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There's no better time to focus on our health than now. This seems to be the lingering lesson that many of us have learned or are still learning in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many of us have started working out, taking supplements, and eating more fruits and vegetables in order to boost our immunity.

However, each person's health journey is unique. So, while there are general steps that we can take to become healthier, it's also important to address our own health concerns.

For example, you may be obese, so you should focus on weight management. Or maybe you are anemic, therefore, you should consume more foods rich in iron. You get the drift.

And speaking of specific health concerns, did you know that inflammation in the body can cause serious health conditions?

This is one of the revelations that wellness doctor and health advocate, Dr. Kaycee Reyes of Luminisce Clinics, shared during the virtual launch of her newly founded Innosense Organics, a brand that consists of all-organic, anti-inflammatory products.

Read on to find out how inflammation is connected to the immune system and why it's important to address it.

Inflammation and the immune system

While immunity-boosting is one of the top health priorities, it is also important for us to manage or get rid of inflammation in our bodies.

Why, you ask? Although inflammation may initially seem harmless, when left untreated, it can lead to potentially life-threatening diseases.

During the said virtual press con, Dra. Reyes explained that the immune system becomes activated when your body recognizes anything that is foreign, including invading microbes, plant pollen, or chemicals.

When the immune system is activated, it triggers a process called inflammation, which protects the body from these invaders.

However, when the inflammation becomes chronic, it may cause major diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, depression, and Alzheimer's.

Take note that some of these conditions are also comorbidities for COVID-19.

Moreover, Dra. Reyes also revealed that inflammation can affect your body's overall performance.

For example, indulging in too many inflammation-causing foods (such as sugar-sweetened beverages, red and processed meats, shortenings like margarine and lard) can actually cause skin aging.

How to fight off inflammation

Fortunately, the key to addressing inflammation is as simple as watching what you eat and making that conscious effort to add beneficial anti-inflammatory foods into your diet.

Aside from avoiding trigger foods, you should also consume foods that are rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, such as fruits and leafy green vegetables, which can protect against inflammation.

Dr. Reyes also pointed out that we are blessed to live in a beautiful country that grows fresh produce like turmeric, ginger, and garlic--the biggest contributors to any anti-inflammatory diet.

As a final reminder, Dra. Reyes emphasized that one of the greatest armors that we can have against diseases is eating healthy.

“The body is best protected from life-threatening diseases when it is nourished properly with a well-balanced diet,” Dr. Reyes advised.

For more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.

Check out also Ang Pinaka's list of famous diet plans.