Fighting Inflammation with Lifestyle Medicine

Most, if not all, chronic diseases are linked to inflammation – commonly defined as the immune system’s response to an irritant. Inflammation can take many forms, particularly in the joints, including redness, swelling, pain and stiffness. It can also be short-lived (acute) or long-lasting (chronic).

The encouraging news is that lifestyle medicine – and a solution like Pivio – is proven to tackle chronic issues such as inflammation. Even more encouraging is a recent special health report published by Harvard Health Publishing titled Fighting Inflammation. Focused on how to stop the damage of inflammation before it compromises your health, this insightful report supports much of the information Pivio shares with participants.

Eat to Beat Inflammation 

Harvard experts warn against “anti-inflammatory diets” that are not grounded in science. Similarly, Pivio recommends a whole-food, plant-based diet that is clinically proven as a lifestyle medicine solution to prevent, treat, and assist in the reversal of many chronic diseases. 

Incorporate Movement

Fighting Inflammation shares how much aerobic exercise – it is surprisingly little! – it takes to lower inflammation levels. With Pivio, our experts recommend 30 minutes per day of exercise, even gentle movement like walking. This low-impact form of exercise aids in lowering blood pressure, elevating mood, improving circulation, strengthening muscles, boosting immunity, and having more restful sleep. 

Conquer Chronic Stress

According to Harvard experts, chronic stress can spark the development of inflammation and cause flare-ups of problems like rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, depression, and inflammatory bowel disease. We recognize this at Pivio as well, offering tangible steps to help participants manage stress and feel happier. Our research has also proven that management of stress helps to control weight, reduce the risk of heart disease and dementia, reduce muscle tension, get sick less often, and sleep soundly. 

Get Enough Sleep 

In Fighting Inflammation, the Harvard team showcases how inadequate sleep not only robs you of energy and productivity, but it also elevates inflammation, which can be especially hazardous to heart health. Pivio experts recommend 7-8 hours of quality, restorative, sleep each night for a multitude of benefits. These include weight control, blood sugar regulation, cardiovascular health, mood, dementia prevention, and keeping the immune system strong. 

Stop Smoking & Limit Alcohol Use

Fighting Inflammation emphasizes how eliminating smoking can dramatically reduce inflammation levels in just a few weeks. It also analyzes how to limit alcohol use, and what these limitations can do for the body. In Pivio we also recommend avoiding risky substances, including alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, and drugs. These substances can threaten personal health, and also impact the Earth through environmental toxins and pollutants. 

We are thankful to see such an insightful report from Harvard Health Publishing, and wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment that lifestyle medicine practices are a proven solution to conquer inflammation and reduce the effects of chronic diseases. With Pivio, we are honored to offer a solution for organizations to adopt to help make their teams better and healthier. Emphasizing the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, Pivio has the power to trim health care costs and change lives.