Inflammation is often the underlying cause of many health conditions and diseases; however, it is not inherently a bad thing. Inflammation is the body’s way of signaling to the immune system to begin repairing or getting rid of damaged tissue, as well as a way of defending the body against harmful invaders such as bacteria and viruses. It does this by increasing its white blood cell count and surrounding the inflamed area. There are two types of inflammation: Acute and Chronic. Acute inflammation is the body’s response to injury and is completely natural and necessary. It’s a healthy sign that the body is fighting off something harmful and trying to heal. This typically happens in response to an injury or sickness. Chronic inflammation happens when this response lingers, leaving your body in a constant state of alert. It can persist from weeks to months and even years, and have a major impact on your health and well-being. Chronic inflammation can eventually start damaging healthy cells, tissues, and organs, and is linked to the development of various diseases such as heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, type 2 diabetes and obesity, as well as neuro-degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

What Causes Inflammation?

There are many factors that can contribute to inflammation in the body such as:

• Acute and chronic conditions
• Recurrent acute injuries or infections
• Exposure to irritants or foreign materials your body can’t easily eliminate (heavy metals, some beauty products, air/water pollution etc
• Certain Medications
• Alcohol
• Tobacco
• Consumption of foods such as: Red meats, processed/refined foods, sugar, dairy, trans-fats, and foods one is sensitive to
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Too much intense exercise with inadequate rest (over-training)

It is important to note that everybody is unique, and what might cause inflammation in one person may not affect another. It may require an elimination protocol in order to pinpoint what is negatively affecting your health.

Optimize Coaching

Written by Hayley Dickenson, RHN

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