Inflammation

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is the body's natural protective response to an injury or infection. It helps the body remove harmful stimuli and initiate the healing process.

When tissues are damaged, the body triggers an inflammatory cascade. This involves:

• Releasing chemicals that cause blood vessels to leak fluid into tissues


• Drawing white blood cells to the site of injury


• Removing debris and bacteria from the site

Inflammation serves the vital function of isolating foreign invaders and clearing out dead/damaged cells. This prepares the area for tissue repair.

However, inflammation can become problematic if it is:

• Excessive


• Chronic


• Systemic (widespread throughout the body)

This type of harmful inflammation is linked to conditions like:

• Heart disease


• Diabetes


• Arthritis


• Cancer

• An anti-inflammatory diet high in fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts


• Stress reduction techniques like yoga, meditation, journaling


• Supplements with anti-inflammatory properties

For example, curcumin, omega-3s, and green tea extract can help regulate inflammatory pathways in the body.

By understanding inflammation and how to manage it, you can help your body maintain homeostasis and reduce disease risk. Lowering inflammation levels enables the system to function more smoothly.

I hope this gives you a solid overview on this important health topic! Let me know if you have any other questions.