Inflammation in our Body
Inflammation is defined as a protective system triggered by the body’s innate immune system to eliminate any infection or harmful foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. There are two stages of inflammation, that will be acute and chronic inflammations.
Acute inflammation is a short term process that protects the body from harmful stimuli. When acute inflammation occurs, blood vessels will undergo dilation and increased permeability to increase blood flow to the site of injury. Resident cells around the injury will release signaling molecules as well as chemoattractants to recruit leukocytes and neutrophils. Neutrophils is a short-lived granulocyte that phagocytose harmful pathogens using reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the early stage of an injury. Neutrophils also releases pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 and IL-6, tumor necrosis factor and many more. These pro-inflammatory cytokines also induces the liver to synthesize various acute phasereactant proteins and also induces systemic inflammatory responses in the body.Signs of acute inflammation are such as pain, heat, stiffness, swelling and redness on the site of injury.
Inflammation may play an important role in the body’s recovery mechanism. However, prolonged and abnormal inflammation will result in chronic inflammation that may cause various diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Rheumatoid Arthritis, heart diseases, anemia, kidney failure and lupus. Chronic inflammation is mainly mediated by monocytes and macrophages that eliminates harmful pathogens at an injury. At the same time, the process of elimination will often damage healthy cells and tissues around the wound. Cell replacement is essential in a recovery process but under a chronic inflammation condition the body is unable to repair damaged tissues and wounds will continue to turn worse over time.
Related diseases
Heart disease
Inflammation is capable of causing heart diseases by damaging the arteries and will eventually lead to cardiovascular complexions such as high cholesterol, coronary heart disease and even stroke. Many studies were conducted worldwide to understand how inflammations in the body will have a negative effect on the human cardiovascular system and many concluded that the increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body is the cause to bad heart health. A study that took place in the Department of Cardiovascular Science and Medicine, Chiba in Japan discovered that even inflammation that occurs on the adipose tissue may increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Since the human body is always at risk from inflammation, it is always wise to take steps of prevention through a healthy diet and lifestyle with some assistancethrough supplemetations.
Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a very common dementia and has become a very concerning health issue in our present society. We all know that the central nervous system plays a very important role in our daily activities as it allows us to think and act everyday. At early stages of the disease, individuals may face difficulty communicating and responding to their surroundings. As the disease progresses, signs of memory loss, abnormal reflexes, impaired swallowing, behavorial changes and rigid muscle growth will show. Therefore, individuals at severe stages of Alzheimer’s will need assistance carrying out their daily activities. Alzheimer’s disease is progressive and is not just a disease and does not only occur due to old age. Scientific studies had concluded that inflammation in the central nevous system is one of the prime factors that leads to the disease. Inflammation damages the central nervous system and speeds up neurodegenerative processes in our body. Threrefore, it is always essential to counter inflammation in the body with loads of antioxidants through a healthy diet and proper supplementations.
Asthma
Asthma is defined as chronic inflammations of the bronchial tubes. When asthma occurs, the inflammation will cause abnormal narrowing to the bronchial tubes and symptoms like excess mucus production, cough and short breath. Environmental stimuli such as dust, cat dander, polluted air or even intense exercises may contribute to the occurrence of asthma. Inflammation of the bronchial tubes may worsen if exposed to air pollution and cigarette smoke. It is important for asthma patients to be aware of possible allergens around them and prevent contact with them at all times. There is currently no cure to asthma. However, there are medications and supplements available that can help strengthen the respiratory system and reduce the inflammation in the bronchial tube.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Unlike osteoarthritis that is caused by the wear and tear of joints, Rheumatoid Arthritis occurs due to chronic inflammations on the joints of an individual’s hand and feet. The joints of a Rheumatoid Arthritis patient is attacked by the body’s immune system and causes pain and flares at the damaged sites. As time passes Rheumatoid Arthritis will also affect other parts of the body such as the eyes, skin, heart and lungs. Women are more prone to the disease and the risks of being diagnosed with it increases with age. No treatments are available for Rheumatoid Arthritis but medications and supplementations can be found to ease the symptoms and reduce the inflammation in the body.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic inflammatory disease where the immune cells of the body attacks tissues and organs in the body. The signs and symptoms of lupus can be difficult to diagnose as they very similar to other ailments. Symptoms of the disease are such as joint aches, limb swellings, anemia, hair loss, fever, chest pain and skin rashes. Factors that may contribute to the development of lupus are exposure to light, smoke, medications, infections and even under extreme stress. There is currently no cure for systemic lupus erythematosus. However, corticosteroid, immunosurpressive drugs, supplementations and some healthy lifestyle changes will help prevent and ease the signs and symptoms of the disease.
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