What is Inflammation? The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

Inflammation is one of the major causes of chronic diseases, that is why this month I will be chatting about this topic. So let's start with the basics, what is inflammation? Inflammation is a biological response triggered by the immune system. ​

When irritants or pathogens are damaging cells, the immune system signals the inflammatory response. Infections, wounds, and any damage to tissue would not be able to heal without an inflammatory response.

The Good. Inflammation is the body’s first line of defense against harm. It is the body's attempt at self-protection to begin the healing process. This process is called acute inflammation.

The Bad. Long-term inflammation lasting for prolonged periods of several months to years is called chronic inflammation. ​

The Ugly. Chronic inflammation can eventually cause several diseases and conditions, including some cancers, adrenal fatigue, rheumatoid arthritis, and autoimmune disorders. ​

Let’s take a deeper look into the ugly side of chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation can result from the following: 

1. When the body fails to eliminate the cause of acute inflammation, such as infectious organisms, fungi, and other parasites, the harmful agent remains in the affected tissue. 
2. Exposure to a low level of a particular irritant or foreign material, including substances or industrial chemicals, cannot be eliminated. 
3. An autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue. 
4. Biochemical inducers leading to excess oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and increased production of free radical molecules.

The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks chronic diseases as the greatest threat to human health. Years of research conclude that chronic inflammatory diseases are the most significant cause of death in the world.

The good news is that chronic inflammation can be managed with simple changes to your diet, taking herbs and changing certain behaviors. I will be addressing these in the next few weeks.

Have a good week!
Toni