In today’s era, people’s quality of life and level of healthcare are steadily improving, accompanied by a growing trend in the incidence of various diseases, especially with the continuous rise in the occurrence of chronic diseases.
There is a consensus among many experts that the root cause of the increased prevalence of diseases lies in improper dietary habits and significant life stress. Under the influence of these unfavorable factors, the human body releases inflammatory responses, and the recurrent occurrence of inflammation becomes the main culprit leading to various diseases.
If these inflammations are not promptly and effectively controlled, they may deteriorate into chronic diseases such as metabolic diseases and cardiovascular diseases, which often originate from prolonged inflammatory stimulation.
Of course, moderate inflammation plays a positive role in stimulating the body’s immune system and enhancing its defense capabilities. However, the recurrent occurrence or long-term presence of inflammation can cause significant harm to the body.
Inflammation Signals: Revealing common symptoms and warning signs of body inflammation
### Common Symptoms of Body Inflammation
1. Redness, swelling, heat, and pain
The most common symptom of inflammation is redness, swelling, heat, and pain. When inflammation occurs in a certain part of the body, blood vessels dilate, blood flow accelerates, leading to redness and swelling in the local skin. At the same time, the inflamed area may feel warm and painful, which is due to the stimulation of nerve endings by inflammatory mediators.
2. Limited function
Inflammation can lead to limited function in joints, muscles, and other body parts. For example, arthritis patients may experience joint swelling, pain, and limited mobility; muscle inflammation can cause muscle pain, weakness, affecting daily movements.
3. Fever
During inflammation, the body releases a substance called “pyrogen” that stimulates the body’s temperature center, leading to fever. Fever helps to raise body temperature and enhance the immune system’s defense function.
4. Digestive issues
Inflammation in the digestive system, such as gastritis, enteritis, can lead to digestive issues, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, etc. These symptoms can affect nutrient absorption and increase the body’s burden.
5. Difficulty in breathing
Inflammation in the respiratory system, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, can cause difficulty in breathing, coughing, chest pain, etc. These symptoms can affect gas exchange, leading to oxygen deficiency.
6. Skin symptoms
Skin inflammation, such as eczema, urticaria, can cause itching, rash, blisters, etc. These symptoms can affect patients’ daily life and work.
### Warning Signs of Body Inflammation
1. Chronic pain
Chronic pain is one of the warning signs of body inflammation. If a certain part of the body is in pain for a long time, and the intensity of pain gradually increases, it may be due to inflammation.
2. Recurrent infections
Recurrent infections may indicate a weakened immune system or chronic inflammation. If infectious diseases such as colds, pneumonia occur frequently, inflammation issues should be considered.
3. Chronic fatigue
Chronic fatigue is another warning sign of body inflammation. When the body is in a state of inflammation for an extended period, energy consumption increases, leading to fatigue and weakness.
4. Abnormal weight changes
Abnormal weight gain or loss may signal body inflammation. Inflammation can cause loss of appetite, poor nutrient absorption, and subsequently affect weight.
5. Mood swings
Mood swings are also a warning sign of body inflammation. Inflammatory mediators can stimulate the brain, leading to mood swings, anxiety, depression, and other symptoms.
Fermented Foods Aid Health, Regular Consumption Can Reduce Internal Inflammation, Unveiling the Secrets Behind the Magic
### Overview of Fermented Foods
Fermented foods refer to food products that undergo biological and chemical changes under certain conditions using microorganisms (such as yeast, lactic acid bacteria), resulting in uniquely flavored and highly nutritious foods. In China, fermented foods have a long history, with records of fermented soy products dating back to around 2000 BC.
### Benefits of Fermented Foods
1. Enhanced nutritional value
During the fermentation process, microorganisms break down large molecules such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates in food materials into small molecules that are easy to digest and absorb, such as amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, etc. Fermented foods also contain abundant probiotics, which help maintain intestinal flora balance, promote nutrient absorption.
2. Reduced internal inflammation
Recent studies have found that probiotics and fermentation products in fermented foods have anti-inflammatory effects. They can regulate the immune system’s function, lower the body’s inflammation levels. Long-term consumption of fermented foods helps reduce chronic inflammation, prevent cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other illnesses.
3. Enhanced immunity
Probiotics in fermented foods can stimulate the immune system, enhancing the body’s resistance. Studies have shown that people who frequently consume fermented foods generally have higher immunity and lower risk of infectious diseases.
4. Improved digestive function
Probiotics in fermented foods help digest food and alleviate gastrointestinal burdens. For people with indigestion, gastrointestinal disorders, consuming fermented foods can relieve symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Four Delicious Dishes for Your Health and Nutrition
1. Yogurt
Yogurt is a common fermented food, rich in proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins, with high nutritional value. The probiotics in yogurt can improve intestinal flora balance, reduce intestinal inflammation. Additionally, yogurt has the following effects:
(1) Enhanced immunity: Probiotics in yogurt can stimulate the immune system, enhance the body’s resistance.
(2) Promotes digestion: Probiotics in yogurt help break down fiber in food, promoting digestion and absorption.
2. Tofu
Tofu is a traditional fermented food made from soybeans, rich in proteins, fats, minerals, and vitamins. The daidzein in tofu has antioxidant properties that can reduce inflammation. Additionally, tofu has the following effects:
(1) Lowers cholesterol: Soy protein in tofu can lower cholesterol in the blood, preventing cardiovascular diseases.
(2) Bone protection: Calcium, magnesium, and other minerals in tofu help maintain bone health.
3. Pickled Vegetables
Pickled vegetables are traditional fermented vegetables rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The probiotics in pickled vegetables can improve intestinal flora balance, reduce intestinal inflammation. Additionally, pickled vegetables have the following effects:
(1) Increases appetite: The sour taste of pickled vegetables can stimulate appetite, promoting digestion.
(2) Cancer prevention: The antioxidants in pickled vegetables can inhibit cancer cell growth, preventing cancer.
4. Rice Wine Lees
Rice wine lees are a traditional fermented food made from glutinous rice and wine koji, rich in carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and vitamins. The probiotics in rice wine lees can improve intestinal flora balance, reduce intestinal inflammation. Additionally, rice wine lees have the following effects:
(1) Relieves stress: Sugars and amino acids in rice wine lees can alleviate fatigue, improve sleep quality.
(2) Beauty and anti-aging: Antioxidants in rice wine lees can eliminate free radicals, delay aging.
Regular consumption of fermented foods helps reduce internal inflammation and improve overall health. The above introduction of four delicious fermented foods is not only nutritious but also beneficial for health. In daily diet, increasing the intake of fermented foods appropriately, combining delicious food with health care, will safeguard your health.
Following the guide of deliciousness and health: Guidelines for Eating Fermented Foods
1. Choose high-quality fermented foods
High-quality fermented foods should have natural color, pure aroma, and rich taste. When choosing, avoid buying expired, spoiled, or damaged packaged products. Furthermore, try to select fermented foods produced by reputable manufacturers with quality assurance.
2. Understand the suitable groups for fermented foods
Fermented foods are not suitable for everyone’s consumption. For some special groups, such as gastric ulcers, excessive gastric acid, sensitive constitution, caution is needed when consuming fermented foods. Moreover, children and the elderly should pay attention to the quantity when consuming fermented foods.
3. Pay attention to the combination of fermented foods
There are also considerations for the combination of fermented foods. Generally, fermented foods should be matched with fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains rich in vitamins and minerals to fully utilize their nutritional value and health benefits.
4. Control the intake of fermented foods
Although fermented foods are nutritious, excessive consumption should be avoided. Overeating may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, indigestion, and other symptoms. Typically, the daily consumption of fermented foods should be kept around 100 grams.
