Inflammation is your body's response to infection or injury. It's a necessary process to heal damages tissues, but sometimes inflammation can become chronic and cause further health issues.
When an infection or injury occurs, the immune system releases chemical mediators that make blood vessels leak fluid into tissues. This causes swelling, redness, heat, and pain - the main signs of acute inflammation.
White blood cells also rush to the site to fight invaders like bacteria and viruses. Inflammation helps destroy bugs and clears out dead cells and tissues so your body can repair itself. This acute inflammatory response is temporary and usually healing.
However, inflammation can become chronic if your immune system remains activated, even without an ongoing threat. This can occur due to:
Chronic inflammation is linked to several diseases:
Luckily, you can reduce inflammation through diet and lifestyle changes. Eating more anti-inflammatory foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants helps dampen an overactive immune response. Regular exercise, quitting smoking, and managing stress are also key.
If lifestyle measures don't relieve your inflammation, medications or hormone therapy could help. The caring medical providers at Hormone Harmony Clinic offer customized anti-inflammatory hormone treatments to help patients feel their best. Reach out today to see if their therapies are right for your needs.
I hope this gives you a helpful overview on inflammation - the key driver behind many chronic diseases. Let me know if you have any other questions!