Keeping your body in a state of calm takes a lot of effort. Stress impacts the body in so many ways, and unfortunately, it is impossible to stay clear of stress altogether. One of the most profound ways stress affects the body is through physical inflammation. Here, we discuss five ways to reduce stress and inflammation so you can get back to feeling your best.
1. Drink Enough Water
Water is essential for reducing inflammation because our cells can get to work when we are hydrated. Our cells are responsible for repairing themselves and carrying out other functions in the body that allow us to recover and rest our systems effectively.
When we are dehydrated, our bodies do not have what they need to activate repair processes. Be sure to drink half your body weight in ounces a day or stick to the old standard of eight glasses a day.
Sometimes we lose essential minerals through sweat, so replenishing these components with supplements reduces inflammation. Reducing inflammation is just one of the many benefits of taking supplements. You can also take inflammation supplements to assist with your recovery.
2. Stretch After Workouts
Stretching allows your cells, muscles, and bones to relax. After a workout, your body is stressed and tightened, despite the endorphins telling you otherwise. To keep your inflammation low, make sure to stretch with foam rollers after your workouts, even if you don’t feel sore after exercising.
Stretching is also important for those with sedentary lifestyles. Stretching between working will help get your blood moving and provide you with mental relief from staring at a screen all day.
3. Drink Tart Cherry Juice
Magnesium is essential for easing muscle tension and assisting with physical recovery. Tart cherry juice is a popular way of getting enough magnesium into your diet. Many athletes rely on tart cherry juice as their go-to source for reducing inflammation.
Fortunately, there are various ways to get your daily dose of magnesium if you don’t like the taste of cherries. Many supplement variations are available for magnesium, including powders, capsules, and drink mixes. These can be incredibly helpful when you have a busy morning, so choose what works for you.
4. Use Temperature Therapy
The body turns on its parasympathetic nervous system when we engage in physical activities that tell our bodies everything is okay. This feeling of safety is often brought on by relaxation.
Using heat compresses or cold water can reduce the amount of physical tension we experience and reduce our inflammation. For example, taking a hot bath or cold shower can reduce inflammation. Try to incorporate temperature therapy into your weekly routine to reduce inflammation ongoingly.
5. Eat More Protein
High-quality cuts of protein are beneficial for the gut lining and are easier for the digestive system to process than carbs or fats. It takes the body longer to digest protein, which means you will eat less food overall and reduce the work your body needs to do for digestion by integrating more protein into your diet. Aim to add some protein into your meal planning to be satiated and do not overeat. When our bodies can properly digest, we reduce inflammation and contribute to homeostasis.
The Bottom Line
Reducing bodily inflammation requires paying attention to your diet, stress levels, and recovery processes. Integrate heat therapy, hydration, and protein into your daily routine, and you will likely see improvements in the amount of inflammation you experience. Remember to stretch throughout the day and after workouts to get your blood moving and help you destress. Follow these suggestions and get back to feeling like yourself.