Inflammatory factors are unique to each person and are influenced by various lifestyle, environmental or infectious factors that spin the immune system out of control, leading to a host of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, obesity, diabetes, dementia and cancer.

Everyone who has had a sore throat, rash, hives or a sprained ankle knows about inflammation. These are normal and appropriate responses of your body's defense system to infection and trauma.

This kind of inflammation is good and we need it to survive. The trouble occurs when that defense system runs out of control. When inflammation persists or serves no purpose, it damages the body and causes illness.

Many of us are familiar with an overactive immune response and too much inflammation. It results in common conditions like allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disease and asthma. This is bad inflammation, and if it is left unchecked, it can make life pretty difficult.

By identifying the triggers and causes of inflammation, we can help reset the body's natural immune balance by providing the right conditions for it to thrive. Fortunately, addressing the causes of inflammation and learning how to live an anti-inflammatory lifestyle can dramatically improve your health.

A poor diet that consists of mostly sugar, refined flours, processed foods and inflammatory fats such as trans and saturated fats contribute to inflammation.

Consume whole foods that are high in fiber, unprocessed, unrefined, fresh and plant-based foods. Refined sugar and other foods with a high glycemic values jack up insulin levels and put the immune system on high alert.

Lack of regular exercise contributes to inflammation. In addition to strengthening your cardiovascular system, exercise corrects and prevents insulin resistance, and is key for improving your mood and erasing the effects of stress.

Stress. Your body reacts universally to biological and psychological stressors, so controlling our stress level has a dramatic affect on overall inflammation. Thoughts and feelings are very powerful and they can manifest themselves physically with symptoms of inflammation, such as skin breakouts and intestinal issues.

Hidden allergens from food or the environment can be a source of stress on your body as well. Two common culprits are dairy and gluten.

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Fitness Matters: Decrease your inflammation for better health