Inflammation is a natural process. It is what allows our body to defend itself from harm and then heal and repair itself. For example, when we get stung by a bee, the swelling and pain is the result of blood rushing to the site of the wound with immune fighting cells to protect us against further damage and then initiate healing. This is called acute inflammation. The response is supposed to be short and targeted because during the process of defending, some further damage is done to the body before it starts the repair process.
Sometimes however inflammation can become chronic. This is a scary form of inflammation because it's often silent and occurs inside the body without any noticeable symptoms. As a result, it can easily be left unchecked, causing ongoing damage to the cells. When our cells are continuously damaged, over time they will start to lose their function. This is the beginning of the disease process and the acceleration of ageing. Therefore, the key to long-lasting health and slow ageing is reducing this inflammatory process.
Certain lifestyle factors can promote inflammation, especially when they occur on a regular basis. Key drivers include a poor diet high in processed foods, sugar and industrial seed oils, high stress, lack of sleep, eating your food intolerances, exposure to environmental toxins such as chemical and excessive exposure to UV light.
What we choose to eat can either exacerbate the inflammatory process or offset it. The best way to offset inflammation is through consuming an anti-inflammatory diet packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants are compounds found in food such as colourful fruits and vegetables e.g. berries, plums, leafy greens and carrots. These compounds fight inflammation firstly by neutralising the free radicals which essentially means putting out the fire and then cleaning up the waste so no further damage is caused.
As beauty starts from within, consuming a diet rich in antioxidants is key for glowing skin. However if you want to step it up a notch, consuming superfood products such as Knowrish Well's Beauty Nectar is a great way to get an extra boost of skin protecting antioxidants to compliment your anti-inflammatory diet. Beauty Nectar is particularly rich in the antioxidant anthocyanin from freeze dried berries, purple carrots and wild black goji berries. The works alongside food grade hyaluronic acid and also aids in reducing inflammation as well as phyto-ceramides which helps to retain moisture in the skin. This is great added so smoothies or mixed with veggie juices, or simply add to water to boost your glow inside and out.