Inflammation Part 1

INFLAMMATION occurs when the body is harmed in any way – from infections / injury / toxins – and is an immune response that the body initiates against local tissue damage.

Inflammation is a necessary response from our immune system against a foreign body (or antigen). Poor diet and stress overwhelm the immune system , leading to excessive inflammation.

The immune system response and excessive inflammation:

The body responds to tissue/cell damage by producing chemicals (e.g. antibodies) that trigger a response from the immune system. The immune system responds by allowing for an increased blood flow to the damaged area, allowing for an immune response. This effectively leads to an inflammatory response allowing for protection and ultimately healing of the body.

Medical terms ending in the suffix “–itis” denote inflammation (tonsilitis, arthritis, colitis, gastritis, nephritis etc.)

In the case of acute (or short term) inflammation — such as dealing with a cold — the whole process usually lasts for a few hours or even a few days.

Chronic (or long term) inflammation happens when this response lingers, leaving the body in a constant state of alert. Over time, continuous inflammation may have a negative impact on the body’s cells, tissues and organs. Ongoing inflammation could also play a role in a range of conditions, including heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic kidney disease, arthritis and several other conditions.

Symptoms of inflammation:

Acute inflammation often causes noticeable symptoms, like pain, redness, or swelling.

But chronic inflammation symptoms are usually much more subtle, making them easy to overlook.

Common symptoms of chronic inflammation include:

• fatigue
• body pain
• depression or anxiety
• gastrointestinal complications (diarrhea or constipation)
• weight gain
• weight loss
• persistent infections

These symptoms can range from mild to severe and last for several months or years.

Causes of chronic inflammation:

Several factors can cause chronic inflammation, including:

• Untreated causes of acute inflammation, like an infection or injury
• An autoimmune disorder, which involves the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissue
• Long-term exposure to irritants and/or toxins, such as industrial chemicals or polluted air

Bear in mind that these issues don’t cause chronic inflammation in everyone. In addition, some cases of chronic inflammation don’t have a clear underlying cause.

Research shows that a range of factors may also contribute to chronic inflammation, including:

• Poor diet
• Lack of regular exercise
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Alcohol
• Chronic stress

How does chronic inflammation impact the body?

Chronic persistent inflammation can result in the body’s inflammatory response causing damage to healthy cells, tissues, and organs. Over time, this can lead to DNA damage, tissue death, and internal scarring.

All of these are linked to the development of several diseases, including:

• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity
• Chronic kidney disease
• Asthma
• Cognitive decline and dementia (in older adults)

How is chronic inflammation diagnosed?

There are no real tests to diagnose inflammation on its own. But certain blood tests are a good starting point, including ones that highlight C-reactive protein (CRP), which indicates infections or inflammation in the general body (like the joints), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), which reflects inflammation of the heart.

Many individuals don’t know they have chronic inflammation until they’re diagnosed with another condition. If one feels like they’re experiencing some of the common symptoms of chronic inflammation, it’s a good idea to speak with their doctor. They’ll know the first steps to take when it comes to a diagnosis.

How is chronic inflammation treated?

Inflammation is a natural part of the healing process. But when it becomes chronic, it’s important to try to get it under control to reduce the risk of long-term damage. Some of the options that’ve been explored for managing inflammation include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Over-the-counter NSAIDs, like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve), effectively reduce inflammation and pain. But long-term use is linked to an increased risk of several conditions, including peptic ulcer disease and kidney disease.
• Steroids. Corticosteroids are a type of steroid hormone. They decrease inflammation and suppress the immune system, which is helpful when it starts attacking healthy tissue. But long-term use of corticosteroids can lead to vision problems, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. When prescribing corticosteroids, your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks with you.
• Supplements. Certain supplements may help to reduce inflammation. Fish oil, lipoic acid, and curcumin have all been linked to decreased inflammation — although more studies need to be done, especially around fish oil, to say for sure.
• Lifestyle changes. Losing weight (if overweight or obese), increasing physical activity, and dietary changes (like a low glycemic diet and reduced saturated fat intake), have all been shown to help reduce inflammation.

What are typical inflammatory disorders in the body?

Arthritis

Colitis

Find out more in Part 2, which includes how diet is your best defense against inflammation!