Does Inflammation Harm Your Health?
- Dietitian.Lauren Hmede
- Apr 10, 2019
- 3 min read
The Fire Inside
The word “inflammation” means set a fire. In some conditions like rheumatoid arithritis you may feel heat, pain and redness which indicates inflammation while in other conditions like diabetes, Alzheimer and heart disease the inflammation is not so bvious and you need to detect it by test.
It's Not Always Bad
Short term inflammation is a normal part of immune system defense to heal an injury or to fight infection. Long lasting or chronic inflammation is bad for your health.
Could It Lead to a Heart Attack?
Fat build up in the walls of the heart arteries will lead to inflammation as it seems as injury and the result will be blood clot and inflammed arteries. It can lead to heart disease and stroke.
Diabetes Connection
Obesity triggers inflammation and the result will be insulin resistance a major leading to diabetes type 2. Losing extra weight may help in lowering risk of inflammation and then lower the chance of having diabetes type 2.
Tied to Alzheimer's
Alzheimer has been linked to chronic brain inflammation . Scientist are studying wether an anti-inflammatory medicine would curb Alzheimer disease but more research is needed.
It Can Hurt Your Gut
Chronic inflammation is tied to ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, which are types of inflammatory bowel disease. These inflammation happens when immune system mistaken the natural and healthy cells of the gut. You may feel pain in belly, bloating and diarrhea.
In RA, It Does Damage
In RA, the immune system attacks your body’s joints, causing inflammation that can harm them and even the heart. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and red, warm, swollen joints.
Is It Part of Fibromyalgia?
This condition can cause pain, tenderness, and fatigue and the inflammation dont attack the joints. Recent research suggests, however, that brain inflammation may be associated with fibromyalgia but still more research is needed.
When It Happens Fast
Sometimes inflammation strikes suddenly when your body is fighting an infection. Maybe it’s cellulitis, a skin infection, or appendicitis, which affects your appendix. You’ll need to see your doctor to get the right treatment quickly.
Your diet Matters
Include a healthy diet to your lifestlye may lower risk of inflammation like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, heakthy olive oil and omega-3 fatty acids. You need to add probiotics from fermented food to improve gut health. Limit saturated fats, found in meats, whole-fat dairy products, and processed foods.
Stay Active
Exercise is good for your health even you have condition like RA. Exercise helps you to stay healthy and manage your weight. So consult your doctor to choose the right type of exercise that suit your condition.
Get Some Sleep!
Make sleep a priority according to studies sleep deprived people are at high risk of inflammation. The machanism is not clear until now.
Smoking Makes It Worse
Keep trying to quit smoking as it has been linked to inflammation. Tell your doctor it’s a goal and ask for her advice.
Spices Hold Promise
Ginger root has anti-inflammation perks. So do cinnamon, clove, black pepper, and turmeric (which gives curry powder its orange-yellow color). If you want to take supplements check with your doctor first.
What to Know About NSAIDs
Many people take NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) to tame inflammation and ease pain. Some of these meds need a prescription. Others, like ibuprofen and naproxen, are sold over the counter. NSAIDS over long time may lead to stomach ulcer and bleeding while other types may increase the risk for heart attack or stroke too so consult your doctor first before use.
Do Supplements Help?
Omega-3 and fish oil may lower risk of inflammation. people who have low vitamin D level are prone to inflammation. It is not clear if taking vitamin D supplements could help.
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