The Inflammation Loop
Being in my 2nd year post-menopause has introduced new challenges … one being achy joints, specifically finger joints & knees … as well as evolving digestive system. I’ve had the good fortune of pushing my body to the edge in a variety of ways — climbing mountains, running marathons, working 16-hour days and sleeping 6 hours a night. My digestion has been strong throughout my life, even through and after dealing with an eating disorder for over a decade.
Well, post-menopause is teaching me new things about an aging body.
And currently, I’m on a personal quest to avoid letting statements like, “Getting old is a bitch,” and “It sucks getting old” get into my psyche.
I recently came upon an interview with Tim Spector on The Big Think YouTube Channel. It’s called “The Inflammation Loop,” and I’m learning a ton. Check it out — https://youtu.be/A3_fG1h2a_g?si=Z41xR3qE8YJxnc6z.
Some takeaways for me thus far:
While acute inflammation is a healthy response to illness and injury, chronic inflammation is not.
Chronic inflammation has been linked to things like heart disease & dementia, and also now being linked to mental health challenges like depression and anxiety.
The gut microbiome is being termed our “second brain” — not only that, whereas it’s been accepted for hundreds of years that the brain is the primary “director” of the body, scientists are now finding that the gut sends as many and likely MORE signals & information to the brain than the other way around.
There are simple (maybe not “easy,” but simple) practices we can employ to increase our gut microbiome health and mitigate or even eliminate (!!) the top diseases plaguing modern Western society.
If you find the interview helpful, I’d love to know what sticks out to you … what you’re already doing to short-circuit the “inflammation loop” in your body & how your practices are evolving in this area!
The time-tested practices of Yoga inherently mitigate imbalances in the body and mind — that is when practices are chosen for your unique disposition, stage of life and lifestyle. Practices that are universally beneficial for bringing balance to the Fire Element (i.e. inflammation) include:
Cooling Asanas (postures) like Supine Twists, Legs Up the Wall, Pitta Sun Salutations
Gentle Pranayama (breathwork) like Diaphragmatic Breathing, Sitali Breath, and Nadi Shodhanam
Rejuvenating Pratyahara (sense relaxation) like Guided Relaxation or Yoga Nidra
Cooling Meditation practices like Empty Bowl Meditation
Yoga’s companion science of Ayurveda adds the recommendations to eat according to the Seasons, at the right time, in the right amount and with the right attitude (which is a lifetime of study & practice in itself!).
I look forward to hearing from you, to seeing you in a class, and to welcome the cooling Yoga practices of Summer ahead. See you soon! E