Inflammation is part of the body’s defense mechanism and plays a role in the healing process. When your body detects an intruder, it launches a biological response to try and remove it. Chronic inflammation from pathogens like bacteria, viruses and other organisms cause infections.

What causes inflammation? Poor nutrition and too many toxins create an overly acidic condition in the body. The top five foods that trigger inflammation are as follows.

• Unnatural ( contaminated with chemicals) coffee
• Conventionally produced alcohol
• Processed simple sugars
• Factory- farmed animal foods( loaded with chemicals and GMO’s)
• Most sodas( even if they contain “natural sugars”

There is such a thing as the mind body connection. So not only must we be mindful of our physical health but our emotional health as well. Reducing cellular inflammation includes making a decision to live a simpler lifestyle. Removing yourself from toxic relationships, learning the art of forgiveness and being of service to others all contribute to our emotional health.

As well don’t forget the dangers of toxic indoor air. Chemicals are found in paints, mattresses, carpets, and other home building materials. You should invest in an air purification system or at the very least have your air ducts cleaned.

Some ways to naturally boost your immune system are:

• Add fresh ginger root and turmeric root to your daily juice or meals
• Consume adequate amounts of essential fatty acids, especially omega-3 fats as they are a crucial part of human cell membranes and fight inflammation
• Eat probiotic enriched foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, or miso soup
• Stay hydrated with pure clean water, I prefer Natural Spring water as opposed to purified water. Also try adding fresh lemons to your water.
• Be sure to include lots of leafy greens in your salad
• Get lots of sunshine and relax( as much as possible)
• Eat grapefruits, lemons, and limes which are alkalizing once they reach your gut
• Drink green juices

You may want to try this anti-inflammatory juice, this recipe serves 1( 1 liter)

The ingredients are 2 cups of parsley; 2 cups spinach; 2 large cucumbers; 4 ribs celery; 1 inch fresh ginger root or fresh turmeric root; 1 lime without skin or 1 lemon without skin( unless it’s organic). I don’t have a juicer but use my blender, it gets the job done.

Drinking this juice daily along with eating a diet high in salads will make a world of difference to your body and greatly reduce inflammation. Try it even for a week and you will be pleasantly surprised at how well your body responds.