If your workout is suffering because your body is hurting due to inflammation, giving up exercising is not the answer.

According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, 30 minutes of exercise daily can reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that regular physical activity also lowers blood pressure and reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes. Just as we’ve long suspected, exercise is a vital part of our overall health and well-being.

All inflammation is not bad. Inflammation is a necessary part of the body’s immune response. It helps your body heal from injuries and illness. However, recurring or chronic inflammation can lead to disease. This type of inflammation can be controlled or prevented with the right diet and exercise.

Your diet, exercise and lifestyle have much to do with controlling inflammation in your body. Too much of a good time can wreak havoc, so go easy on the drinking, don’t smoke and get up and get moving because that couch-potato lifestyle can cause a hot mess of inflammation in your body.

• Eating protein at every meal, including breakfast lunch, dinner and even snacks, helps your liver rid itself of toxic chemicals that might be wading through your blood stream.

• Get the majority of your carbohydrates from vegetables, legumes, fruits and whole grains. These foods are filled with blood sugar-regulating fiber and antioxidants to help fight inflammation. As in all things, diet plays a major part in regulating inflammation in your body.

• Green tea has natural antioxidants called catechins that fight free radicals and help the body rid itself of unhealthy toxins. Catechins have also been attributed to a reduction in body fat, according to a recent study on the beneficial effects of green tea.

• A stressed out mind comes with a stressed-out body. Between workouts, squeeze in some restorative yoga poses. Yoga helps to decrease stress levels by increasing levels of leptin and adiponectin, natural chemicals that work to alleviate inflammation.

• Every day, take some time to do something that restores your body, mind and soul. Whether it be a long solitary walk to get in touch with your inner self, or time you set aside for meditation, give yourself time each day for healing to refresh your mind and restore your spirit.

If you are suffering from chronic inflammation, assess your lifestyle including your diet and exercise routine. Begin to examine the foods that you eat by keeping a fitness journal to monitor your diet and daily activities. If your condition persists, see your doctor and bring along your journal to help you both figure out what activities and foods you eat may be contributing to your condition. In all things be healthy and happy, body, mind and soul.