Understanding the Causes of Chronic Inflammation and Ways to Reduce Inflammatory Levels in the Body.

When our bodies detect abnormalities, they trigger inflammation as a natural defense mechanism. This process serves to protect and repair the body. However, excessive or chronic inflammation can harm our bodies instead. In this post, we'll explore the signals, causes, and methods of reducing inflammation in the body.

 

What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is the body's immune response activated to protect and repair cell damage. It typically occurs in response to infection, injury, or irritants and is carried out through blood vessels, leading to symptoms like redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function.

 

Inflammation is a natural response of our bodies, but excessive inflammation can lead to various diseases.

 

Types of Inflammation

• Acute Inflammation: Occurs as a response to infection or trauma, displaying temporary and distinct symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain.
• Chronic Inflammation: Refers to a state where the cause of inflammation persists or remains unresolved for an extended period. Chronic inflammation is a major factor in various diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, depression, cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer.

 

Checking Internal Inflammatory Levels

To assess internal inflammatory levels, tests such as "high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)" or "serum amyloid A (SAA)" can measure inflammatory protein levels. Regular testing, especially for those over 40 with a history of chronic illnesses, is essential to monitor internal inflammatory levels.

 

Major Causes of Inflammation

• Airborne Pollutants: Air pollutants like fine dust and smog can enter the body through the respiratory system, triggering inflammation.
• Smoking: Nicotine excessively stimulates white blood cells, leading to inflammation.
• Artificial Food Additives: Undigested artificial food additives can be considered foreign substances by the body, leading to inflammation.
• Obesity: Inflammatory substances secreted by fat cells can cause inflammation, contributing to obesity or visceral fat.
• Stress: Prolonged stress promotes the secretion of stress hormones, leading to inflammation.

 

Ways to Reduce Inflammation

• Regular Exercise: Regular exercise such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling can reduce inflammation. Exercise targeting visceral fat is particularly effective in reducing inflammatory activity.
• Anti-inflammatory Foods: Turmeric, ginger, onions, garlic, green tea, and black tea can help reduce internal inflammation. Conversely, reducing the consumption of oily foods, which can induce inflammation, is advisable.
• Balanced Diet: Avoiding overeating and maintaining a moderate diet is crucial. If inflammatory levels are high, adjusting calorie intake to reduce food consumption is recommended.
• Smoking Cessation: Since smoking is a significant inflammatory factor, quitting smoking is crucial for reducing internal inflammation.

 

Inflammation is a natural response of our bodies, but excessive inflammation can lead to various diseases. Therefore, it's important to reduce internal inflammation through healthy lifestyle habits and proper management. Reflect on habits that may inadvertently promote inflammation and make efforts towards a healthier lifestyle.