Inflammation: an overview

What’s inflammation?

Simply put, inflammation is your body’s personal defense system. Its main purpose is to heal and protect. There are two main types of inflammation, acute and chronic. One is the “good” kind, and the other can cause health issues. 

Acute: This is the “good” type of inflammation. It’s short-term and helps your body heal. When you catch a cold, cut your hand, or undergo surgery, immune cells rush to the area to help protect and repair. Once the healing is complete, the inflammatory response naturally ends. 

Chronic: This is an abnormal immune response where the inflammatory process continues or even begins when there is no infection or injury at all. Over time, chronic inflammation can cause damage and may lead to major health issues. 

What causes chronic inflammation?

Determining the exact cause isn’t easy. But chronic inflammation is often attributed to an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. The main culprits: 

• An unbalanced diet
• Excess weight
• A sedentary routine
• Lack of sleep
• Consistent stress

Chronic inflammation can progress without your knowledge, but consistent symptoms such as joint or muscle pain, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, weight gain, and repeated infections could be a sign that your immune system is not working properly. Your healthcare provider can order blood tests to help them determine if you have chronic inflammation. 

So what should I eat to help prevent chronic inflammation?

You may have heard the term “Anti-inflammatory” diet recently. This is an eating pattern focused on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods designed to help reduce chronic inflammation and avoiding the foods that trigger inflammation.

Lifestyle choices

Your daily habits can affect inflammation as well. Making a few small tweaks to your lifestyle can help make a big difference in how your body controls inflammation.

• Stay active: Regular movement can help reduce weight-related inflammation and promote circulation and joint health. Set a realistic goal for moderate exercise —  even a short walk can make a difference.

• Prioritize sleep: Irregular sleep cycles can trigger inflammatory responses in the body. Focus on a regular rest schedule to keep your body and brain in balance.

• Manage stress: Stress can raise cortisol levels, which contribute to weight gain, as well as inflammation. Finding healthy ways to reduce and release stress is key.

More inflammation info

There’s a lot to learn about inflammation. Read the full story — and more helpful wellness information — in our GOLO Health Library.