosis. By quitting the inflammatory markers are reduced quickly.

Natural Supplements. The best way to get all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals is by eating fresh food. Plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits and proteins. Additionally, you can supplement your diet with these antioxidants that reduce inflammation:

* Vitamin C 3,000 mg daily
* Vitamin E 400 IU of natural mixed tocopherols (vitamin E and not taking the synthetic form of alpha tocopherol, is cheaper but not good quality)
* Selenium, 100-200 micrograms of organically
* CoQ10, 100-200 mg daily