The inflammatory response is a
natural phenomenon that enables our bodies to fend off various disease-causing
organisms, harmful toxins, and physical injury.
It is a protective and restorative process that helps keep us healthy -
most of the time. Unfortunately, when
inflammation becomes excessive or uncontrolled, we begin to see chronic
inflammation which can lead to poor physical health. Learn more about how the inflammatory response
can affect your health.
When you catch a cold, sprain
your ankle, or are exposed to an environmental pollutant such as cigarette
smoke, a chain of events are triggered in your body known as the “inflammatory
cascade”. The familiar signs of normal inflammation
- local redness, swelling, heat, pain,
and loss of function - are the first signals that your immune system is
being called into action.
Pro-inflammatory hormones are released at the injury site, which
stimulates the release of white blood cells, antibodies, and other chemical
compounds that help initiate the healing and repair process. Inflammation that starts and ends as intended
signifies the proper and essential inflammatory response.
Chronic inflammation occurs when
there is an inflammatory response of prolonged duration (weeks, months, indefinite). It is accompanied by simultaneous attempts at
healing and repair and inevitably causes tissue damage. Over time, it may become more difficult for
the body to heal and repair tissue in areas of chronic inflammation.
Symptoms of chronic inflammation
can include persistent pain, fever, fatigue, weakness, and irritability. Chronic inflammation has also been linked to undesirable health conditions such as heart
disease, diabetes, symptomatic osteoarthritis, and irritable bowel syndrome. Listed
below are some natural ways to manage and avoid chronic inflammation:
· Use the right fuel: Avoid
foods that can be a source of chronic inflammation in
the body such as refined sugars, trans fats, and allergens. In contrast, omega-3 fats which are found in
fish oils have an inflammation suppressing effect. Anti-oxidants, found in most fruits and
vegetables are natural compounds that
help protect the body from harmful free radicals and inflammation.
· Exercise works like medicine: Endorphins released by the body during exercise can have
anti-inflammatory properties. Exercise
also regulates insulin levels and body weight.
Being overweight increases inflammation in the body. Fat cells are efficient factories for
producing key inflammatory elements, and burning calories through exercise
shrinks those cells.
· Sleep and stress management: Poor
sleep quality increases body inflammation.
Regular restful sleep allows for important
biological systems to recover and recharge. Prolonged stress, whether it is emotional or
physical, can be a source of chronic inflammation. Finding an effective outlet for dealing with
stress is important for managing this source of inflammation.
· Be mindful of your habits and environment: Avoiding
exposure to pollution and toxic fumes such as cigarette smoke will help
minimize inflammation in the body.
· Treat muscle and joint injuries: These injuries can be a major source of inflammation. Many individuals experience the benefits of therapies
such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic care for these
structural causes of pain and inflammation.
For additional information on natural inflammation
management and improving your health, visit www.nhwc .ca.
This article is a basic summary for educational
purposes only. It is not intended, and
should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or
treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.
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