Many of us here in Anguilla have heard the word inflammation in recent times. Sometimes information on this topic is not based on accurate scientific information. Inflammation can be described as the body’s natural response to protect itself against harm. There are two types: acute and chronic. Inflammation can affect many organs of our bodies and our overall health. While inflammation can certainly be negative – causing pain, discomfort and a general feeling of unwell, it also serves an important purpose.
What Is Inflammation?
Inflammation plays a significant role in our immune system, our body’s defense system, against anything that may be potentially harmful to our body, which we call pathogens.
The soldiers of our immune system (our white blood cells) are constantly patrolling our body in search of pathogens to engulf and release their signaling chemicals that tell other white blood cells to come and help fight the pathogen. This process is termed the ‘inflammatory response,’ and the four main characteristics of inflammation are redness caused by the vessels dilating, swelling from the fluid going to the affected tissues, pain from chemicals, and heat from the increased blood flow.
In short, inflammation is totally normal and an important natural process by which the immune system recognises and removes pathogens.
When Is Inflammation a terrible thing?
The trouble with inflammation, however, is that at chronic high levels it can be problematic. This is especially the case when our immune system reacts inappropriately or excessively to something.
We often associate this type of inflammation when talking about people who suffer from autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. In these diseases, the immune system inappropriately targets the person’s own body, leading to disease symptoms such as fevers, malaise, joint pains, rashes, and many others.
There is much evidence confirming that chronic inflammation plays a vital role in some of the most challenging diseases of our time, including rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, and even Alzheimer’s.
Measuring inflammation
When inflammation is present in the body, there will be higher levels of substances known as biomarkers. An example of a biomarker is C-reactive protein (CRP). If a doctor wants to test for inflammation, he/she may assess CRP levels. 25 years ago, Harvard researchers found that men with higher CRP levels — approximately two milligrams per litre (mg/L) or greater — had three times the risk of heart attack, and twice the risk of stroke, as men with little or no chronic inflammation.
How to Lower Inflammation in the Body
If you are experiencing chronic pain and fatigue, it is quite possible that you have elevated levels of inflammation in your body. Lifestyle choices, diet, and even family history play a role in the diseases and conditions brought about by chronic inflammation. Here are some tips for lowering chronic inflammation:
1. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet
Many experts suggest that focusing on getting plenty of fruits and vegetables, water, whole grains and fatty fish, like salmon, is helpful in decreasing inflammation. On the other side, it is wise to avoid eating simple sugars, refined carbohydrates, high-glycemic foods, trans fats and hydrogenated oils because these can increase inflammation.
2. Do not abuse medications
Medications, both prescription and over the counter, may serve a purpose, but relying on them unnecessarily, or for extended periods, can lead to inflammation. Prolonged use can harm the gut microbiome and cause inflammation in the intestinal walls, known as “leaky gut, which, in turn, can release toxins and trigger chronic inflammation. Many doctors recommend only using antibiotics and over-the-counter pain relievers when prescribed or recommended by your healthcare provider.
3. Follow an exercise routine
Daily movement to maintain a normal bodyweight is important because the fat cells on the body release inflammation. It has been has shown that just 20-minute sessions of walking, or other moderate exercise, were enough to stimulate cells that regulate inflammation.
4. Sleep longer
It is a good idea to aim for the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep recommended by most authorities. In fact, doing so can help maintain inflammation levels. The circadian rhythm regulates our immune system so, to keep these coordinated, it is important to maintain a consistent sleep routine by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
Medications
There are a number of medications available for dealing with acute or chronic inflammation. Treatment for diseases that involve long-term inflammation will depend on the condition.
Some drugs act to repress the body’s immune reactions. These can help relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and other similar autoimmune reactions. However, they can also leave a person’s body less able to fight an infection if it occurs. Your doctor will be able to discuss the use of medications if they are warranted – and the possible side effects of using these medications.
Conclusion
In recent times, there has been much talk concerning inflammation. This topic can be confusing to many as although inflammation might be bad for you in some instances, in many other cases inflammation serves many essential functions in our bodies. Inflammation can be either acute or chronic. If you are trying to reduce chronic inflammation, your doctor may recommend certain things such as reducing your intake of certain foods and eat a variety of foods known to have anti-inflammatory properties. Losing weight (if your doctor recommends it), increasing physical activity have been shown to be beneficial in decreasing chronic inflammation.
Ask Your Doctor is a health education column and is not a substitute for medical advice from your physician. The reader should consult his or her physician for specific information concerning specific medical conditions. While all reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that all information presented is accurate, as research and development in the medical field are ongoing, it is possible that new findings may supersede some data presented. Always talk to your doctor for professional medical advice.
Dr Brett Hodge is an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist and Family Doctor. Dr Hodge has a medical practice in The Johnson Building in The Valley (Tel: 264 4975828).
