Inflammation – What is It & How Does It Affect Your Body?
Inflammation is a serious condition and medical subject that warrants scientific research and public discussion. There is an increased focus on the topic, but what is fuelling the debate?
Inflammation is one of the many conditions associated with the COVID-19 virus – many people diagnosed with COVID-19 were also diagnosed with inflammation. Researchers have also made significant developments in the search for a cure for inflammation. Unfortunately, many people don’t understand inflammation or how it works.
Here is a comprehensive guide on inflammation and how it works. This guide also includes verified natural remedies for managing and treating inflammation.
What is Inflammation?
Inflammation is one of the body’s responses to the presence of foreign and harmful elements in your body. Such elements commonly include toxins and infection-causing pathogens. Inflammation occurs when the body automatically triggers the body’s natural immune system. The body releases proteins, antibodies, and inflammatory cells designed to fight and destroy these foreign elements.
Inflammation is categorized into two types:
- Acute Inflammation – Acute inflammation refers to the body’s immediate response to harmful elements inside the body or damaging events such as a bruise or cut.
- Chronic Inflammation – Chronic inflammation refers to persistent, long-term inflammation in the absence of valid triggers such as germs and toxins; essentially, the body’s natural immune system is fighting a non-existent threat.
Acute inflammation is normal and good for your overall health, but chronic inflammation can be problematic. It is also worth noting that inflammation is more prevalent in women than men – this guide is mostly geared towards women.
Examples of How Inflammation Affects Your Body – Inflammation Responses
How can you tell whether you have inflammation, and what does the condition do to your body? Inflammation affects the body in many different ways. Examples of inflammation in the body include:
- Heat – You may feel a hot sensation in the affected parts of your body (or the whole body).
- Redness – Some parts of your body may turn reddish.
- Swelling – You may also notice swelling on some parts of your body.
- Pain – You may also experience mild-to-chronic pain in your joints and muscles.
These are the four main ways in which your body responds to inflammation. Severe chronic inflammation may also cause some of your organs to lose their functions. However, these effects are usually difficult to notice, and most people tend to mistake these symptoms for ordinary, temporary health issues and ignore them as soon as they subside.
Inflammation Trends & Developments – What’s Behind the Increased Attention?
There seems to be a renewed focus on inflammation, but what is fueling it? Two notable developments can the increased attention on inflammation:
The Relationship between COVID-19 & Inflammation
COVID-19 has been associated with various conditions, including inflammation. Researchers have established a distinct relationship between the coronavirus and inflammation – research shows that about 60% of patients who recover from COVID-19 go on to experience ongoing myocardial inflammation. As such, more people now experience inflammation because of the COVID-19 virus.
It is also worth noting that the lifestyle changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may have also contributed to the increased cases of inflammation. For example, the lack of physical exercise when under quarantine during the pandemic may have increased some of the affected people’s susceptibility to inflammation.
Breakthroughs in the Search for a Cure
Researchers have also announced a promising breakthrough in the search for a cure for chronic inflammation. Tests and trials on a broad immunosuppressant called prednisone’s effects on inflammation have yielded promising results. The drug works by suppressing and eventually stopping the production of pro-inflammatory cells and molecules.
Is Inflammation Always Bad?
No, inflammation isn’t always bad for your health. More specifically, acute inflammation is not bad for the body. As explained, it is the body’s natural response to any harmful elements present in your body, meaning that it helps you fight pathogens and infections to maintain good health.
However, chronic inflammation is bad for your body. As explained, it essentially amounts to the body fighting non-existent threats. Instead, the inflammation cells, proteins, and antibodies attack healthy cells and tissues. This causes a range of health problems, including:
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Type 2 diabetes
- Dementia (and general cognitive decline)
- Asthma
- Obesity
- Rheumatoid arthritis
Many of the conditions triggered or influenced by inflammation are serious and can considerably reduce your quality of life and life expectancy. As such, it is advisable to seek medical help as soon as you suspect that you have inflammation.
How to Tell If You Have Inflammation – Signs & Symptoms
You can tell whether or not you have inflammation by looking out for its known signs and symptoms. The most common symptoms of inflammation include:
- Body pain
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Weight loss
- Weight gain
- Shortness of breath
- Dry eyes
- Congestion
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Skin outbreaks
However, it is worth noting that these symptoms are usually mild at first, making them difficult to notice. Some people also ignore them as common, temporary issues.
Reducing Inflammation – Natural Tips & Remedies
There are several medical and natural solutions to inflammation. Natural inflammation remedies are easy to adopt and usually efficient when applied properly. Here is an overview of three natural efficient natural remedies to this condition:
Eating a Healthy Diet
Your diet can either reduce or increase the effects and symptoms of inflammation on your body. Foods that worsen inflammation include:
- Processed meat
- Refined carbohydrates
- Fried foods
Experts recommend incorporating the following types of healthy, immune-boosting foods into your diet:
- Fruits & Vegetables – They contain vitamins, minerals, and anti-oxidants.
- Herbs & Spices – Herbs such as turmeric contain anti-inflammatory properties.
- Nuts & Seeds – They contain vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats.
- Fiber – It reduces an inflammatory cytokine known as Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF).
- Healthy Fats – Good sources of healthy fats include fish and avocados.
- Polyphenols – They contain anti-oxidants, and sources include berries and green tea.
It is advisable to consult a dietician when planning your anti-inflammation diet. It is also prudent to consult your doctor if you are allergic to some of the recommended anti-inflammation foods.
Exercising Regularly
Exercising helps manage, reduce, and prevent inflammation in several ways. For example, weight gain and obesity are two of the main risk factors for inflammation, and exercising will help you maintain a healthy weight for you. Research also shows that exercising for at least 20 minutes helps reduce the body’s TNF levels. It is also equally important to avoid unhealthy habits such as smoking and consuming alcohol.
Calming Your Mind
Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are risk factors and causes of inflammation. Experts recommend calming your mind and adopting a generally positive attitude towards life. Meditation and talk therapy can also be of great help. It is also advisable to get enough sleep.
Binto Can Help!
A healthy diet is effective against chronic inflammation, and it is advisable to increase your intake of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other essential nutrients. Binto makes personalized packets of all supplements containing essential nutrients, including those recommended for managing and treating inflammation.
Some of the supplements and ingredients available to help you manage inflammation include:
- Omega Fats: Algae Oil DHA/EPA and Fish Oil DHA/EPA.
- Immunity Supplements: Zinc, Vitamin D3, and Vitamin C.
- Gut Health Support Supplements (to help with healthy eating): Bloat-Aid and Synbiotic.
- Multis (multi-supplements): MyBinto Women’s Complete (Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Zinc Citrate, Magnesium Oxide, Copper Gluconate, and more).
Our supplements and ingredients don’t contain fillers, preservatives, and other chemicals. Most importantly, they are efficient against inflammation and other physical and mental conditions. We also have supplements to help with your overall health. Get in touch to learn more about our supplements and how they can help you reduce inflammation.