Inflammation is a process that occurs when the body’s immune system kicks into gear to fight off an infection or injury. In a healthy person, inflammation is a normal and necessary response.
However, when inflammation persists for a long time, it can become chronic and lead to several serious health problems.
The impact of inflammation on the body differs in each individual. Chronic inflammation has been linked to a number of diseases such as heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s, as well as conditions like obesity and diabetes. It can similarly lead to a range of mental health issues including anxiety and depression. Therefore, it's important to understand what inflammation is and how to keep it under control.
Inflammation: the silent killer
Inflammation is a major cause of death worldwide, yet it often goes unnoticed. This is because inflammation is “silent”, meaning it doesn’t cause any symptoms. Inflammation is a normal response of the body to injury or infection, but when it becomes chronic, it can lead to a host of health problems.
Thankfully, there are ways to reduce inflammation by adopting some easy lifestyle changes. While there are many things that can contribute to inflammation, there are also several ways to keep it under control. Possibly the greatest impact is caused by the foods and beverages we consume. Diet, exercise and supplements can all help to reduce inflammation, and so can reducing the amount of alcohol you drink.
The link between alcohol and inflammation
We’re all aware that consuming too much alcohol can lead to a whole range of health problems. But did you know that one of the major things it can do is cause inflammation? Alcohol is a major contributor to inflammation, and it is one of the reasons why heavy drinkers are at increased risk for these chronic diseases.
There is growing evidence that alcohol consumption can lead to intestinal inflammation. Intestinal inflammation with excess drinking known to alter the lining of both an individual’s colon and intestines. Drinking alcohol regularly or excessively puts you at a higher risk for developing chronic inflammation in your body.
Studies have shown that alcohol consumption can lead to an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that promote inflammation. This can cause a variety of health issues including gastritis, ulcers and Crohn’s disease. Alcohol can also damage the lining of the gut, which allows bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream. This can trigger an immune response, resulting in inflammation. It can also cause inflammation in your joints, muscles and organs, deterring the function of inflammation regulation, all of which lead to both further inflammation and organ damage.
So, if you’re concerned about inflammation, it is best to limit your alcohol intake. But as always, moderation is key. A glass of red wine every now and again is unlikely to cause serious problems – it’s only when alcohol consumption becomes excessive that it can lead to more chronic health conditions.
Effective ways to help reduce inflammation
Whilst the most effective method of reducing inflammation is quitting alcohol altogether, decreasing the amount of alcohol you consume, alongside making some core changes to your diet and lifestyle, can also have a significant impact.
Taking regular breaks from drinking by swapping your alcoholic beverages with de-alcoholised alternatives such as the Edenvale range, as well as hydrating your body by drinking water or electrolytes, are simple steps you can take to reduce the impacts of inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory foods can also assist in fighting inflammation, with common foods such as berries, nuts, olive oil, fatty fish, tomatoes, oranges and leafy green vegetables are all known for their anti-inflammatory benefits.
Adopt an alcohol-free lifestyle
If you’re looking to reduce your risk of chronic disease, it’s important to be aware of the link between alcohol and inflammation. By cutting back on your drinking or even abstaining for periods of time, you can help reduce inflammation in your body and improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Edenvale’s alcohol-removed alternatives make taking time off drinking easy. With a range of delicious alcohol-free wines, you can shop the Edenvale range now online.