As I explored the reasons for our poor health, I began to understand the ins and outs of Chronic Inflammation and Metabolic Syndrome – and the impact they were having on our life.  We didn’t realise these two things were playing havoc with our health. I began to explore what we could do to reduce the risks and restore our health. 

Lots of questions and lots to absorb…not to mention, a very confronting moment when you realise like in our case, that our lifestyle was making us unwell. That’s when our journey really started. 

What is Chronic Inflammation?

Chronic Inflammation is your body’s attempt to fight against harm, to heal itself.  Over time inflammation can harm our bodies leading to a range of health issues from heart disease and diabetes to cancer. 

Many factors can cause Chronic Inflammation. 

These include: 

  • infection
  • environment (toxins, chemicals, pollutants)
  • substances (smoking, drinking, poor quality food)
  • obesity 
  • stress.

Chronic Inflammation can surface in many ways. 

Symptoms include: 

  • fatigue
  • aches and pains
  • irritability
  • eczema (skin irritations)
  • various gut issues
  • ulcers
  • brain fog
  • arthritis … just to name a few 

What is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. These include increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. 

Sadly with poor lifestyle choices all too common, Metabolic Syndrome is on the rise.  A large percentage of the population walks around with one, two and often more elements contributing to poor health and resulting in a high risk of incident.

Identifying where you may have gone wrong and what you need to change is an interesting and confronting process.. 

  • Are you carrying a little too much weight? 
  • Do you like to eat loads of processed food and takeaway? 
  • Do you have a sweet tooth (or in my case savoury)? 
  • Do you frequently drink a little too much alcohol? 
  • Are you always busy busy busy and never have downtime? 
  • Are you not too fussed about exercise? 
  • Do you sweat the small stuff a little too often? 

Well you’re not alone, this is many of us.  

The good news is that following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, losing weight and reducing inflammation will dramatically reduce your risk of diseases associated with metabolic syndrome. 

My six TOP TIPS for making positive lifestyle changes to reduce Inflammation and Metabolic Syndrome risks:

1. JERF – Just Eat Real Food

Keep it simple and keep it real. Focus on quality produce, eat plenty of veggies (some fruit), quality (grass-fed/organic/free range) proteins and good quality healthy fats. Remove processed carbs, refined sugars, and trans fats (such as vegetable and seed oils, and margarines). Most importantly, read your labels. 

2. Manage your weight 

For me, adopting a low-carb lifestyle has worked wonders. I now manage my weight effectively (for the first time ever). I eat for hunger, do not need to snack and have more energy than ever. Find the fuel source that keeps you nourished, energised and satiated.

3. Move often and consistently

Strive for regular movement. Just get off the sofa and move. Be consistent and set a routine. Try and do at least 30 minutes five days each week. 

4. Reduce toxic substances 

Smoking increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer and lung disease. Quitting smoking is the only way. Stop drinking alcohol or at least reduce your intake significantly. 

5. Manage stress

Identify your triggers and actively engage in ways to reduce stress. Work to live a calmer, less chaotic life. Listen to your body.  It’s ok to say no to poor relationships, environments and substances. 

6. Medical advice and support

Positive lifestyle changes are key to managing  Metabolic Syndrome and reducing inflammation. Sometimes medication may be necessary to manage the different conditions. Seek to engage a GP to support, measure and supervise your progress. 

I (and my love) have personally experienced overwhelming improvements in our health and wellbeing by adopting these lifestyle changes. My exploration has been relaxed but thorough, taking baby steps and biting off one thing at a time. 

So why not give it a try? 

Live your best life,

Michelle x