Inflammation is a process where your body’s defense system protects you from infection of outside invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. But in some diseases, like arthritis, your immune system triggers it when there are no invaders to fight off. In these autoimmune diseases, your immune system acts as if regular tissues are the enemy.
TYPES
Inflammation can either be short-lived or long-lasting. Acute inflammation goes away within hours or days, while chronic inflammation can last months or even years. It is natural to think nothing of inflammation, I typically think my body and the immune system is just doing what it’s supposed to do. However, this is not always the case. Chronic inflammation can be a danger to the body. Conditions linked to chronic inflammation include:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Alzheimer’s disease
There are a wide variety of inflammations that can occur throughout the body. It can be from a small cut, in the joints, and even to more vital organs such as your heart.
Symptoms depend on which organs are affected.
- Inflammation of the heart may cause shortness of breath or fluid build-up
- Inflammation of the small bronchial tubes that take air to your lungs may cause shortness of breath
- Inflammation of your kidneys may cause high blood pressure or kidney failure.
TREATMENT
Treatment for an inflammatory disease may include medications, rest, exercise, or surgery. Your treatment plan will depend on several things: your type of disease, your age, the medications your taking, your overall health, and of course how severe the symptoms are.
Home remedies could also alleviate possible symptoms. Some ways to ease long-term inflammation include:
- Quit smoking
- Limit your alcohol consumption
- Keep a healthy weight
- Manage stress levels
- Get good sleep
- Get regular physical activities
- Optimizing gut health
- Try supplements such as omega- 3 fatty acids, magnesium and vitamins B, C, D, and E—while those have anti-inflammatory effects. (CLICK HERE) & (HERE)
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET
The things you eat and drink can also play a role. For an anti-inflammatory diet, include foods like:
- Tomatoes
- Olive oil
- Leafy green vegetables
- Nuts
- Fatty fish
- Fruits
The foods that can trigger it include:
- Fried foods
- Sugary sodas
- Red and processed meats
- Margarine/shortening
The inflammatory process is one of those that can be very good or very harmful to our bodies. Chronic inflammation can hide and disguise its symptoms well, so it is very important to pay close attention to the signs listed above. It is important to take the protective measures needed to maintain a healthy body, especially since it’s not always visible.
For more information please contact Premier Health and Wellness by visiting the site or by contacting the staff at (512) 459-4405.
