What is Inflammation in the Body?

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is the process when the body recognises and fights harmful or foreign bodies. The bacteria the body is dealing with is attacked by the inflammatory cells. The way they deal with the problem is by either removing it from the system or damaging the tissue. That is basically the body's defence mechanism, where things happen to protect the individual.

The inflammation types

There are two types of inflammation. The first one, called acute, is when the body needs to deal with sudden "attacks" like finger cuts. The inflammatory cells are deployed to a place where they need to deal with bacteria or any other enemy. Then healing is taking place.

Another type of inflammation is when the body keeps sending the inflammatory cells inside the body, even if there is no damage or bacteria to treat it. This type of inflammation is called chronic.

Chronic inflammation can be very damaging. Instead of helping the body deal with danger, it's actually vandalising the cells and causing severe joint pain and other health issues.

What is the main cause of inflammation in the body?

The main causes that lead to inflammation are untreated acute inflammation and autoimmune disorder when the body attacks healthy cells. Also, lifestyle factors are playing a big role here. Smoking, lack of a balanced diet, lack of exercise or exposure to toxins are some of the causes. Also, excess of alcohol, chronic stress or other types of disease are on the list.

Treatment for the inflammation?

Depending on what inflammation is treated for, there are some steps to take when we are dealing with inflammation. For chronic inflammation, there are supplements to take, including vitamins A, C, and D, or anti-inflammatory drugs. For less serious inflammations, diet would be a major treatment. The Mediterranean diet is popular to deal with this type of health problem. Lots of fish, good-quality olive oil and nuts can prevent or reduce inflammation. Exercising, reducing drinking alcohol and stopping smoking can also be very effective in fighting inflammation.

Does this problem apply to you as well?

If so, let me know what helps you overcome it.