Inflammation is a normal immune response to tissue damage which heals the affected area. It involves vasodilation, increased tissue permeability, blood clotting, accumulation of fluid, recruitment of immune cells. Signs include redness, heat, oedema, pain and loss of function. It acts as a signal to protect the affected area and allow repair. As an acute response (acute inflammation), it therefore provides an important immune function. If directed at self tissue (autoimmunity) or non-harmful antigens (allergy), or not fully resolved (latent infection, scar tissue), it can lead to local or systemic dysfunction. Chronic inflammation is particularly linked to chronic diseases such as neurodegenerative disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Causes and risk factors of chronic inflammation: 1/ Western diet = high refined sugar, omega-6 / omega-3 and trans fats = overweight. 2/ Genetics – certain genes upregulate the inflammatory response / increase inflammation. 3/ Excess exercise with inadequate recovery. 4/ Chronic stress fails to downregulate inflammatory responses. 5/ Poor sleep quality / short sleep duration (especially in women). 6/ Oxidative stress from air pollution, smoking, alcohol or low antioxidant status. 7/ High toxic load 8/ Leaky gut or intestinal permeability may let toxins into your bloodstream. 9/ Sex hormone imbalance – oestrogen is anti-inflammatory, but in excess can be pro-inflammatory. Low testosterone promotes inflammation in men. 10/ Persistent or latent infection (virus, parasite).
Signs and Symptoms 1/ pain, swelling, aches, joint stiffness, redness and heat. 2/ high blood pressure 3/ high cholesterol 4/ overweight 5/ gut issues 6/ depression 7/ unresolved / frequent infections 8/ high stress 9/ sports ‘overtraining’ 10/ use of steroids and analgesics. 11/ IBS, IBD, CVD diagnosed by GP. Naturopathic approach to chronic inflammation- > Turmeric. > Ginger. >Plant sterols. >Omega-3. > Vitamin D. > Quercetin. > Probiotics
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