Deepak Chopra, a world leader in alternative medicine and meditation, shed light on what he considers the world’s most pressing health issues during a speech in New York City this week and announced his company’s expansion into wellness tourism .
“The number one epidemic of our time right now is inflammation,” he said.
When the body’s immune system sounds the alarm to anything foreign, such as pollen or microorganisms, it triggers an inflammatory response. Acute inflammation protects the body and helps it heal. However, when inflammation persists and becomes what is called chronic inflammation, serious health consequences can ensue.
“Stress, inflammation, depression, anxiety and chronic illness go hand in hand,” Chopra said. “Inflammation is the culprit in all of these diseases.”
Ongoing stress puts the body in a state of chronic inflammation, increasing the risk of anxiety, depression, heart disease, and mental health problems such as Alzheimer’s disease. cleveland clinic.
“The cause is trauma. Anyone who has had trauma can develop inflammation,” Chopra said. Chopra explained that increases in mental health issues and chronic stress are related to the body’s response to trauma, which may stem from intergenerational trauma, isolation or the stress of the news cycle.
There are many things we cannot control, but Chopra says to look within and see what you can change. “It’s a very difficult task,” he admits, but he goes on to say that understanding the biology of inflammation and how lifestyle habits exacerbate it is a good place to start.
Here’s what Deepak Chopra recommends for reducing chronic inflammation.
1. enough sleep
Chopra says sleep is crucial to reducing stress.Lack of sleep linked to increased inflammation, study says Harvard Health.
Most adults need at least seven to nine hours of sleep each night to reduce the risk of a range of chronic health problems, including heart disease and stroke. Developing relaxation habits—including minimizing screen time, practicing mindfulness before bed, and maintaining consistent bedtime and wakeup times—will help people get enough time.
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Since stress is linked to inflammation, it’s crucial to find ways to reduce stress—whether that’s through mindfulness, meditation, exercise, or hobbies.
Even twenty minutes of art activity or a few minutes of deep breathing can have an impact over time. Expressing gratitude can also calm the mind and body, thereby increasing feelings of well-being.
3. Stay emotionally connected to others
Positive relationships with others are associated with lower levels of inflammation, unlike isolation and loneliness, which put people at risk for chronic inflammation and a host of health problems.
Finding ways to stay connected with others through volunteering, community groups and events can help mitigate health risks.
4. Looking for happy moments
Research shows that finding happy moments can increase feelings of calm and help us reduce stress.
Fortunately, there are opportunities for joy everywhere. Listen to a song you like, notice the changing colors of the leaves, or smell the spices in a meal you love to make.
5. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet
Chopra recommends eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in plant-based, whole foods. Eating anti-inflammatory foods can reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and depression. He preaches the pillars of the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, olive oil and lean meats.
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