How Inflammation Can Harm Your Health

What is inflammation?

In conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation is felt as heat, pain, redness, and swelling. However, in diseases like heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes, inflammation can be hidden. Without specific tests, you might not even know it’s there.
Takeaway: Inflammation can be invisible but may exist in your body long before symptoms appear.

When is inflammation helpful?

Short-term inflammation is a natural immune response that helps the body fight infections and heal injuries. But when it becomes long-term, or chronic, it can contribute to disease.
Takeaway: Chronic inflammation often triggers serious health issues – recognize it and act preventively.

Can inflammation increase the risk of a heart attack?

For those with heart conditions, inflamed arteries are common. Fat buildup on artery walls triggers inflammation, which can lead to clots and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
Takeaway: Healthy arteries are key to a healthy heart – fighting inflammation helps protect them.

The link between inflammation and diabetes

Inflammation and type 2 diabetes are connected. Obesity can trigger inflammation that interferes with insulin function, raising diabetes risk. Keeping a healthy weight is vital for prevention.
Takeaway: Losing excess weight can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of diabetes.

Brain inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease

Chronic brain inflammation is often seen in people with dementia, especially Alzheimer’s. Scientists are investigating whether anti-inflammatory treatments can help, but results are still mixed.
Takeaway: Preventing inflammation may be essential for long-term brain health.

Inflammation in the gut and digestive issues

Chronic inflammation can lead to conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, where the immune system attacks healthy gut bacteria, causing pain, cramping, and diarrhea.
Takeaway: Gut health is closely linked to inflammation control – pay attention to any symptoms.

Anti-inflammatory diet

Your food choices have a big impact on inflammation. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant-based proteins, omega-3s from fish, and healthy fats like olive oil can reduce inflammation. Avoid saturated fats and processed foods.
Takeaway: Making smart food choices can naturally reduce inflammation.

Stay active and get good rest

Regular exercise and quality sleep have been proven to reduce inflammation in the body, even with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Takeaway: Physical activity and sleep are essential for managing inflammation.

Quit smoking and use anti-inflammatory spices

Smoking raises inflammation, while spices like ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon contain compounds that help reduce inflammation. Quitting smoking and adding these spices to your diet can have a big impact on health.
Takeaway: Small changes, like quitting smoking and using anti-inflammatory spices, can greatly improve your health.

Source:
https://www.webmd.com/women/ss/slideshow-what-is-inflammation