Inflammation is the body's immune response to an irritant (Informedhealth). White blood cells migrate into the tissues in an effort to “protect” the body from the irritant. Inflammation is categorized as acute or chronic. For an acute period of time inflammation is beneficial, however, chronic inflammation becomes harmful.
How does inflammation cause pain? During the inflammatory process chemical mediators are released to signal white blood cells to the area. White blood cells release a byproduct that affects the nerves in the area to tell the brain that there is pain. For a short time, this is a protective mechanism. If a body part is injured, reducing movement decreases any further damage. However, long term inflammation to the body is very damaging (Omoigui). Causes of inflammation:
Ways to reduce inflammation: Specific foods
Takeaway: Inflammation is inevitable, and for short periods of time it is important and beneficial. The problem occurs when inflammation goes uncontrolled for extended periods of time. Take small steps each day to reduce inflammatory habits in your lifestyle. Resources Foods that fight inflammation - Harvard Health InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. What is an inflammation? 2010 Nov 23 [Updated 2018 Feb 22]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279298/ Kolb, H. Obese visceral fat tissue inflammation: from protective to detrimental?. BMC Med 20, 494 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-022-02672-y Omoigui S. The biochemical origin of pain: the origin of all pain is inflammation and the inflammatory response. Part 2 of 3 - inflammatory profile of pain syndromes. Med Hypotheses. 2007;69(6):1169-78. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2007.06.033. Epub 2007 Aug 28. PMID: 17728071; PMCID: PMC2771434.
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AuthorHi I'm Dr. Harmon! I wanted to start a blog just to help patients. Feel free to follow along as we dive into health conditions and life! Archives
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