Tips for Reducing Inflammation in Your Body (and Heart!)

It’s February! A month all about love—Valentine’s Day, heart-shaped everything, and maybe even a few extra chocolates. 🍫 But here’s the thing: when we talk about heart health, we often think about it in the traditional sense—like keeping your ticker in top shape. But this month, I want to dive into something that goes hand-in-hand with heart health... inflammation.

Yes, I know—you're probably thinking, "Brandon, I know all about inflammation in my joints, muscles, and how it affects my daily life." You’re right, you’ve heard me talk about that before. But guess what? That inflammation you feel in your joints? It’s also affecting your heart. 💓

Why Should We Care About Heart Inflammation? 🔥

Here’s the deal: inflammation doesn’t just cause pain in your knees, hips, or back; it can also lead to serious problems for your heart. Chronic inflammation can increase your risk of heart disease, clogged arteries, and even heart attacks. Yikes, right? 😳

The cool thing is, there’s a lot we can do to keep inflammation in check—not just for our joints but also for our heart.

How to Show Your Heart Some Love 💖 (And Keep Inflammation at Bay)

1. Red Wine & Dark Chocolate (In Moderation!) 🍷

Here’s the fun part: Did you know that dark chocolate (70% cacao or more) and red wine have anti-inflammatory properties? Yes, please! 🎉 The flavonoids in dark chocolate and the antioxidants in red wine are heart-healthy and can reduce inflammation in your body. (Just don’t go overboard with the wine—remember, moderation is key!)

So, go ahead—treat yourself to a small piece of dark chocolate or a glass of red wine on Valentine’s Day.

2. Love Your Heart with Heart-Healthy Teas ☕

Want something cozy for those cold February nights? Consider sipping on anti-inflammatory teas like green tea, chamomile, or hibiscus. These teas have powerful antioxidants and have been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. I like to brew a cup after dinner to unwind, and it’s a perfect way to keep inflammation at bay and still indulge in something relaxing.

3. Heart-Healthy Meals 🥗

If you’re cooking a special meal this month (whether for you or someone you care about), go for a heart-healthy menu that’s also anti-inflammatory. Think salmon (rich in omega-3s), avocado (healthy fats!), and berries (antioxidants galore!). You can even get creative and make it heart-shaped with all those healthy ingredients—let your meal be both delicious and good for your heart!

4. Share the Love—Exercise Together! 🚶‍♀️

While we all know exercise is great for reducing inflammation, how about using Valentine’s Day as an excuse to exercise together with a partner or friend? Go for a brisk walk, a slow-paced yoga session, or even a partner workout that’s low-impact but heart-healthy. Exercise has been shown to improve heart health by lowering inflammation, and doing it together makes it fun and extra special.

A Heartfelt Challenge for You 💪

This month, as we celebrate love, here’s my challenge to you: do something extra that’s better for your heart.Whether it’s adding a heart-healthy meal to your diet, cutting back on stress, or squeezing in a few extra minutes of gentle exercise, make this month the one where you focus on giving your heart some love.

It doesn’t have to be big—just something small to show your heart the care it deserves. 

I’d love to hear what you come up with! What’s one thing you’re going to try this month to reduce inflammation and show your heart some love? Drop me a reply or leave a comment—I’m always here to chat!

Take care of your heart (and your joints),
Brandon