Body on Fire: How Inflammation Triggers Chronic Illnesss and the Tools We Have to Fight It

by Monica Aggarwal MD, Jyothi Rao MD

Overview

Numerous lifestyle factors can lead to inflammation, which in turn can trigger a number of illnesses. Two physicians draw on their personal and professional experiences and present an in-depth evaluation of the impact inflammation has on chronic disease, along with a revolutionary approach for restoring balance. Drs. Aggarwal and Rao help you to take a personal, honest assessment of your energy, lifestyle, dietary habits, and mental state, and then provide a series of interventions that will enable you to reclaim your health. In-depth explanations of the dangers of stress, how microbiomes affect digestive health, and how common dietary changes can make a difference, bring a broader understanding of how our bodies work and what they need to be healthy. Specific plant-based foods are identified that reduce harmful inflammation and nurture healthy digestive organisms. Further guidance is provided on quality sleep—especially in today’s digital age—adequate hydration, mind-body techniques to recharge and activate our bodies, the role of exercise, and intermittent-fasting. Each chapter includes recommendations and action steps. How you treat your body will bring out the best from your mind. This book is a prescription to combat stress and illness and achieve a healthy balance of physical and emotional well-being. Please note: Body on Fire is an updated revision of their self-published book Finding Balance.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781570673924
Publisher:	Book Publishing Company, The
Publication date:	08/01/2020
Pages:	288
Sales rank:	355,414
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

Table of Contents

Foreword viii

Finding new tools to heal the whole body Andrew Weil. MD

Traveling the world researching alternative healing practices

Introduction x

Body On Fire?

As youth, we have a perception of invincibility and how the choices we make can overwhelm our body's natural defenses.

1 A Juggling Act 1

Balance, internal stability, and homeostasis

Balance must occur between resources and demands. When demands outweigh resources, illness is triggered and the body becomes inflamed.

2 How My Daughter Saved Me 5

Dr. Monica Aggarwal's story

Dr. Aggarwal developed a significant illness that became her defining life moment and turning point.

3 Learning the Meaning of MD 9

Dr. Jyothi Rao's story

Dr. Rao struggled as a physician not treating patients but illnesses, leading to her transformative decision to move into a wellness practice.

4 Breaking Down 13

When balance is disrupted, stress and inflammation are created

A detailed look at how chronic illness affects the immune system and activates the sympathetic nervous system.

5 Chronic Illness Is Born 23

What we know about illnesses and risk factors for illness that your body can tell us

A detailed look at specific illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease and how they affect our bodies.

6 The House of Bugs 35

Learn about your gut

The microorganisms in the gut make up our second immune system. Changes in our gut bugs can put us at risk tor inflammation.

7 Heal Thy Gut 53

The role of elimination

Removing toxins from the body allows the gut to heal and perform as a stronger line of defense against illness.

8 Superfoods 73

Greens, beans, carbs, oh my!

A detailed look at the phytonutrients in foods that help fuel the microbiome and help with lowering inflammation.

9 Oil Change 91

Nuts, seeds, and avocado

Nuts, seeds, avocado, and a conversation about oil-the controversy over the benefits of oil in different food sources.

10 Spice It Up 109

With the spices (and herbs) of life

Spices offer unique ingredients to help lower inflammation and oxidative stress. Turn your kitchen cabinets into a medicinal cabinet.

11 Water 117

The essence of life

Learn about the substance which has the ability to rejuvenate, invigorate, and sustain balance.

12 Sleep on It 121

Rejuvenate and detoxify by catching some Z's

Recharge the body to bring back balance from the stresses. Restorative sleep helps with metabolism, hormone balance, and detoxification.

13 The Mind-Body Connection 139

Unleash the healing power of a calm mind

A look at the interplay between the mind and the body-how postures, breathing techniques, and meditation can induce healing.

14 The Euphoria of Exercise 159

Movement to reverse the damage of a sedentary lifestyle

Physical movement sustains balance, protects the heart, and can help with energy, hormone balance, and mood.

15 The Benefits of Fasting 185

How fasting can help reset the immune system

An age old concept that can increase the weight loss benefits of exercise.

16 Optimism 189

The role of posittvity in health

An optimist will always believe that there is something positive to be gained regardless of the situation. A look at how attitude can affect our health.

17 Recharge 195

Eat well, play more, sleep deeply, heal

Summary of tools to help rest and digest and bring back homeostasis

Endnotes 197

Glossary 220

Acknowledgments 231

About the Authors 232

Index 234