Inflammation...why it is good and bad

There is a lot of talk about inflammation with the rise of COVID-19 due to this viral infection being highly inflammatory. But is all inflammation bad? The two main functions of the immune system are to defend and repair so let's talk about inflammation as a whole...

Types of Inflammation:

There are two types of inflammation, acute and chronic. Acute inflammation is necessary and useful when we come into contact with an invader to our bodies. Temporary invaders can be viruses, bacteria, toxins, trauma. A healthy immune system is detective and defensive and will be able to detect invaders and defend against them. The immune system is internally regulated, meaning the minute it is turned on its also in the process of being turned off. Fibroblasts and anti-inflammartory cytokines are involved in turning off the immune system. A healthy immune system can immediately fight and then repair damage. In an unhealthy immune system we see progression of disease and an inflammatory cascade that is not turned off leading to tissue and organ destruction. A healthy immune system is also tolerant and does not attack itself in the form of autoimmune disease.

An immune system that is constantly triggered brings about chronic inflammation. Advanced glycation end products from foods such as donuts, sticky buns, and foods high in sugar have a molecular structure that looks like a foriegn invader triggering an immune response. Toxins (organic chemicals and heavy metals) and free radicals also turn on the inflammatory cascade. When these elements are constantly present in the body there will constantly be a low lying level of inflammation eventually leading to tissue and organ dysfunction, eventually.

Conditions associated with high levels of inflammation in the body:

Autoimmune disease

Vascular disease (hypertension/hypertriglyceridemia)

Allergy

Asthma

Eczema

Depression

Anxiety

Insomnia

Joint pain

Fatigue

Painful Menstruation

And many more!