In today’s world many of us experience inflammation without even realising it. Though it can be a natural immune response, when it becomes chronic, inflammation can disrupt nearly every aspect of our health. So what are the symptom of inflammation? They can range from:  

–Fatigue: Persistent tiredness or lack of energy, even after adequate sleep.

–Digestive Issues: Bloating, gas, diarrhoea, constipation, or a feeling of heaviness after eating.

–Skin Problems: Acne, eczema, psoriasis, rashes, or other unexplained skin conditions.

–Unexplained Aches and Pains: Muscle stiffness, joint pain, or a general sense of body discomfort without a clear cause.

–Frequent Infections: Recurring colds, leaky eyes, UTIs, or slow healing wounds may point to a weakened immune system due to inflammation.

–Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrefreshed.

–Weight Fluctuations: Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight, particularly around the abdomen.

–Brain Fog: Trouble concentrating, memory issues, or a sense of mental “cloudiness.”

–Mood Changes: Irritability, anxiety, or depression, which may be linked to inflammatory pathways in the brain.

–Allergies or Sensitivities: Increased sensitivity to foods, chemicals, or environmental allergens.

–Hormonal Imbalances: Irregular periods, worsened PMS, or symptoms of hormonal disruption can sometimes link back to chronic inflammation.

–Cravings for Sugar or Processed Foods: Chronic inflammation can affect hunger signals and lead to a preference for unhealthy foods.

These symptoms might just be your body’s way of telling you it’s inflamed.  I too have suffered from inflammation in the form of cystic acne. I was one of the lucky ones though as it was all over my face so I was able to see it (you can read more about my story in the ‘About’ page). A lot of inflammatory symptoms can appear quite hidden. If chronic inflammation persists unchecked, it can lead to significant health problems. The constant state of heightened immune response can damage healthy tissues and organs, increasing the risk of developing serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, certain types of cancer, auto-immune conditions and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

So where does Inflammation come from?

Here are some of the common sources of inflammation in everyday life

1. Processed Junk Foods and Additives
   Many processed foods contain preservatives, artificial flavours, and additives, which can provoke an inflammatory response. Highly processed oils like soybean, corn, vegetable, sunflower rapeseed oil (aka canola oil) are also known to contribute to inflammation, particularly due to their high omega-6 content.
2. Environmental Toxins
   Pollution, cleaning products, mould, heavy metals, air fresheners, and even personal skin care items (particularly fragranced items) expose us to toxins that accumulate in our bodies over time, potentially increasing inflammation levels. Consider choosing natural or organic options to reduce your exposure. A handy app to download to your mobile which you use to scan products to rate how clean they are is the ‘Yuka’ app. You simply scan the barcode and it will tell you a rating and score of how clean or toxic the product is.
3. Stress and Hormonal Imbalance
   Stress is a powerful trigger for inflammation, especially through its impact on hormones. When we’re under stress, our body releases cortisol, which is often called the “stress hormone.” While cortisol plays an essential role in helping us respond to immediate threats, long-term stress keeps cortisol levels elevated, which can disrupt various systems in the body—including how we handle sugar. Elevated cortisol levels make it harder for insulin to work properly, leading to a condition called insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone that helps move glucose from the bloodstream into the cells for energy. When our cells become resistant to insulin, glucose builds up in the blood, leading to spikes in blood sugar and increased fat storage. Over time, this can create a cycle of inflammation, cravings, and even weight gain.
4. Sugar: The Sneaky Culprit Refined sugar is a significant contributor to inflammation—and it’s everywhere! From obvious sources like sweets and soft drinks to “healthy” foods like: granola bars, flavoured yogurts and ketchup, sugar sneaks into our diet daily. When we consume refined sugars, it quickly enters the bloodstream, causing spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. With frequent sugar intake and chronic stress, insulin resistance can develop, creating ongoing inflammation and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and other health conditions. For many people, sugar is not just a habit but an emotional crutch. Turning to sugar can be a way to soothe unresolved feelings and trauma, creating a cycle that’s hard to break. Breaking free from these cravings means taking back control and addressing any underlying emotions directly, rather than masking them with sugar. In experiments conducted with rats, it was discovered that sugar is more addictive than cocaine! It’s no wonder many people struggle to stay in control around sugary food!

Breaking the Cycle

Reducing inflammation means making thoughtful choices daily. For example, you could start by substituting refined sugar with natural sweeteners like raw honey, maple syrup or fresh fruit, which are less likely to spike your blood sugar. Incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables (eating daily from the colours of the rainbow) along with balanced meals with high quality protein (always buy the best quality meat you can afford; the best being organic & grass fed) and cooking from scratch where possible. Reducing (or removing completely) ready meals, processed foods and fried foods in particular will go a long way to reducing your inflammation.  Finding time for introspection, self care, connecting with others, getting out in nature & sunlight, supporting your liver, reducing your exposure to EMF’s, breathwork, being mindful and doing things you love are also essential to help keep your stress and inflammation levels low. Making small, consistent changes to your diet and lifestyle can gradually lead to lasting results.

Take the First Step Towards Reducing inflammation

One of the most impactful ways to lower inflammation and reclaim your energy is by reducing or eliminating refined sugar from your diet. You don’t have to miss out as there are plenty of delicious treats you can still have that are more nourishing and healthy for you.  Remember, you deserve to feel your best and if you don’t make your health a priority then who else is going to? I’ve been there too and know how tricky it can be when you don’t know where to start. Let’s conquer inflammation together!

To get started, download my FREE guide, The Ultimate Sugar Detox, and discover simple easy-to-implement steps to take control of your sugar intake and reduce inflammation in your body.

My Ditch the Sugar Challenge starts on Monday 13th January 2025. Don’t miss out!!

• Immune System
• Inflammation
• My Story
• Nutrition
• Spirituality
• Sugar Cravings
• Sugar Detox
• Toxic Ingredients