Taming the Flame of Inflammation

This blog was sparked by a beautiful breakfast with a dear friend yesterday—a morning filled with nourishing food, vibrant conversation, and the kind of connection that sparks curiosity. It was the kind of breakfast where the conversation flows as effortlessly as the coffee pours, weaving through topics that nourish both heart and soul.

As we sat looking out at the sun glistening over the lake along the esplanade, we took a moment to admire the gorgeous growth of our gardens (of course, I included images so you can revel in the lush abundance).

Our conversation naturally flowed into heart- and soul-nourishing topics, eventually landing on food—the way it fuels us, the magic of how our bodies respond to what we consume, and the deep connection between what we grow and what we eat. We marveled at the lush greenery (because, let’s be honest, there’s something deeply satisfying about watching nature thrive!), and as always, the conversation effortlessly circled back to nourishment and vitality.

The topic of nightshades arose when I mentioned the cherry tomatoes in my meal, and it was the first time she had heard of them. I loved that I was able to ‘geek out’ about food while savouring a scrumptious plate of avocado smash. I chose to swap out the sourdough and add two poached eggs for extra protein, alongside beetroot hummus, cherry tomatoes, feta, dukkah and a drizzle of balsamic glaze—each bite a blend of colour, texture and pure nourishment and deliciousness! 

While I savored my vibrant avocado smash, one of my soul sisters indulged in a tantalising bowl of granola with seasonal fruit and berries, creamy Greek yogurt, coconut flakes and nutrient-rich chia seeds—a delightful balance of crunch, sweetness and nourishment. 

This discussion was a beautiful reminder that nutrition is deeply personal. While nightshades like tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, and peppers have received some negative attention due to their alkaloid content, they also have incredible benefits. Tomatoes, for instance, are rich in lycopene, a potent antioxidant that supports heart health, reduces oxidative stress and even promotes glowing skin. 

For many people, nightshades are a fantastic source of nourishment. They contain vital nutrients, antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can support health, not just harm it. The key is to listen to your body and recognise whether they work for you individually.

As breakfast wrapped up and we strolled back to the car, the conversation deepened into the realm of muscle testing, the power of our thoughts and how our words influence our physical state. I even got to demonstrate how the strength and integrity of our body can shift based on the energy behind our words—an incredible reminder of just how interconnected our body, mind, heart and energy truly are.

And then, as if the universe was guiding the conversation exactly where it needed to go, we started talking about how certain foods affect our bodies—leading us straight into today’s topic: inflammation.

It was as if a thread was weaving through our discussion, naturally revealing another powerful word: inflammation—a term that, when traced to its roots, quite literally means “to set on fire.” And that is exactly what inflammation does—it generates heat, fuels imbalance, and keeps the body burning in ways that do not serve us.

Today I invite you to explore with me how to reduce the flame of inflammation, bringing balance to our bodies and minds while igniting healing instead of harm.

Before we dive in, let me just say this—I know this is a lot of information. So, if you haven’t already, I invite you to grab your favourite cup of tea, cozy up, maybe even get a snack (because, let’s be real, food and learning go hand in hand) and settle in.

As always, use your own discernment. Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t, and know that you can return to this blog anytime you feel called to deepen your connection to the foods you choose to nourish your body, mind, heart, and soul with.

I hope you experience as much enjoyment reading this blog as I did writing it and sharing my lived experience with you.

Now, let’s get into it!

For those who have been following the Wild Wellness Blog, you already know about my deep fascination with words and lexicology.

Words hold power.

They shape our understanding, create mental images and influence how we interact with the world.

I have always been curious about the root origin of words—where they come from and how they shape our understanding of the world.

Do they truly describe what we are trying to communicate? or are they simply a collection of letters until we attach meaning to them?

Some words don’t quite capture the essence of what they mean, but inflammation?

That word is spot on.

The word inflammation comes from the Latin word “INFLAMMO”, which literally means to set on fire, to ignite or to add flame to.

🔥 That is exactly what inflammation does—it creates heat in the body.

I love how words reflect nature, biology and human experience.

Our bodies are always communicating with us, and inflammation is one of its most intelligent signals—an essential defense mechanism that protects us yet remains one of the most misunderstood processes.

This might surprise you—not all inflammation is bad. In fact, we wouldn’t survive without it.

It’s an essential healing response that kicks in when we need it most. The problem arises when inflammation sticks around for too long and starts causing more harm than good.

How perfectly aligned that my word of the year is IGNITE—though today, we are talking about how to put the flame out rather than fueling the fire.

Inflammation is the intelligent and natural response of the body to injury, infection or imbalance. It is a mechanism designed to protect, heal and restore balance—a natural alarm system, like a fire alarm going off that signals when something needs attention so the immune system can take action. Inflammation plays a critical role in healing wounds, repairing tissue damage, and fighting off harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses.

Not all inflammation is the same.

There are two types of inflammation, and understanding the difference is key.

There is a difference between healing acute inflammation and harmful, chronic inflammation.

Acute inflammation is the immediate, short-term response of the body to injury, infection, or illness—its first line of defense, rushing blood, immune cells and nutrients to the affected area to kickstart the healing process. Think of it as a superhero swooping in to save the day, cleaning up the mess, and then making a swift exit once the job is done.

✅ Examples of Acute Inflammation:

A sprained ankle (it swells up to protect the joint)

A cut or bruise (it turns red and puffy as blood rushes in to heal it)

A sore throat (your immune system fights off infection)

A fever (a sign that your immune system is working and your body is killing bacteria and viruses)

✅ Symptoms of Acute Inflammation:

Redness

Swelling

Warmth

Pain

Temporary loss of function

✅ How long does it last? A few days to a few weeks.

💡 Why It’s Important: This type of inflammation is beneficial—it is the natural healing response of the body. Once the job is done, the body completes its process, the inflammation subsides, and you move on.

This is where things get tricky—chronic inflammation is long-term, low-grade inflammation that lingers in the body for months or even years. Instead of serving as a protective response, it slowly wears down the body, damaging tissues, organs and cells over time.

❌ Examples of Chronic Inflammation:

Autoimmune conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s)

Chronic stress (triggers inflammation through cortisol release and keeps the body in fight-or-flight mode)

Digestive issues (like IBS, Crohn’s, colitis)

Heart disease, diabetes, asthma (all linked to chronic inflammation in arteries)

Type 2 diabetes (driven by insulin resistance)

Asthma & allergies (chronic immune response)

Hormonal imbalances

Brain fog, fatigue, joint pain (common signs of chronic inflammation)

❌ Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation:

Persistent pain & stiffness

Fatigue & low energy

Digestive issues

Frequent infections

Skin conditions (acne, eczema, psoriasis)

Anxiety & depression

Weight gain or difficulty losing weight

❌ Duration: Long-term, often undetected for years.

⚠️ Why chronic inflammation is Dangerous: Unlike acute inflammation, which has a beginning and an end, chronic inflammation never fully turns off. The immune system remains stuck in a state of activation, leading to cellular damage, hormone imbalances and increased risk of disease.

The good news?

You can lower inflammation naturally.

Keep reading to find out how to support the natural balance of your body to tame the flame of inflammation.

Reduce Stress & Calm the Nervous System: Your nervous system and immune system are deeply connected. When your body is stuck in fight-or-flight mode, it continuously releases stress hormones like cortisol, which keep inflammation active.

🔥 Ways to Reduce Stress:

✔️ Breathwork & deep breathing

✔️ Meditation & mindfulness

✔️ Grounding (barefoot walking, nature time)

✔️ Gentle movement (yoga, stretching)

✔️ Restorative sleep

Balance Your Fats for Inflammation Control: Not all fats are created equal. Your body needs the right balance.

❌ Avoid:

Industrial seed oils (soybean, canola, corn, sunflower)

Fried foods & processed snacks

✔️ Choose to eat More:

 Wild-caught fish (Hoki, Salmon, Sardines, Whitebait)

 Extra virgin olive oil

 Avocados

 Nuts

 Flax & chia seeds

Nourish Your Body with Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Your food choices can either fuel the fire or put it out.

✔️ Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods:

Leafy greens (spinach, kale, arugula)

Berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)

Turmeric & ginger

Garlic & onions

Nuts & seeds

Wild-caught fish

Dark chocolate (85% or higher)

❌ Foods That Trigger Inflammation:

Processed sugar & refined carbs

Artificial sweeteners

Excess alcohol

Dairy (for some)

Gluten (for some)

Nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers, though tomatoes work well for me!)

Support Your Body with Key Nutrients

✔️ Essential vitamins & minerals for inflammation control:

Vitamin D (best sourced from sunlight or high-quality supplements)

Magnesium (found in leafy greens, nuts & seeds)

Zinc (pumpkin seeds, beef and for those who can enjoy them—shellfish)

B Vitamins (whole, unprocessed foods)

Now, I may or may not have mentioned this before, but shellfish and I, especially prawns? Let’s just say we are not exactly on speaking terms—especially if they are imported. If food relationships were a thing, shellfish and I would be in a very complicated one—one where they try to take me out, so I do my best to avoid them altogether.

If you can enjoy your prawn, crab & lobster without a second thought, go for it! But if you are looking for a safer option like me (or just prefer to avoid seafood) I will be happily crunching on pumpkin seeds and chewing beef for my zinc—zero allergic reactions, zero drama, just pure nourishment!

The best way to reduce inflammation is to let food be your medicine.

We all have the ability to ignite healing instead of inflammation by nurturing our bodies, reducing stress, and making mindful choices that support balance and well-being.

Inflammation is not the enemy—it is a natural and necessary response that allows us to heal. It is when inflammation becomes chronic, it can wreak absolute havoc contributing to fatigue, pain, and disease.

By supporting our nervous system, diet, movement, sleep, and stress levels—while tuning into our body, nourishing it well, and making intentional choices—we can turn down the heat and create an internal environment where healing thrives.

🔥 What small shift can you make today to reduce inflammation and ignite healing in your body?

I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts and experiences—share below!

Remember, you can always return to this blog whenever you need to deepen your connection to food and wellness.

As I wrap up this reflection on healing and balance, I am off to soak in the sunshine and dive into How to Fall in Love with Humanity by James 'Fish' Gill, which was delivered this morning, as it was only released last week. There is something magical about immersing in fresh words under the warmth of the sun and letting new perspectives settle in. I am looking forward to being able to share my key takeaways with you once I have turned the final page—stay tuned for the wisdom and insights that unfold!