Traditionally, the Catholic Church honours the Sacred Heart of Jesus in June. 

Jesus, in 17th-century mystical apparitions, chose St. Margaret Mary Alacoque to communicate the depth of His burning love for humanity with the message,  “My divine Heart is so inflamed with love for man … that, being unable any longer to contain within itself the flames of its burning Charity, it must manifest itself to mankind in order to enrich them with the precious graces of sanctification and salvation…” 

This is a powerful message, reflecting the intensity of love represented in the inflamed heart of Jesus, offering so much if we lean into it. 

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Reflecting on the word inflamed led me to think of another word with the same root, “inflammation.” When applied within a health context, it is understood to have negative connotations, particularly as it may trigger the development of chronic or long-term health conditions. 

The inflammatory process is a natural immune, defense reaction, catching threats or invaders in the body. When you have a cut or a blemish, you notice that the skin becomes hot, red and inflamed, and the immune reaction typically resolves itself within a short time. 

The inflammatory process itself is a cascade of biochemical activity involving an array of cell types and molecules (cytokines) that can unfold in many areas around the body. However, the concern in health today relates to inflammation that does not resolve or becomes chronic and systemic. 

When inflammation is chronic it becomes a hidden threat and can contribute to disease processes. Auto-immune diseases, allergies, diabetes, psoriasis, arthritis, depression, heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases are all examples of low grade, chronic inflammation that does not shut down.  

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Poor diet plays a role in inflammation. The typical western diet contains irritants in the form of sugar and sugar substitutes, processed carbohydrates, oils from plant seeds, alcohol and additives such as emulsifiers and preservatives. Certain foods or additives may act as a trigger for long-term, low-grade immune action that is hard to resolve, particularly when the offending food or additive continues to appear in the body.

Dianne Rishikof, a dietitian and leader in anti-inflammatory education, explains that one of the major biological stressors of modern life is the frequent onslaught of substances that enter the gastrointestinal tract in the form of food, along with all the compounds that arrive from the outside world. Every time a human being eats, it’s a stimulating process not only for the organs involved in digestion, but also for the immune system itself. Many of the offending foods consumed are different from those found in nature. One of the signatures of the modern food environment is the processed, hyper-palatable meals and food products that are now cornerstones of daily eating. Up to 70 per cent of food consumed in many households is processed. 

Fortunately, one of the most powerful tools to reduce inflammation is also found in food. A plant based, anti-inflammatory diet using the powerful plant chemicals, or polyphenols in the food itself, can reduce and calm inflammation. 

Evidence has shown a strong association between a Mediterranean diet and reduced systemic inflammation. If you are already consuming a Mediterranean diet, are you consuming enough olive oil? Olive oil is a natural anti-inflammatory. Dr. Tim Spector recommends consuming it daily in cooking, baking, on salads, bread or taken as a spoonful. In addition to its anti-inflammatory benefits, it is also good for heart health.You can also rely on a list of anti-inflammatory foods, with recommended daily amounts, championed by Dr. Andrew Weil at the University of Arizona, who has created a pyramid of food sources of polyphenols, including dark chocolate at the top! 

What to choose? Research is stacking up with strong evidence to choose food from the natural world as much as possible and limit the typical, additive-rich foods in the Western diet. Without a doubt, this is a hard task that is set before you, because whole foods can be costly and cooking from scratch takes time and skill.

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However, be sensitive and gentle with yourself, considering both the spiritual and physical aspects of life that are essential for well being. When the word inflamed is used in the context of the physical body it can be a threat but when applied to Sacred Heart of Jesus it connotes an immensity and depth of love and can be spiritually health promoting.