You did it! You finally decided to commit to a healthy eating lifestyle. You eat super healthy, step on the scale and are shocked to see you gained weight. Or, maybe you are already committed to a fitness routine, you are eating healthy but you hit a wall. You feel like this must be as good as it gets for your body. No matter which story you relate to the most, it’s possible they are caused be the exact same thing: inflammation.
Inflammation is an essential piece of the body’s natural healing system. It is your immune systems response to foreign bacteria, viruses or pollen in your body. You might be surprised to know that healthy foods can also cause inflammation, depending on the person. Our bodies are unique and therefore react to diet and even different types of exercise differently. If you choose the right foods for your unique body, you can reduce inflammation. But, consistently choose the wrong foods for your body and you can accelerate the inflammation process and cause unwanted weight gain.
Your weight and your health are your body’s chemical response to the foods you are eating. This is part of why one person can drink milk with no problem, while another experiences negative effects to the body. Besides the obvious weight gain or inability to lose weight, there are a few other signs that your body is not responding well to a certain food:
- Bloating after eating
- Loss of energy in the afternoon
- Aches and pains
- Constipation
- Hormonal issues
- Depression
- Irritability
Finding foods that work well with your body, and fight inflammation, will work wonders in how you feel and your ability to lose weight. If you’re unsure if your diet is causing unwanted inflammation, consider taking a physical assessment such as our Cellular360 test. This is the most effective and accurate way to measure the levels of inflammation in your body; you’ll also receive diet recommendations from our wellness coaches that are specific to your unique body.
You might also try what’s called an elimination diet. This requires you to really tune into your body and how it responds to foods. You can eliminate certain foods, like dairy or gluten, from your diet then reintroduce them and see how your body responds. The effects of chronic inflammation on your body are serious, and should not be taken lightly. Take the time to understand what works best for you; your body will thank you.