Inflammation is the body's natural protective response to an injury or infection. It is characterized by redness, heat, swelling, and pain.
When tissues in the body are injured, the immune system releases chemicals that dilate blood vessels and make them more permeable. This allows more blood to flow to the area, causing the redness and heat. The leaked fluid and waste products from the increased blood flow cause the swelling. Specialized nerve cells send pain signals to the brain.
Acute inflammation happens quickly and lasts for a few days. It is the body's healthy response to a bacteria or virus. Chronic inflammation persists for weeks, months or years. This long-term inflammation is linked to several diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Chronic inflammation can be reduced through lifestyle changes like eating anti-inflammatory foods, exercising regularly, and reducing stress through yoga and meditation.
At Optimal Hormone Solutions, our integrative doctors provide comprehensive hormone testing to check inflammation markers like HS-CRP. We create tailored nutrition and supplement plans to lower inflammation and restore health. Our patients report reduced joint pain, clearer thinking, balanced mood and increased energy levels within weeks.
I hope this gives you a good overview of what inflammation is, and how it protects but can also harm the body when persistent. Let me know if you have any other questions!