Inflammation is your body's natural response to infection or injury. It's the process by which your immune system works to protect you. When tissues in your body are damaged, your immune system releases chemicals that trigger a response from your white blood cells to help heal the affected area.
Acute inflammation happens quickly and intensely in response to tissue injury. It's characterized by the classic signs of redness, swelling, heat, and pain. This acute inflammatory response brings nutrients and immune cells to the site of injury to help with healing.
Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is prolonged inflammation that can last for months or years. This type of persistent inflammation is thought to play a role in various autoimmune diseases, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Chronic inflammation leads to a progressive shift in the type of cells present at the site of inflammation and is characterized by simultaneous destruction and healing of tissue.
There are many potential causes of chronic inflammation, including:
Lifestyle changes like eating a nutrient-rich anti-inflammatory diet, managing stress, exercising regularly, and avoiding exposure to toxins can help reduce inflammation. For some people with chronic inflammation, medications or natural supplements may be helpful.
At Balance Hormone Clinic, we specialize in natural hormone balancing to help clients reduce inflammation and optimize health. Hormone imbalances often lead to increased inflammation, so we help identify and correct the root hormonal causes. Contact us today for a consultation to learn how customized bioidentical hormone therapy can help you feel your best by fighting inflammation.
In summary, inflammation is the body’s protective response to harmful stimuli like infection or injury. Acute inflammation assists with healing, while chronic inflammation gradually damages tissue over time and is linked to many diseases. Making positive lifestyle choices and correcting underlying issues like hormonal imbalances can help mitigate harmful inflammation.