The Problem With Inflammation

Right now I’m in the middle of a “cleanse”, though that’s not quite the right word for it. It’s a version of the Ultra Simple Diet by Dr. Mark Hyman, where you simplify your diet to reduce inflammation and negative reactions you may have to foods. You’ve probably heard that inflammation is the source of a lot of health issues, but do you know why? 

What Is Inflammation, Anyway? 

Years ago when I would introduce myself at a business conference, I would say that I helped women reduce chronic inflammation. Back then, hardly anyone would know what I was talking about. Not so much now, though I feel like it gets oversimplified. The truth is that it can have a massive impact on how you feel every single day. 

Inflammation can be the root of joint pain, digestive problems, stubborn weight gain, fatigue, and heart disease. It even plays a role in balancing your hormones. But people don’t always explain what inflammation really means; it’s actually your body’s natural way of protecting you.

Think about when you get a cut – the redness, swelling, warmth – that’s your immune system doing exactly what it’s supposed to do. It’s targeted, has a purpose, and then it goes away. Chronic stress, certain illnesses or health conditions, and poor diet can also cause inflammation in your body. The problem is that for a lot of people, that inflammation never fully turns off. 

This is what’s called chronic, low-grade inflammation. It builds up over time, so slowly you might not even notice it, and starts messing with everything! Your digestion, sleep, mood, energy, and hormones can be affected. So if you’ve been feeling: 

• Puffy or bloated for no obvious reason,
• Tired even when you should feel rested,
• Foggy or irritable,
• Or simply feeling “off” a lot,

That might be inflammation talking. And if you’ve been wondering why you’re doing all the “healthy things” but still struggle with your weight, or energy, or sleep, this could be the missing piece.

Here’s The Good News

Luckily, you can do a lot to help your body chill out and calm that inflammation without going on a starvation diet or exercising every morning at 6am. Over the next several blog posts, I’ll be diving into the truth about inflammation: what causes it, how to spot it, and most importantly, how to reduce it in a way that actually works for you.

I’m excited to share this information with you because it can make a real difference not only in how you feel, but also in your long term health.

Try this quick check-in: Take a few minutes today to think about any symptoms you’ve noticed lately — bloating, fatigue, irritability, brain fog, or even a feeling of being “off.” Is there a pattern? That could be your body’s way of asking for a little more care. Stay tuned, because this month we’ll unpack exactly what you can do about it.