Have you noticed redness or swelling in an area of your body? Is it warm to the touch? Or even painful?
It’s possible you have inflammation in your body. Inflammation is the body’s natural response when it encounters an injury or illness. Your white blood cells are working to repair the injury or heal the disease.
In the short term, it usually isn’t anything to worry about. But if left for too long it becomes chronic. It can leave you vulnerable to a variety of diseases, including some cancers and forms of arthritis.
Continue reading to learn more about the different causes of inflammation and how they affect your body.
Causes of Inflammation
Several situations can cause a low-level inflammatory response. If not attended to in a timely manner, they can lead to a more chronic situation.
Age
Age can cause elevated levels of inflammation molecules in the body. The accumulation of free radicals and a higher level of body fat as they age are two reasons this happens.
Obesity
A higher body mass index is directly related to producing inflammation. Medical studies show that fat tissue produces pro-inflammatory hormones. The more body fat a person has the more hormones that are being produced.
Diet and Nutrition
The foods in your diet have a direct effect on the inflammation in your body. Certain foods that cause inflammation include refined sugar, alcohol, processed meats, saturated and trans fats.
Smoking
Smoking: Chronic smoking reduces the production of anti-inflammatory molecules in the body. Smoking can cause cardiac disorders, cancer, and repository disorders that exacerbate chronic inflammation.
Sex Hormones
Low levels of testosterone and estrogen can increase the risk of several inflammatory diseases. Studies show that at the proper levels these hormones suppress inflammatory markers.
Stress
Severe, continual stress disrupts the ability of the immune system to function properly and induces a physiological response – inflammation – in the body.
Sleep Disorders
Irregular sleep patterns are associated with increased chronic inflammation.
Hypersensitivities and Allergies
Hypersensitivities and Allergies: Exposure to foreign substances can trigger sensitivity or allergies in the body. This could be something as simple as dust or bee venom, or a stronger irritant like an industrial chemical. Prolonged exposure to the substance can result in inflammation -the body doesn’t want the substance there and fights to get rid of it.
Illnesses and Infections
Illnesses and Infections: Both short- and long-term illnesses can also cause inflammation. Something as simple as the flu or a sinus infection can cause an increase of inflammation in the body. Autoimmune disorders and many illnesses such as appendicitis, bronchitis, tonsillitis, and infective meningitis can also trigger an inflammatory attack.
Injuries
The trauma from a physical wound, such as an ingrown toenail or a cut on the skin can cause an infection that provokes an acute inflammation. Strains and sprains can cause muscle and tendon inflammation.
Ways to Fight Inflammation
It’s possible to reduce inflammation naturally by managing stress, getting more sleep, and eating healthy. Sites like Wholistic Matters offers advice and tips to achieve a healthier lifestyle to help reduce inflammation.
In severe cases, it may be necessary to have medical intervention to help reduce inflammation.
A Healthier Life
Knowing the different causes of inflammation can help you address it. Sometimes small lifestyle changes can have a big effect.
Explore our site for more articles about healthy and active lifestyles.
