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Inflammation

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Inflammation in the body, types, causes, and treatment

Inflammation, a natural process, is a part of a defense mechanism that heals your body and fights against things that harm it. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about inflammation, including its types, causes, and treatment. So let’s get straight into it.

Definition of inflammation

Inflammation is a body’s immune system’s response to an irritant. It is a body’s way to protect itself from illness, infection, and injury. When foreign invaders or germs attack your cells and damage it, your body releases chemicals that trigger a response from your immune system. This response may include the increased blood flow to the affected part and the release of proteins and antibodies.

So when the foreign invader attacks the body, it launches the biological response to try to remove it. It also serves as a system initiating the eradication of agents and damaged tissues.

Types of inflammation

Acute Inflammation (short-lived): Acute inflammation is also known as a short-lived inflammation that can disappear quickly. It often resolves in a few hours, days, or maximum in a week. Acute inflammation often causes signs such as redness, swelling, heat, or pain. But mind you, these signs are not always present. Sometimes inflammation is silent, and a person may also feel tiredness or fever without having any symptoms.

Chronic Inflammation (long-lasting): Chronic Inflammation occurred inside the body without any prior-noticeable symptoms. It can also happen when there is no injury and last for several months or years. Chronic inflammation signs are usually subtler. These symptoms include rashes, fatigue, mouth sores, chest pain, abdominal pain, or fever. These symptoms can range from mild to severe. It can also happen when people are obese or under stress
This type of inflammation may result in autoimmune disorders & prolonged stress. It can also lead to heart disease, asthma, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Symptoms

The common signs of Inflammation.

Pain
Redness
Swelling
Heat
Loss of function

Sign of long-term Inflammation

Here are the signs that medical practitioners often associate with long-term or chronic inflammation.

Insomnia
Constant Fatigue
Body pain
Depression
Anxiety
Mood disorder
Stress
Frequent infection
Gastrointestinal issues
Weight gain
Weight loss and anemia

Causes of inflammation

When a physical factor triggers an immune reaction, Inflammation happens. Inflammation does not necessarily mean that there is an infection, but infection can cause inflammation.
Bacteria and infectious agents are the most common stimuli of inflammation. It is considered that viruses raise the inflammation by getting into the body and destroying the cells whereas, the bacteria release a particular substance “endotoxins” that can initiate inflammation.

Several other things can cause inflammation, include:

Pathogens like bacteria, viruses, and fungi
Exposure to an irritant or foreign materials your body can’t eliminate easily
The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues
Lack of nutrients or oxygen tissues required
Loss of blood flow to the area
Effects of radiation or chemical
Untreated infection or injury
Certain medication

Food Ingredients that may trigger more inflammation in your body

It may hard to resist chocolate bars, pastries, cakes, and other desserts. However, scientists have hypothesized that consuming a high amount of sugar and high-fructose corn syrup can be quite harmful that may lead to obesity and diabetes. Studies have also shown that a high intake of refined carbs, such as white bread, can also contribute to inflammation, obesity, and insulin resistance.
Excessive intake of alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and stress are other possible culprits. Furthermore, processed foods, frozen breakfast products, fast foods, and other fried products that contain trans fats are known to trigger systemic inflammation. Experts also believe that an inactive lifestyle that includes a lot of sitting and an unhealthy diet may also contribute to inflammation.

Is inflammation good or bad?

Inflammation may play a vital role in healing the body, localizing and eliminating harmful factors, and removing damaged tissues, but having long term inflammation may increase the risk of various diseases and makes your body vulnerable against bacterial and germs attack resulting in a weak immune system. As the immune system doesn’t work up to the mark, in this case, an inappropriate immune response may give rise to a damaging and prolonged inflammatory response. It leads to the development of several severe diseases, including cancer, arthritis, periodontitis, and rheumatoid.

How are inflammatory Diseases diagnosed?

There is no single test that can diagnose inflammatory disease. While visiting a doctor based on symptoms, your doctor may require your medical history to start examining along with bloodwork.

How to reduce inflammation

The things you eat and drink can also play a role in Inflammation. You can reduce its level by just changing your diet. By avoiding sugar, processed foods, excessive oil, and fats, you can put yourself on track to heal.
There are foods that are proven to be useful in fighting-inflammation. Anti-inflammatory foods include:

Mushroom
Avocados
Tomatoes
Green tea
Leafy green vegetables
Fruits (oranges, berries, and cherries)
Fatty fish (mackerel, tuna, and salmon)
Spices (turmeric, clove, and ginger)

You can further help reduce-inflammation by taking supplements and choosing a balanced diet.

It’s easier to start when you have a set diet plan in front of you. People often get confused about what menu they should take and how much they should eat to keep things balanced.
If you also are not sure what to eat in Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, nothing could be better than consulting a dietitian nutritionist. Cheryl is a registered dietitian nutritionist and will help you to prepare an anti-inflammatory diet by listing out and incorporating foods with beneficial effects at every meal.
So what are you waiting for? To get a Perfect and detailed diet plan to get things started, BOOK A SESSION with her now.