weight loss

How Inflammation Can Affect Your Diet and Weight Loss Progress

Hey Angels and Alphas,

One of the most difficult parts of trying to lose weight and keep it off can be dealing with the side effects of dieting. 

Chronic inflammation, in particular, can make it very difficult to lose weight or keep weight off long-term because it slows down your metabolism and increases the amount of calories your body needs to function normally. 

Learn more about the connection between inflammation and your diet below.

​What is inflammation?

Inflammation is a natural process that helps the body heal from injury or infection. However, when inflammation occurs on a chronic basis, it can lead to a number of health problems, one of which is weight gain. Inflammation is thought to be an underlying cause of many diseases such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. How does it occur? 

When you consume certain foods (think: fried food) your body may experience elevated levels of inflammation as it tries to metabolize these items in an effort to eliminate them. 

Additionally, your immune system may also be triggered by these foods which will cause a higher level of cortisol in the blood stream which can lead to insulin resistance. But how does inflammation relate to fitness and your ability to lose weight?

What is the relationship between diet and inflammation?

There is a strong relationship between diet and inflammation. The foods we eat can either promote or reduce inflammation in the body. For example, eating a diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can increase inflammation. 

On the other hand, consuming plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation. Every single thing you eat will have an impact on your body’s inflammation markers, and thus, on your ability to lose weight (or gain it.)

How does inflammation affect your weight loss progress?

When you have inflammation, your body is in a state of stress. This means that your body is releasing hormones like cortisol, which can lead to weight gain. In addition, inflammation can cause cravings for unhealthy foods. 

So if you’re trying to lose weight, it’s important to keep inflammation under control. The relationship between stress and weight gain is well-studied and easily observable. When you’re cranky and stressed, you tend to experience more sugar cravings, more cravings for comfort foods, and higher levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin.

Will reducing inflammation help me lose weight?

It’s a common question asked by those looking to slim down: can reducing inflammation help with weight loss? The answer, unfortunately, is not so simple. While there is some evidence to suggest that inflammation can contribute to weight gain, the connection is far from clear. 

Plus, there are many other factors that affect weight loss, such as diet and exercise. So while reducing inflammation may help with weight loss in some cases, it’s certainly not a guarantee. 

Still, it might be worth considering if you’re struggling to lose weight or have been diagnosed with chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis or Crohn’s disease. You should consult your doctor before making any major changes to your diet.

How to reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Inflammation is a normal response by the body’s immune system to protect against infection or injury. However, when inflammation occurs chronically, it can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and other health problems. 

To reduce inflammation throughout the body, eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Avoid processed foods, sugar, and trans fats. Exercise regularly and get enough sleep. In addition, try to reduce stress by relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.

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