{"id":55676,"date":"2021-09-24T10:00:51","date_gmt":"2021-09-24T14:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog-well.ca\/?p=55676"},"modified":"2026-06-30T16:05:57","modified_gmt":"2026-06-30T20:05:57","slug":"avoid-chronic-inflammation-with-right-nutrients","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/well.ca\/blog\/avoid-chronic-inflammation-with-right-nutrients\/","title":{"rendered":"Avoid chronic inflammation with the right nutrients"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”55677″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]When you think of inflammation, you probably picture a swollen sprained ankle or a painful bee sting. The truth is, we actually need inflammation to protect our bodies from harmful bacteria that can cause sickness and infection. But when inflammation lingers over the long term, it turns into a more serious matter.<\/p>\n

But first, what is inflammation?<\/h3>\n

Inflammation is your body\u2019s biological response to harmful external stimuli such as pathogens, toxins, and irritants. When harmful agents injure your cells, the damaged cells release chemicals that lead to blood vessels leaking fluid into the tissues, resulting in swelling. The chemicals also attract white blood cells which \u201ceat\u201d germs and dead or damaged cells, a process known as phagocytosis.<\/p>\n

Sometimes, inflammation occurs when there are no harmful stimuli attacking your body. When unprompted inflammation becomes chronic, it starts to damage your cells. This is often the cause of autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and type 1 diabetes. It can also lead to pain and stiffness in your joints, fever and loss of appetite.<\/p>\n

How can I avoid chronic inflammation?<\/h3>\n

We know you\u2019ve heard this plenty of times, but we cannot stress enough the importance of a healthy diet and stress management. <\/strong>Here\u2019s how you can get started.<\/p>\n

Load up on nature\u2019s nutrients<\/h3>\n

When free radicals outnumber antioxidants in your body, it elevates the risk of chronic inflammation. Excessive free radicals increase the number of several different genes involved in the inflammatory response. Antioxidants help combat this by \u201cgiving away\u201d some of their own electrons, which acts as a natural \u201coff\u201d switch for free radicals.<\/p>\n

Here are some key antioxidants to focus on to avoid free radical damage and chronic inflammation.<\/p>\n

Vitamin C<\/h4>\n

Vitamin C is a vital nutrient that we can\u2019t produce in our bodies, so we need to get it from dietary sources. Studies show that upping your vitamin C intake has the ability to increase your blood antioxidant level by 30%!<\/p>\n

Here are some Vitamin C rich foods to add to your diet:<\/p>\n