Now you must be thinking: Inflammation? Isn’t that just when I twist my ankle or get a bug bite?
Well, yes and no.
While you probably have the right idea about acute inflammation, chronic inflammation is a whole different beast.
And it’s not just about sore muscles or redness. Nope. If left unchecked, it can actually wreak havoc on your heart. Here’s how.
What is the difference between acute & chronic inflammation?
Think of acute inflammation as your body’s defense mechanism against specific threats. It kicks in when you’re sick or injured, helping to ward off germs and speed up healing.
Once the job’s done and the threat has been dealt with, acute inflammation packs up and heads home, leaving your body in peace.
However, sometimes that same defense mechanism goes rogue and starts causing trouble instead.
Chronic inflammation is like a never ending battle raging inside you. It’s persistent and long-term and the immune system remains in a heightened state of alertness and inflammation long after the initial trigger dissipates.
According to research, chronic inflammation can lead to other serious health conditions like cardiovascular issues and heart disease.
What are the symptoms of chronic inflammation?
Chronic inflammation symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain.
- Chest discomfort.
- Fatigue or difficulty sleeping.
- Fever.
- Joint stiffness or pain.
- Oral ulcers.
- Skin eruptions.
- Mood disturbances such as depression or anxiety.
- Gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, constipation, or acid reflux.
- Changes in weight, either gain or loss.
- Increased susceptibility to infections.
What is the role of inflammation in heart disease?
According to Erin Michos – Associate Director of Preventive Cardiology for the Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease – inflammation is like a double-edged sword. It’s handy for short-term issues, but when it hangs around too long at low levels, it starts to bother your blood vessels.
This irritation can lead to plaque growth, make existing plaque less stable, and even cause blood clots – the main culprits behind heart attacks and strokes.
When a blood clot obstructs an artery supplying blood to the heart, it causes a heart attack. Similarly, if a blood clot blocks an artery to the brain, it leads to a stroke.
Anti-inflammatory lifestyle changes
According to Michos, you’ve got some power over inflammation just by steering clear of things that set off your body’s inflammatory reaction.
These same choices also help rein in bad cholesterol, keep blood pressure in check, and dial down high blood sugar.
It’s best to quit smoking, cut back on alcohol consumption, exercise regularly, and of course – consume anti-inflammatory foods.
Your food choices play a MAJOR role in combating inflammation within the body. Oily fish such as salmon, along with fresh fruits, leafy greens, and spices like turmeric, ginger, or garlic are anti-inflammatory.
Adopting a healthy, balanced diet with lots of fruits, veggies, and fatty acids can be beneficial in reducing and preventing inflammation.
Make sure you seek advice from a dietician when considering dietary changes. They devise a customized plan suited to your individual requirements.
While necessary, changing your entire diet can be a bit challenging. In such cases, you can add supplements to your diet to reduce inflammation. These supplements may include ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric extract, or ginger.
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Curcumin Gold harnesses the potent anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric curcumin gold, while Muscle Health Support and Joint Health Support offer relief from stiffness.
When combined with a well-balanced diet and low-impact exercise, our products play a crucial role in enhancing your immune response.
Make sure you consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet and lifestyle.
References
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Inflammation. Retrieved April 18, 2024, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21660-inflammation
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Fight inflammation to help prevent heart disease. Retrieved April 18, 2024, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/fight-inflammation-to-help-prevent-heart-disease#:~:text=Inflammation%20may%20promote%20the%20growth,the%20result%20is%20a%20stroke.