More than half the U.S. population is suffering from chronic inflammation, cancer and other chronic diseases. Inflammation develops slowly, invisibly and quietly. If you are experiencing exhaustion, joint or muscle pain, digestive issues, skin problems, weight fluctuations and frequent infections, the statistics, unfortunately, may include you. Without healthier lifestyle choices, chronic inflammation will persist.

Research also indicates that inflammation contributes to 15 to 20 percent of cancers. Cancer and chronic inflammation feed each other. Tumors actively reshape the surrounding terrain to sustain chronic inflammation.

The cancer tumor environment weakens immune defenses, fuels tumor growth and protects cancer cells from destruction. This can make it harder for the body to detect abnormal cells and increase the risk of mutations. In turn, the tumor generates even more inflammation. A self-perpetuating cycle forms unless lifestyle changes are made.

Modern lifestyle habits begin and sustain chronic inflammation. Dysregulation occurs due to habits such as consuming processed foods, sugar and seed oils. Persistent infections and gut imbalances may indicate an inflammatory terrain.

Exposure to pesticides, microplastics and heavy metals poses challenges for the body. Additionally, excess fat, especially around the abdomen, is the result and a contributor to metabolic dysfunction. Lastly, factors often forgotten are sedentary behavior, poor sleep, stress, trauma and grief, all of which play a powerful role in inflammation.

How to Prevent Inflammation

The good news is that there are ways to reduce inflammation and restore balance to the body. Here are some essential tips:

1. Move the Body: Exercise will improve circulation, immunity and increase lymphatic detoxification. Choose an exercise you enjoy – all movement counts.
   
   
2. Select Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Enjoy a plant-rich diet such as the Mediterranean or Whole-30 diet, which is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, herbs, healthy fats and grass-fed proteins. Eating a diet rich in natural compounds reduces inflammation naturally.
   
   
3. Sleep 7-9 hours: During deep sleep, the body repairs tissues, clears toxins and rebalances hormones. The liver detoxifies around 1 to 3 a.m. Detoxification may help lower inflammation.
   
   
4. Talk it Out: Unprocessed emotional stress is one of the most overlooked drivers of inflammation. Adopt emotional journaling, prayer, meditation, counseling or art therapy.
   
   
5. Low-Chem Lifestyle: Environmental chemicals may interrupt normal biological processes. Consider filtering water, using stainless steel cookware, glass storage containers and consuming organic food whenever possible.
   
   
6. Earthing: Being barefoot on the grass helps alkalize the body and correct cellular voltage. Let go of electrons into the Earth daily for your well-being and immune strength.
   
   
7. Soak in Sunlight: Sunlight exposure increases serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of joy and well-being. Soak in a little sun just after sunrise to help your circadian rhythm and cortisol regulation.

State-of-the-Art Treatments

Molecular Hydrogen Inhalation affects several biological mechanisms. The small size of molecular hydrogen allows it to diffuse across cell membranes and reach mitochondria. This helps neutralize free radicals and lowers inflammation. Hydrogen supports cellular apoptosis, improving cell signaling and insulin sensitivity. Research suggests that it is helpful for arthritis, metabolic syndrome, neurodegeneration, Lyme, autoimmune conditions, recovery and athletic performance. Benefits occur throughout the body.

ARRC LED Photobiomodulation (PBM) chamber blends red light, green light, frequency and scalar wavelengths. PBM reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. Research includes cancer, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, fibromyalgia, heart disease, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Exposure to light and frequency provides reduced inflammation, detoxification and decreased pain. Studies also found an increase in circulation from both a surge in nitric oxide and angiogenesis - the development of new arteries. Photo biomodulation is known for boosting cellular energy, benefiting the entire body.

HOCATT may help reduce inflammation using transdermal ozone gas. Gentle exposure to carbonic acid gas followed by ozone stimulates white blood cells and reduces oxidative stress. Ozone gas reacts with steam to form a sterilizing H2O2 on the skin. This deactivates microbes, freeing up cellular energy. Red light, far-infrared and frequency enhance blood flow and speed of waste removal. Additionally, breathing supplemental oxygen helps tissue regeneration and repair.

When we reduce chronic inflammation, we don’t just lower our risk of disease; we empower the body’s innate ability to heal itself. May we be mindful of all the ways to reduce inflammation for a long and healthy life.

Susan Rohr is the owner of Brookfield Health & Wellness, 150 5 Sunny Slope Rd., Ste. 148, Brookfield, WI. Their team uses an integrative approach that specializes in treating the whole person—their body, mind and spirit—to get to the root cause of illness. For more information, call 262-395-4023 or visit BrookfieldHealthAndWellness.com.